Inter Miami has responded to unprecedented demand ahead of Lionel Messi’s first full season with the MLS club by adding 1,200 extra seats to their DRV PNK Stadium. This expansion includes a new seating section in the south-west corner and increased capacity in the north-east and south-east corners, bringing the total capacity to 21,550.
This move marks the second expansion of DRV PNK Stadium in recent months, following a prior increase from 19,000 to 21,000 fans. The additional seats will be available for Miami fans to purchase as single-match tickets. The club had previously sold out season tickets for the 2024 MLS regular season in November, just two weeks after the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.
Lionel Messi, who joined Miami on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, contributed significantly to the surge in ticket demand. Despite Messi’s presence and the subsequent signings of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami fell short of the MLS playoff contention in October. During the offseason, the club added another former Barcelona player, Luis Suarez, who joined from Gremio.
Messi played a pivotal role in securing silverware for Miami last year, contributing 10 goals in seven matches and helping the team clinch the Leagues Cup title. Inter Miami will kick off their 2024 MLS regular season at home against Real Salt Lake on February 21. Additionally, pre-season plans include friendlies against Al Nassr, Hong Kong XI, Vissel Kobe, and Messi’s former club, Newell’s Old Boys.