New Marlins Park, Miami FL What to Know, Before You Go

The New Marlins Park in the Little Havana section of Miami, former site of the Orange Bowl, is very nice for an indoor stadium.  The roof is retractable, but Floridians like A/C, rain "cells" can pop up without notice, so expect the roof to be closed for your game. 

If you've been to the former Kingdome (dump of all time) or Metrodome (trash bag design), Marlins Park doesn't have that "warehouse" atmosphere.

Getting to the game

Public Transit (Tri-Rail, Metrorail and Shuttle Bus) to Marlins Park works well, but requires some advanced knowledge of where to go and buying the correct fare card.  See my blog. http://roadgamesbypublictransit.blogspot.com/2012/05/new-marlins-park-train-bus-travel.html

Parking cost $15 in the stadium garage and lots. Its fine if you don't mind the traffic and after the game, having Traffic Officers direct you into a direction you are totally unfamiliar with and opposite to where you want to go.  Like going home from a Dolphins Game.

Picking the Right Entrance

Do Not Enter the First Base Entrance.  This entrance consist of a long, outside ramp system that never seems to end.  I walked it for a day game, the heat coming off the concrete was intense.  Ticket takers only permit you to enter at the level of your ticket.

Enter at Home Plate Entrance.  This entrance is a short walk inside the stadium and on to a system of escalators that will get you to the level of your seats.

"Dynamic" Ticket Pricing - Great Specials, but Confinement

I grew up in the era of Reserved Seats (Lower Level) and General Admission (Upper Level).

The Miami Marlins use "Dynamic" ticketing pricing.  Ticket Prices change constantly, buying in advance is not always an advantage.  I find the only thing "Dynamic" are all the "Convenience Fees" of $8+ per ticket.

There are Thirty (30) different Ticket Groups (Prices/Locations), not including Specials like "All You Can Eat", Family 4-Pack, $10 Game Day and so.  Go to Marlins website to "Ticket Specials" to check out what's being offered for your game.

By establishing a distinct "Pricing and Location" system for every three or so sections,  they've built Barriers that Confine Fans at Marlins Park to secure that system.

"Disney" style barriers

DisneyWorld is the expert on crowd control and barrier design.  Now used at all airports, it has emerged at the New Marlins Park.

Marlins Park has a very restrictive seating design.  I sat in both the Diamond Club and Lexus Level Silver Section.  Each Row contained 16-18 seats, typical of most ballparks. However, access into and out of the row is only at one end. The other end is closed off by a metal barrier.

Either you'll need to stand constantly to allow fans out of the row, or you'll need to navigate an entire row of feet, legs & food to get out.  This is true in the Diamond Club, I sat in Seat 1 next to the barrier.  In Section 204 of the Lexus Silver Seat, I sat at the open end.  Fans are climbing seats to get to openings in other rows to get out; it is DISTRACTING when watching the game.

Avoid the "Closed Off" section (nearest the next "higher" seat group) of the "ticket group" you're buying.

Enjoy the Game!