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!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
New Marlins Park Train & Bus Travel Requires Preparation
The New Marlins Park is Open...well, not the roof. Miami baseball fans like the A/C and shade. Let's face it, if you wanted sunshine there's plenty of beach down the street.
I've attended two games at the New Marlins Park - both day games on Monday (April 30th & Memorial Day May 28th) both by Public Transit.
Tri-Rail ("SFRTA" South Florida commuter train) & Miami Metrorail & Bus are promoting public transit to Marlins Games. http://www.tri-rail.com/marlins/
Preparation is ESSENTIAL for Tri-Rail & Metrorail Travel
Knowing the Tri-Rail Schedule and having correct pass/ticket requires preparation. The Line to purchase a Metrorail Ticket at the Tri-Rail Transfer station Vending machine is easily a half hour. Many riders do not buy the correct fare and have problems on the Shuttle Bus, entering and/or exiting the Metrorail.
Shuttle Bus to/from Marlins Park is NOT Free.
Metrorail for riders transferring from Tri-Rail is No Longer Free.
To Marlins Park from Miami
Many Tourists and Locals are parking at or getting dropped off at a Metrorail Station. Get off at Culmer and Shuttle Bus will take you to Marlins Park (between Home Plate and First Base Entrance**). You'll need $5 stored value on Easy Ticket/Card or an ALL Day Pass ($5) to get to and from Marlins Park.
To Marlins Park from North of Miami
Take Tri-Rail south to Metrorail Transfer Station. Go upstairs to Metrorail towards Downtown, get off at the Culmer Station. When you exit Culmer, there are Shuttle Buses to take you non-stop to Marlins Park (between Home Plate & First Base Entrance**). The reverse route takes you home.
**When Shuttle arrives at Marlins Park - Only use the Home Plate Entrance No matter where your seats are. The First Base Entrance has only a system of Ramps that are outside (hot) and go on and on and on. Home plate entrance is immediately inside the stadium and on to a system of escalators.
The trip from Mangonia Park (furthest north station) to Marlins Park took 2 1/2 & 2 3/4 hours going there and 3 1/4 to 4 hours home. A VERY LONG trip and NOT for "the faint of heart."
The weekend/holiday train schedule http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/ntm_wend.asp is awful for a 12:40 pm or 1:10 pm game time. You'll be standing for 1+ hours waiting at Metrorail Transfer Station for the 6:07 pm Tri-Rail train North that was late both times.
The weekday Tri-Rail schedule http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/ntm_wday.asp is much better for the ride home. For night games, there's the southbound "Special 5 pm" train for 7:05 pm games and a northbound train leaving Metrorail Transfer Station 1 1/2 hours after the conclusion of the game.
Easy Cards vs. Easy Ticket
Tri-Rail and Miami-Dade Transit both use the term "Easy Card" for permanent passes and "Easy Ticket" for the one day or short time use.
The Tri-Rail (SFRTA) Easy Card/Ticket can be used on Metrorail & Shuttle...BUT you need to have at least $4 of stored value for the transfers.
Miami-Dade Transit Card/Ticket is NOT Valid for Tri-Rail fares.
Discount Easy Card for Seniors/Disabled
Tri-Rail Seniors (65 & older) & Disabled Riders Pay Half the Regular Fare. However, to obtain that fare you must acquire a "Discount Easy Card" from Tri-Rail Station Kiosk. Have proof of your qualifications. I spoke to several seniors who go regularly to Marlins games by Tri-Rail. Not a one had the "Discount Easy Card."
Note: the "Senior/Disabled" (Discount) Fare does NOT come up on the vending machine....unless you "tap" a Discount Easy Card.
Why you should buy the Easy Cards:
1) Tri-Rail - I store One (1) weekend/holiday pass for when I need it - Tap the Activation Device and board the train. The lines at Tri-Rail vending machines are almost as bad as Metrorail. I buy my "next" pass at the vending machine when waiting at Metrorail Transfer Station for the ride home.
2) Miami-Dade Transit I store One (1) Day Pass purchased online. NO WAITING for minimum half hour at vending machine on game day. Tap the gate on Metrorail to enter & exit and the fare box when you enter the Shuttle Bus - Easy!
FARES:
Tri-Rail Easy Card (cost $2) or Ticket - $5 All Day Pass on Weekends & Holidays. Up to $11.55 for round-trip on weekdays. Add $4 of fare for Metrorail & Shuttle Bus Transfers. Tri-Rail Easy Cards and Tickets are currently only sold at Tri-Rail stations. http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/fare_calculator.htm
Miami-Dade Transit Easy Ticket - You'll need at least $5 of stored value for game day.
Miami-Dade Transit Easy Card (cost $2) - All Day Pass ($5) or cash value can be stored on the card from online purchases.
Miami-Dade sells the Easy Cards on the Internet and tickets at the stations.
I've attended two games at the New Marlins Park - both day games on Monday (April 30th & Memorial Day May 28th) both by Public Transit.
