Lockhart Stadium: The Legacy of a Fort Lauderdale Sporting Landmark
For decades, Lockhart Stadium served as a cornerstone of the athletic community in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From its origins as a high school sports hub to its role in shaping the landscape of professional soccer in the United States, the stadium hosted a diverse array of events that left a lasting mark on the region's sporting culture.
Located at 1350 Northwest 55th Street, the venue was more than just a field; it was a witness to historic international victories and the evolution of Major League Soccer (MLS). While the original structure is gone, its legacy continues through the redevelopment of the site into the modern Chase Stadium.
[Stadium image]
Key Facts
- Opened: 1959
- Demolished: May 8, 2019
- Capacity: 17,417
- Primary Use: Soccer, American football, and track and field
- Notable Tenants: Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Miami Fusion, and Florida Atlantic Owls
- Current Site Status: Redeveloped as Chase Stadium for Inter Miami CF
Early History and High School Roots
Lockhart Stadium was established in 1959 as part of a broader sports complex that included the Fort Lauderdale Stadium baseball park. Named after former city commissioner H. Y. "Doug" Lockhart, the venue was dedicated on September 18, 1959. Its primary purpose was to provide a centralized location for track and field and American football for four local institutions: Fort Lauderdale High School, Stranahan High School, Northeast High School, and Dillard High School.
For the first twenty years of its existence, the stadium remained focused on these local competitions, though it occasionally hosted state-level football and soccer matches.
The Soccer Era and International Milestones
The stadium's identity shifted significantly in 1977 when the Miami Toros of the original North American Soccer League (NASL) relocated there and rebranded as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. This move cemented Lockhart Stadium's reputation as a premier soccer destination.
One of the most historic moments occurred on November 23, 1980, when the United States men's national soccer team defeated Mexico 2–1 in a World Cup qualifier. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time the U.S. had beaten Mexico in over 46 years.
The Miami Fusion and MLS Innovation
In 1998, the stadium underwent a $5 million renovation (approximately $9.88 million in 2025 dollars) to accommodate the Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer. This renovation was a pivotal moment in American sports history; by redesigning the field specifically for soccer and increasing capacity to 20,000, Lockhart Stadium became an early precursor to the soccer-specific stadium trend, diverging from the league's then-standard of using American football stadiums.
Despite the innovation, the Fusion were contracted by the league in 2002, leading the stadium to return to other uses, including hosting the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls football team from 2003 to 2010.
Diverse Events and Final Years
Beyond professional soccer and college football, Lockhart Stadium was a versatile community venue. It hosted Billy Graham's final South Florida crusade in 1985, the 2007 Caribbean Carnival for Broward County, and the MLS combines in 2008 and 2009. It even hosted international rugby, with the USA Eagles securing dominant wins over Spain (2003) and Chile (2016).
The stadium's final professional soccer tenant was the second iteration of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who played there from 2011 until 2016. Following their departure to Central Broward Regional Park, the facility fell into disrepair.
Demolition and the Rise of Chase Stadium
The transition to a new era began in January 2019, when Inter Miami CF announced plans to use the site for their training grounds and a new stadium. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved a 50-year lease, allowing the city to retain ownership while Inter Miami managed construction and operations.
Demolition of the original Lockhart Stadium officially began on May 8, 2019. The site was subsequently redeveloped into Chase Stadium, serving as the home for Fort Lauderdale CF and an interim home for Inter Miami CF's first team.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Operational Years | 1959–2019 |
| Surface Type | Grass |
| Major Renovations | 1998 (for Miami Fusion) |
| Successor Venue | Chase Stadium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owned Lockhart Stadium?
The stadium was owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Which professional soccer teams played at Lockhart Stadium?
The venue hosted the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (across multiple iterations of the NASL and USL), the Miami Fusion (MLS), and Miami FC.
What was the significance of the 1998 renovation?
The 1998 renovation refitted the stadium specifically for soccer, which was unusual for MLS at the time and helped start the league's trend toward building soccer-specific stadiums.
When was the stadium demolished?
Demolition of Lockhart Stadium began on May 8, 2019.
What replaced Lockhart Stadium?
The site was redeveloped into Chase Stadium, which serves as a home for Fort Lauderdale CF and the training facilities for Inter Miami CF.