How many fans are attending Inter Miami vs Austin FC at Nu Stadium opener today?

A full-capacity crowd is expected tonight as Inter Miami opens its new era against Austin FC in a highly anticipated stadium debut. The new venue at Miami Freedom Park is set to open its doors for the first time today.

Reports indicate that demand for tickets has been extremely high, with the club projecting a near sell-out atmosphere for the long-awaited first game in their new home, which has cost several million dollars.

This marks a major step forward for Lionel Messi‘s club, who have spent recent seasons playing in a smaller temporary venue before finally moving into a permanent soccer-specific stadium in Miami.

How many people will attend Nu Stadium?

Nu Stadium will host 26,700 fans for the Inter Miami vs Austin FC opener, with the venue expected to operate at or very close to full capacity for its inaugural match. This figure represents the stadium’s official seating capacity at Miami Freedom Park.

Inter Miami players at Nu Stadium in 2026 (Source: @InterMiamiCF)

The anticipation around the opening night has been massive, with strong ticket demand reported in the buildup to kickoff. Multiple local reports indicate that the club is preparing for a near sell-out environment, as fans rush to be part of the first-ever match at the new venue against Austin FC.

The opening is also a statement moment. After years of playing in a temporary setup in Fort Lauderdale, the move into a 26,700-seat soccer-specific stadium reflects the club’s rapid growth in popularity and commercial reach, especially following its recent on-field success and global attention.

Inter Miami could play at Nu Stadium under restrictions if permit is delayed

Inter Miami’s game could be played under a limited event permit with restrictions if Nu Stadium does not receive its temporary certificate of occupancy in time. According to a report from Andy Slater, city officials are working to approve the necessary documentation, but contingency plans are already in place.

As outlined by local authorities, the City of Miami is “working diligently” with stadium representatives to issue the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) ahead of the inaugural match.

However, if that approval is not finalized, officials can authorize the event under a limited-use permit, which would allow the match to proceed but under specific conditions. This type of permit is commonly used in similar situations when venues are not fully cleared for standard operations.

Those conditions could include restricted hours, limited capacity, operational constraints and additional safety precautions, all designed to ensure compliance while still hosting the event.

Is Nu Stadium sold out for Inter Miami vs Austin FC?

Yes! Nu Stadium is essentially sold out for the Inter Miami CF vs Austin FC opener. The club’s new home officially opens on April 4, 2026 and only very limited (if any) inventory remained in the days leading up to kickoff.

The atmosphere is expected to be one of the most intense in MLS this season. The combination of a brand-new venue, a packed crowd and a high-profile opponent has created a “big-game” environment even before kickoff.

Will Lionel Messi play in the Nu Stadium opener?

Lionel Messi is expected to play in the Nu Stadium opener against Austin FC, with Inter Miami staff confirming he is in good condition and available for selection despite minor fitness management earlier in the week.

Manager Javier Mascherano has stated that Messi “looked good” physically and is expected to feature barring any last-minute issues. The Argentine superstar had sparked brief concern after being rested during part of a recent training session due to workload control following international duty.

However, those concerns were quickly downplayed internally, with the club emphasizing that the decision was precautionary rather than injury-related. His presence is central to the significance of the night, as the opening of Nu Stadium represents a defining moment.