Inter Miami opens Nu Stadium after last-minute occupancy approval

Nu Stadium opened Saturday as Inter Miami hosted Austin FC after the club secured a last-minute approval to proceed; city officials had been working to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the inaugural match.

Nu Stadium opened Saturday night for Inter Miami's first match at the new venue, with Austin FC as the opponent. Owners Jorge and Jose Mas and David Beckham took part in a ribbon-cutting before kickoff and supporters gathered in the official section. The City of Miami had been working to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy that would allow full use of the stadium's 26,700 seats. Parts of the stadium and surrounding Miami Freedom Park remain under construction. Key facts: - Nu Stadium held its inaugural match Saturday with Austin FC as the opponent. - Owners Jorge and Jose Mas and David Beckham participated in a ribbon-cutting and supporters were present inside the venue. - Reports said the club needed a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) to open at full capacity and the city was working to issue it by the April 4 inaugural game. - City spokeswoman Helena Poleo said the match could proceed under a limited event permit if the TCO was not secured, with specific hours and restrictions reported. - MLS commissioner Don Garber said the club secured the necessary approval to proceed without restrictions and commented positively on the venue's scale. Summary: The approval allowed the inaugural match to proceed without stated restrictions and brought fans into the new stadium. Undetermined at this time.