Marlins Park Review

Over the past two days, the Miami Marlins opened up their new stadium for a pair of games against the New York Yankees. After seeing the ballpark with my own eyes only one word came to mind: Beautiful.

I have been attending Marlins games since before I can even remember. All of which coming in Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphins/Land Shark/Sun Life Stadium. Although it was a football stadium, it was the only stadium I had witnessed baseball in for most of my life and I was used to it.

After visiting Camden Yards in Baltimore, I saw what a real baseball stadium is supposed to look like and how beautiful it can be. The Marlins Park reminded me of the awe that captured me when entering Oriole Park. This is how baseball is meant to be played.

The retractable roof was a must for this stadium and it was perfectly executed. I entered the ballpark with the roof closed and the temperature inside was perfect. Prior to the start of the game the roof was opened yet I did not feel one degree warmer or cooler. In the hot summer days, as well as rainy days, the air conditioning and roof will make watching games in South Florida bearable.  

Next, the concourse level is open. As you walk around the park or wait in line in the concession stands, you can always view the field, contrary to their previous home. The open area makes more for a homey feel. It is more inviting and makes the fans always feel a part of the action.

Even if you get upper deck seats, you still have great seats. every seat in the building has the feeling that you are right on top of the field. The multiple decks are pressed up and sit right atop the field. You may sit a little higher but you are still right on the field, much closer than you would be in Sun Life (or whatever they decide to call it now).

Most importantly, the ballpark is great because of the team on the diamond. The Miami Marlins is a young and extremely exciting team to watch. With the additions of characters like Ozzie Guillen and Carlos Zambrano, and the signings of Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell, and along with all the players back from last year, this team has enormous potential. Fans want to see a team that wins and this team should do plenty of that.