Tri-Rail ("SFRTA" South Florida commuter train) & Miami Metrorail & Bus are promoting public transit to Marlins Games. http://www.tri-rail.com/marlins/
Preparation is ESSENTIAL for Tri-Rail & Metrorail Travel
Knowing the Tri-Rail Schedule and having correct pass/ticket requires preparation. The Line to purchase a Metrorail Ticket at the Tri-Rail Transfer station Vending machine is easily a half hour. Many riders do not buy the correct fare and have problems on the Shuttle Bus, entering and/or exiting the Metrorail.
Shuttle Bus to/from Marlins Park is NOT Free.
Metrorail for riders transferring from Tri-Rail is No Longer Free.
To Marlins Park from Miami
Many Tourists and Locals are parking at or getting dropped off at a Metrorail Station. Get off at Culmer and Shuttle Bus will take you to Marlins Park (between Home Plate and First Base Entrance**). You'll need $5 stored value on Easy Ticket/Card or an ALL Day Pass ($5) to get to and from Marlins Park.
To Marlins Park from North of Miami
Take Tri-Rail south to Metrorail Transfer Station. Go upstairs to Metrorail towards Downtown, get off at the Culmer Station. When you exit Culmer, there are Shuttle Buses to take you non-stop to Marlins Park (between Home Plate & First Base Entrance**). The reverse route takes you home.
**When Shuttle arrives at Marlins Park - Only use the Home Plate Entrance No matter where your seats are. The First Base Entrance has only a system of Ramps that are outside (hot) and go on and on and on. Home plate entrance is immediately inside the stadium and on to a system of escalators.
The trip from Mangonia Park (furthest north station) to Marlins Park took 2 1/2 & 2 3/4 hours going there and 3 1/4 to 4 hours home. A VERY LONG trip and NOT for "the faint of heart."
The weekend/holiday train schedule http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/ntm_wend.asp is awful for a 12:40 pm or 1:10 pm game time. You'll be standing for 1+ hours waiting at Metrorail Transfer Station for the 6:07 pm Tri-Rail train North that was late both times.
The weekday Tri-Rail schedule http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/ntm_wday.asp is much better for the ride home. For night games, there's the southbound "Special 5 pm" train for 7:05 pm games and a northbound train leaving Metrorail Transfer Station 1 1/2 hours after the conclusion of the game.
Easy Cards vs. Easy Ticket
Tri-Rail and Miami-Dade Transit both use the term "Easy Card" for permanent passes and "Easy Ticket" for the one day or short time use.
The Tri-Rail (SFRTA) Easy Card/Ticket can be used on Metrorail & Shuttle...BUT you need to have at least $4 of stored value for the transfers.
Miami-Dade Transit Card/Ticket is NOT Valid for Tri-Rail fares.
Discount Easy Card for Seniors/Disabled
Tri-Rail Seniors (65 & older) & Disabled Riders Pay Half the Regular Fare. However, to obtain that fare you must acquire a "Discount Easy Card" from Tri-Rail Station Kiosk. Have proof of your qualifications. I spoke to several seniors who go regularly to Marlins games by Tri-Rail. Not a one had the "Discount Easy Card."
Note: the "Senior/Disabled" (Discount) Fare does NOT come up on the vending machine....unless you "tap" a Discount Easy Card.
Why you should buy the Easy Cards:
1) Tri-Rail - I store One (1) weekend/holiday pass for when I need it - Tap the Activation Device and board the train. The lines at Tri-Rail vending machines are almost as bad as Metrorail. I buy my "next" pass at the vending machine when waiting at Metrorail Transfer Station for the ride home.
2) Miami-Dade Transit I store One (1) Day Pass purchased online. NO WAITING for minimum half hour at vending machine on game day. Tap the gate on Metrorail to enter & exit and the fare box when you enter the Shuttle Bus - Easy!
FARES:
Tri-Rail Easy Card (cost $2) or Ticket - $5 All Day Pass on Weekends & Holidays. Up to $11.55 for round-trip on weekdays. Add $4 of fare for Metrorail & Shuttle Bus Transfers. Tri-Rail Easy Cards and Tickets are currently only sold at Tri-Rail stations. http://www.tri-rail.com/rider_info/fare_calculator.htm
Miami-Dade Transit Easy Ticket - You'll need at least $5 of stored value for game day.
Miami-Dade Transit Easy Card (cost $2) - All Day Pass ($5) or cash value can be stored on the card from online purchases.
Miami-Dade sells the Easy Cards on the Internet and tickets at the stations.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
2012 NCAA Lacrosse Final Pause to Honor Fellow Terp Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr.
Charles Markland Kelly, Jr is the namesake of the Annual
Award for the years Best Lacrosse Goalie in Division I, II &
III
Charles' father founded and owned Baltimore's Kelly Buick and became President of the Baltimore City Council.
Charles was the star Terps Goalie up to October 1940. He was a Naval Air Cadet at College Park and left school to become a Naval Aviator.
On June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway; Ensign Kelly took off from the USS Hornet in his fighter plane to provide an escort for the carrier's bombers, he never returned and was listed as MIA (Missing In Action).
Many players from Maryland and Loyola played on "Kelly" facilities and fields at Gilman, McDonough and others in Baltimore.
