Marlins officials are "creating ticket, suites and sponsorship packages decidedly different -- and definitely their own" in advance of the opening of their new ballpark next season, according to Jeff Zbar of the SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL, as part of a special feature on the "Marlins & The Economy." From "ticket and suite packages to advertising opportunities and sales, the Marlins controlled little at Sun Life Stadium." Marlins President David Samson said, "Our hands were completely tied." For a team that "complained about low profitability," the Marlins "stand to reap a windfall from newfound resources." Season-ticket sales "have been robust." All 379 Diamond Club season-ticket seats behind home plate are sold, and Samson said that they cost "$200 to $400 a seat per game (depending on the row) on one- to four-year contracts." Samson added that the ballpark's suites are "selling well." There are only "15 luxury suites remaining to be sold" before the ballpark opens. Samson said, "The whole Sun Life Stadium experience for our fans is not a real baseball experience. When they come and see what a real ballpark can offer, that's when I know we have delivered on our promise." Samson "still has yet to sell any long-term, large-scale sponsorship agreements." He said that "such deals are held off until the naming rights -- and associated display advertising opportunities -- are sold." Samson said that an announcement "should come in April." Zbar notes what is "available conceptually are four quadrants -- red, blue, yellow and green -- taken from the palette of Spanish artist Joan Miro." Samson said that each "will likely be sold to a different sponsor" (SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/8 issue). The SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL also offers a look at how the ballpark "addresses attendance issues with location, design," and explores whether the ballpark will "build a bustling community in Little Havana."
