Construction of the Marlins’ “dazzling new palace has entered the late innings now, a smidgen over three-quarters complete,” according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. The 8,300-ton retractable roof is secured, “most of the seats, nearly all painted blue, are firmly in place,” and the 51-foot tall Jumbotron scoreboard “towers over right field.” Marlins President David Samson said, “We’re happy -- we’re on schedule and on budget. We need to get through this hurricane season.” Samson declined to release figures for full season-tickets sold, but he said that the team “is ahead of expectations at this point.” The team’s “internal projections are to sell at least 15,000 season tickets.” All of the 379 Diamond Club seats behind home plate “have sold out,” and only 30 of the 296 seats in the Dugout Club remain to be sold. Ten of the 39 suites “that will be sold on a season basis” remain unsold. The Marlins “struck a deal with concessionaire Levy Restaurants, with the Marlins retaining the revenue from food and beverage sales.” Levy and the Marlins “will jointly craft the menu.” The stadium’s 36 concession stands will include “not only regular ballpark fare but also Cuban coffee, pork sandwiches and sushi.” There will also be “a Mexican food stand and a kosher food stand.” Marlins Exec VP/Ballpark Development Claude Delorme said that a "Taste of Miami food court on the promenade level beyond left field will include Cuban sandwiches and paella and other dishes 'that are unique to this market.'" The ballpark also will feature “40 portable concession areas and 11 bars.” Meanwhile, the team said that “it is close to forging a ballpark naming rights deal.” In addition to overall naming rights, the Marlins are selling “naming rights to four stadium quadrants.” The Marlins also “plan to pursue boxing matches, international soccer and concerts” (MIAMI HERALD, 7/25).
CHANGE-UP PITCH: In Miami, Joe Cardona wrote every time he drives by the new Marlins ballpark he is “too much in awe of its architectural magnificence to hold a grudge against the baseball team’s organization for having hustled Miami-Dade County commissioners and the ousted mayor into a sweetheart deal tantamount to corporate robbery at taxpayers’ expense.” Cardona: “Next summer, I am going to enjoy visiting the new majestic baseball palace in Little Havana” (MIAMI HERALD, 7/22).
