Inter Miami's agreement with American Airlines combines a stadium rebrand with AAdvantage member experiences and an annual theme night. The most visible change will be at the club's home venue.
The stadium's West Club will become the American Lounge, according to NBC 6 South Florida. The space will cover the west stand and include more than 1,800 seats.
What AAdvantage Members Stand To Gain
The deal also links American's AAdvantage loyalty program to Inter Miami opportunities. Members will have access to experiences that can include pitchside access and premium matchday events, the outlet reports.
The reported benefits are not limited to the club's home stadium. AAdvantage members may also have opportunities to travel to see Inter Miami play on the road, according to the same report.
Airline partnerships have taken different forms in MLS
Inter Miami's arrangement is not the first MLS partnership to connect an airline with fan experiences and team travel. According to Los Angeles Football Club, its 2017 deal with Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico included fan experiences at the club's new stadium and transportation for away matches. A separate, leaguewide model came from Major League Soccer's 2014 partnership with Etihad Airways, which MLS said included competitions and promotions for flights and holidays. Unlike that broader arrangement—and unlike the LAFC announcement, which involved two airlines—the Inter Miami deal is centered on one club, a renamed stadium section and AAdvantage member experiences.
An Annual Theme Night Kicks Off Next Month
The agreement also calls for an annual American Airlines theme night. The first is scheduled for Oct. 14, the station reports.
Taken together, the changes give the partnership three visible components: a renamed premium seating area, member experiences tied to Inter Miami matches and a recurring theme night. The American Lounge and the first theme night will provide the clearest early signs of how the airline and club intend to work together.
