No one could have predicted that a stadium next to a major airport would cause major traffic congestion.
Photo by Inter Miami CF
Carmageddon is returning to Miami-Dade County this weekend.
On Saturday, there will likely be traffic impacts and increased congestion near Miami International Airport, thanks to Inter Miami CF’s highly anticipated debut match at Miami Freedom Park’s Nu Stadium against Austin FC at 7:30 p.m. Airport officials are advising travelers to plan ahead and allow additional time when traveling to or from the airport between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. The stadium officially opens at 4:30 p.m.
“While this marks an exciting moment for the community, airport users should be prepared for possible travel delays in the surrounding area,” the airport warned in a press release. “The match, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., is expected to bring higher traffic volumes, particularly at airport entrances and exits on LeJeune Road and Douglas Road.”
On Friday evening, just about 24 hours before Miami Freedom Park was set to open, American Airlines issued a statement warning its customers to “plan ahead and consider arriving early to the airport.”
“Given its proximity to MIA, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) anticipates increased traffic at and around the airport on match days,” the airline wrote. “Traffic impacts will likely start several hours before the match and last after the match ends.”
JUST IN: American Airlines issues a statement for Miami travelers regarding traffic around MIA on Saturday due to Inter Miami’s match.
The airline says they are working with their government partners on “traffic flow solutions” to minimize the impact on passengers. pic.twitter.com/ARI5IVbb9H
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) April 3, 2026
The three stadium parking entrances, which open at 4:30 p.m., are on NW 14th Street, Douglas Road, and the northbound side of LeJeune Road (adjacent to the airport). Fans hoping to park at the stadium must buy a parking pass in advance. Inter Miami is incentivizing fans to take public transportation to the stadium by offering $10 food-and-beverage credits to those who travel via Tri-Rail, Metrorail, Metrobus, Trolley, or Broward County Transit.
“To redeem, fans should visit the Guest Services booth located outside Section 101 and present proof of public transportation use along with their match ticket,” the website reads. “One credit will be issued per person. Please note: this credit is valid only for the specific match attended and does not carry over to future games.”
It has been a long time coming for Inter Miami fans who have had to travel to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to see the team and witness the greatness of star Lionel Messi in person. The 25,000-seat stadium at the site of the former Melreese County Club, just east of MIA, is part of the 131-acre Miami Freedom Park development, which will feature a 58-acre public park, athletic fields, retail shops, office space, restaurants, hotels, an entertainment venue, and an eco-tourism adventure park.
In the years leading up to the stadium’s opening, Miamians have worried about the potential traffic impacts due to its close proximity. So, people are not exactly surprised to hear the airport’s warning.
“No one could have predicted this,” one X user wrote.
Another added, “Who thought it was a good idea to build a soccer stadium right next to a busy airport?”
“Who could have imagined that putting a stadium next to MIA would be a disaster (Everyone),” a comment reads.
