Pepsi and Miccosukee Resort & Gaming have “entered into partnership with the Marlins as sponsors of two of the colored quadrants at Marlins Park,” according to Craig Davis of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. Their logos were placed “outside on the side of the roof.” Marlins President David Samson confirmed that sponsorship talks "are ongoing for the other two” colored quadrants. Davis noted it “appears likely that the Marlins will play their inaugural season in the ballpark without a naming rights deal.” Samson said, “You never know, but it’s Marlins Park, I think, for this season. We’re not focused on it right now. I like (the name) Marlins Park.” There were “rumors that a naming-rights deal was in the works with Pepsi that fell through” (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 3/31).
MINOR TWEAKS: In Miami, Manny Navarro notes Marlins Park “went through its fifth and final dress rehearsal” last night, hosting the team's last exhibition game against the Yankees in front of a crowd of 32,005. Samson said that there are “still a few kinks left to iron out.” He said that traffic congestion on the main artery of Northwest 7th Street "has to improve." The public address system, which “sounds muffled in the upper levels of the stadium, is being tinkered with.” The team is “bringing in a new cellphone antenna to help with service for AT&T and Sprint phones.” One thing the Marlins “ironed out Monday was how and when they’ll make the decision to keep the retractable roof open or closed on days and nights when it doesn’t rain.” Samson: “Basically if it’s going to be under 80 degrees with less than 60 percent humidity at first pitch, we’ll keep it open. Anything over that, there’s no chance” (MIAMI HERALD, 4/3). In West Palm Beach, Joe Capozzi writes from “traffic congestion to long lines at the concession stands, Marlins Park encountered a few problems during a two-day dress rehearsal” that ended last night. More ovens “were added to concession stands to meet demand for pizza,” and a computer glitch that “prohibited some souvenir shops from using credit cards has been fixed.” The “biggest worries by fans about the season -- traffic and parking -- didn't seem to be major issues” (PALM BEACH POST, 4/3). MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro noted the roof is “expected to be closed for roughly 70 of Miami's 81 home games this year” (MLB.com, 4/2).
THIS SPOT’S TAKEN: The Marlins “attempted to ease concerns by announcing Saturday that about 3,000 additional parking spaces have been identified in 14 off-site lots.” Eleven are “within a mile of the ballpark, with those more distant offering shuttle service.” Team and Miami parking officials are advising fans to “arrive early and have a plan.” Samson said, "People are used to getting to our games at 7:03 and getting into their seats at 7:05. That's over because there's going to be so many more fans" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/1). Samson: "It's just about educating. People will learn, they will figure it out" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/2).
SOUTH FLORIDA CUISINE: WTVJ-NBC's Adam Kuperstein noted the Marlins on Friday “showed off the fancy offerings that fans will be offered in the 2012 season, including mahi mahi tacos, lime and lobster rolls, and homemade Cuban sandwiches.” But perhaps the “most innovative new wrinkle is that food will be catered to the culinary favorites of the visiting team’s city.” When the Cardinals “come to town for the season opener Wednesday, the Marlins will offer St. Louis-style ribs.” When the Mets visit Miami, they will serve a “corned beef Reuben, and when the Boston Red Sox are here, the featured selection will be a New England lobster roll” (NBCMIAMI.com, 3/31).
EXTRA EVENTS: In Miami, Douglas Banks notes Exec VP/Ballpark Development Claude Delorme is “charged with maximizing the team’s profits beyond the game.” Delorme said, “There are not a lot events we are going to say ‘no’ to. We’re going to be aggressive once we open.” He said that “implementing the ballpark’s event strategy will take several years.” Event industry experts said that “if social events and concerts are naturals for a new enclosed venue, trade shows present the biggest potential reward and challenge for the Marlins” (MIAMI HERALD, 4/3).
