Marlins Break Ground On New Ballpark, Unveil New Renderings

New Marlins Ballpark Designed To Be Breezy, Comfortable, With Wide Concourses

The Marlins Saturday officially broke ground on their new ballpark at the site of the former Orange Bowl and "showed off new renderings and video of the ballpark, which combines white to mirror cruise ships and blue for the ocean, Biscayne Bay and Miami River," according to Sarah Talalay of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and officials from Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami joined the team in unveiling renderings of the facility, which is scheduled to open in '12. Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria is "keeping some details -- such as a signature water feature in center field -- under wraps," but he indicated that the ballpark is "designed to be breezy and comfortable, with wide concourses and plenty of concession stands for fans to get food and drinks quickly." Loria added, "For me, Miami is a really cool place to live ... and I wanted the stadium to have that feeling." The concourses will "overlook the field, so fans won't miss the action when they get up for a beer or hot dog." A three-paneled roof "closes in less than 13 minutes," and when it is open, "glass panels behind left field will also be open." A plaza on the ballpark's west side, "which will be the length of three football fields, will serve as gathering spot for game-day activities and other programs for the community, even when games aren't being held." The ballpark also will include a Taste of Miami food area and a "second smaller display scoreboard down the left-field line for fans who can't see the main center-field scoreboard." Marlins President David Samson said that fans renting a swimming pool in left field "will have a view into the home bullpen, while a group-seating area in right field will allow fans to look into the visiting team's bullpen." Populous Senior Principal Earl Santee, whose company designed the venue, said, "It doesn't look like any other ballpark" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 7/19).

SUPPLY & DEMAND: In Miami, Barry Jackson noted the planned 37,000-seat capacity will be the "third-lowest in baseball," and the ballpark "will have three decks, with 10,000 seats in the upper deck." The venue also will have 50 suites, "likely including one in which seats can be purchased on a per-game basis." Samson: "For us, it was about creating demand by lowering supply." Jackson noted the Marlins "plan to be creative and resourceful, offering expanded food menus for those who like stone crabs with their home runs, and allowing season-ticket holders to park their car closest to -- or facing the direction of -- the highway they will travel to drive home." Samson: "We want to be the most visually exciting ballpark in the United States" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/19). MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reported "more than 1,500 fans -- many wearing team-related gear" -- attended the groundbreaking, which "took place where the new infield will rest." Portable bleachers "were brought in, and they were filled quickly," and "vouchers for food were rewarded to the first 1,000 fans, and they were gone after 10 minutes." New renderings and videos of the park were "presented on a big screen," and video highlights of "some of the team's most memorable moments" were shown." Selig said Saturday, "I've looked forward to this day for a long, long time. ... What is taking place here today reaffirms our beliefs and our hopes." Frisaro noted fans will be able to "follow construction via a web cam" (MLB.com, 7/18).

Samson Says New Marlins Stadium Will Absolutely Be Finished On Time

TIMING PLAY: In Miami, Haggman & Dolan wrote, "Now comes the tricky task of completing -- both on time and on budget -- one of the largest building projects South Florida has seen in years." The project is slated for completion on March 31, 2012, and if the Marlins "start the season at home the same date they did this year, there will be only six days of wiggle room." Marlins Senior VP/Stadium Development Claude Delorme: "The schedule is tight. But we're comfortable with it." Delorme noted that a retractable roof "adds about 10 months to a project." Samson: "This will absolutely be done on time. The reason is I know who is building it, I know who designed it, and who is in charge of it. Thirty-six months is exactly the amount of time needed." Haggman & Dolan reported Phoenix-based Hunt Construction Group is "heading up the effort," partnering with Ft. Lauderdale-based Moss & Associates. Still, challenges remain, as the stadium financing is "outlined but not complete." The franchise, which "has not publicly disclosed its financial condition, must still contribute" $154M, while the county "must also sell" $50M in general obligation bonds (MIAMI HERALD, 7/19). 

IS NEW BALLPARK THE ANSWER? The MIAMI HERALD's Jackson noted some opposing MLB players "remain skeptical if the Marlins' new stadium ... will solve the attendance problems." Brewers 3B Craig Counsell, who played for the Marlins from '97-99, said, "You have to question it. I don't know if all those people are staying away now because of rain. The team will need to spend money. On the surface, it appears South Florida is last in baseball in interest" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/19). Meanwhile, in Ft. Lauderdale, Ethan Skolnick wrote under the header, "Florida Marlins Getting New Ballpark, Now It's Time They Show Gratitude." Skolnick: "Let's hope the Marlins realize how fortunate they are that, during a severe recession, county officials would agree to facilitate the construction of a $515[M] stadium" (South Florida, SUN-SENTINEL, 7/19).