Miami-Dade Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee recently garnered enough votes to propel the South Dade Sports Complex forward, stepping into the initial phases of due diligence and community engagement. The planned complex, a $337 million endeavor, is set to enrich the local Homestead area with state-of-the-art sports facilities and various community upgrades, promising an economic boost and improved quality of life for the residents. According to a press release from Miami-Dade County's official website, the development is being driven by VSGS Facilities LLC with the support of global sports stalwarts.
With backing by names of the caliber of NBA Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili and other notable faces from the world of soccer and tennis, the sports complex is poised to become a premier destination. The extensive plan includes a 10,000-seat soccer stadium, a hotel, and sports academies among other features. Vice Chairman McGhee said in a statement, “This project not only promises to invigorate our local economy but also serves as a beacon of opportunity for our youth, fostering talent and community pride in Miami-Dade County,” as noted by the county's press release.
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners has passed a resolution authorizing the mayor’s office to initiate the due diligence for a 99-year lease agreement with VSGS Facilities. The proposed complex will span a combination of repurposed land from a failed steel mill project and adjacent areas near the Homestead Air Reserve Base, totaling 92 acres. Public facilities and infrastructure improvements are included in the project's scope, amounting to $44 million funded by the developer.
Emphasizing the collaborative nature of the ambitious project, McGhee stated, “From the world-class athletes who have brought their vision to the table to our local stakeholders and residents, we are creating something extraordinary that will resonate for generations.” The project has drawn in renowned Argentinian sports figures like Juan Sebastián Verón, Dario Sala, and Marianao Zabaleta, who have joined forces with Ginobili to leverage their expertise for the complex’s success. In anticipation of the incoming economic and social benefits, community meetings are slated to unfold in the weeks ahead, inviting public discourse and transparency, according to the same press release.
Contact information for further inquiries is provided by Vice Chairman McGhee’s office at [email protected], ensuring that all interested stakeholders can stay informed and involved as the South Dade Sports Complex moves from concept to reality.
