Marlins officials hope to bring a World Baseball Classic-type feel to games GETTY IMAGES
As the Marlins continue efforts to "reach out to their local and international fans," the team will "create a section in the right field stands they will call ‘Comunidad 305,’ which translates to Community 305 in Spanish," according to Spencer & Fernandez of the MIAMI HERALD. Marlins President of Business Operations Chip Bowers said that the section will be "themed to fans from various cultures and they will be allowed to bring everything from flags to musical instruments and will be available as an $8 season ticket." The team also plans to "sell food and beverages reflecting those cultures in that section." Bowers: "They can (buy those tickets) knowing they’ll be part of a community of people that can come hang out and be a little different, bring bells, whistles, flags, whatever that is to create a really cool vibe and a lot of the food and beverage experiential elements tied to that section will speak to that supporter element." The Marlins are also "planning upgrades" to the Diamond Club, Marlins Park's "premium seating section behind home plate both in terms of seating and dining experience." The Marlins also are "working on redesigning several other parts of the park including standing-room only sections as well." The World Baseball Classic in '17 "brought an animated, vibrant vibe to Marlins Park," and now the team is "hoping to bring a taste to that during their home games next season" (MIAMI HERALD, 8/30).
GOOD TIMES AHEAD: In Ft. Lauderdale, Wells Dusenbury notes the Marlins next season will "focus on a number of incentives -- DJ’s, giveaways, fireworks -- in hopes of creating a lively atmosphere." They will also feature "theme-centric days -- Little Havana Nights (Friday), Party Before Dark (Saturday) and Sunday Funday." Saturday’s home games will begin an hour earlier at 6:10pm ET -- a "fan suggestion that came from the Dímelo (tell me) booths around the stadium." Bowers said, "(You can come) out after a long week of work, blow off some steam, hang out. This is the place to be before you go out to Brickell, Wynwood, Miami Beach. It’s going to feel like the way you should end your week.” Next season, Marlins Park will also "offer standing room-only sections and high-top bars at a lower price." Bowers said that these are "part of an effort to reengage with the Miami and millennial audience, which he feels haven’t been properly served." Bowers: "We have not done a great job of marketing toward Miami" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 8/30).
TALK TO ME: In Miami, Barry Jackson noted the Marlins hired Emily Glass, a trained educator, and four other teachers to "give language and life lessons to prospects as part of weekly 45-minute sessions." The goal is to make Marlins prospects "self-sufficient and more mature, believing that increases their chance of success on the field." The Marlins have "installed computers and set up labs at their facilities in Jupiter and the Dominican Republic to help them with their course work." Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said that he wants Spanish-speaking players in the Marlins’ minor-league system to "learn English and English-speaking players to learn Spanish." That has been "implemented" (MIAMI HERALD, 8/29).