Please pause this Memorial Day to remember the 70th Anniversary of fellow Terp Ensign Charles Markland Kelly, Jr. dedication to his school and sacrifice for our country.
Charles' father founded and owned Baltimore's Kelly Buick and became President of the Baltimore City Council.
Charles was the star Terps Goalie up to October 1940. He was a Naval Air Cadet at College Park and left school to become a Naval Aviator.
On June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway; Ensign Kelly took off from the USS Hornet in his fighter plane to provide an escort for the carrier's bombers, he never returned and was listed as MIA (Missing In Action).
Many players from Maryland and Loyola played on "Kelly" facilities and fields at Gilman, McDonough and others in Baltimore.
Please pause this Memorial Day to remember the 70th Anniversary of fellow Terp Ensign Charles Markland Kelly, Jr. dedication to his school and sacrifice for our country.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Gary Williams...Thank You. Never Thought I'd Live to see Terps Win it ALL!
In the NCAA Basketball Tournament (March Madness) the strategy is clear. Survive Rounds 1 & 2 anyway you can. Play your "A" game in the Regional and get to the Final Four where anything can happen.
1999 NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Championships - South Regional Knoxville TN
In 1999, #2 seeded Maryland Terrapins (its a Diamondback Turtle) beat Valparaiso & Creighton in Rounds 1 & 2, Maryland Survived! Now they matched up in the Sweet Sixteen game against #3 seeded St. John's (NY) of the Big East. South Regional to take place on the campus of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville on March 18 & 20, 1999....ROAD GAMES!!!
On Thursday, March 18, 1999 @ 7 am, I drove to BWI Airport with my college roommate and BFF Steve. Landing in Nashville about 10 am, we rented a car and drove to Knoxville. There was major construction on the way and we stopped for lunch. We got to the U of Tennessee at 5 pm. Campus police directed us to "Shuttle Parking" and there we waited an hour for the shuttle bus. The bus took us to the arena, where I had to walk around the building and up a ramp to "Will Call." Got the tickets, walked back around to the entrance and entered the facility.
After I bought a T-shirt, hat & program...I sat in my seat 15 rows above the Maryland bench at 7 pm...12 hours of travel.
Tip off at 7:18 pm for TV, everything was okay...for the first 3 minutes. Then the Terps were overwhelmed by St. John's Red Storm, which had recently changed their nickname from the "politically incorrect" Red Men. You can Google it...I was there. Down 10...15...20...25 points, it was a nightmare. During timeouts, coaches and players yelling at each other. At the half, I was disappointed the concession stands didn't sell cyanide. I found a pay phone (no cell phones then), changed my flight home to the next afternoon and my hotel room to a one night stay from three.
I watched Laron Profit, Obinna Ekezie & Steve Francis (entered NBA early) Maryland careers come to a Thud Ending. At the final buzzer, the ticket "scalpers" ran into the Maryland section, handed me $100 and I gave him our two Championship (Saturday) game tickets. No wait for the shuttle bus back to the parking lot, I was out there before Ohio State-Auburn had warmed up. I got home the next afternoon and admitted to my wife, what a waste of time.
2002 NCAA Div 1 Men's Basketball Championships - East Regional Syracuse, NY
In 2002, everything was on the line for Maryland. Their first Final Four appearance the previous year ended in a 2nd half collapse of historic proportion against Duke in the National Semi-Finals. Maryland was home at the Verizon Center (formerly MCI Center) for Rounds 1 & 2. I was there via DC Metro (Chinatown Station) for Round 1 win over Siena. Wisconsin was a tough 2nd round opponent, but the Terps Survived! ROAD GAMES!!
So happened, my daughter was a Sophomore at Syracuse University, site of the East Regional, March 22 & 24, 2002. Although it was "tax season," I packed the computer, some files and headed to Syracuse NY. I secured two tickets for the game from a client (Terp Booster) who wasn't going.
Syracuse University's Newhouse School is worth every penny of tuition. But, that place was an icebox. I walked Friday night at 6 pm from my daughter's dorm room to the Carrier Dome (center of campus), 1/2 mile tops...I thought I was going to freeze to death.
We sat behind the basket, near Maryland's bench for the Sweet Sixteen game against Kentucky. It was close for awhile, but Maryland won. Wow!! I finally get to use the Championship Game Ticket. Of course, CBS scheduled it a 5:30 pm tip off on Sunday...another cold, dark night in Upstate New York.
I worked in the hotel room, Best Western by the airport Saturday & most of Sunday.
The Championship game was against UConn and it wasn't going well. I was still defrosting in the 2nd half, it was colder than Friday night, while UConn's Huskies were outplaying the Terps. Maryland couldn't inbound, got out hustled, out played...UConn had MOMENTUM.
Then the Giant Hand of CBS reached into the Carrier Dome...the Red Light came on - "TV or Official Time Out" was called.
About 12 minutes later, Maryland throws in the ball (without calling time out, throwing it away or having it stolen), Juan Dixon dribbles up the court and calmly hits the three point shot. The Terps got their game back to form. Maryland's Championship Run is Saved!!! Bless you CBS.
My daughter walked me to the garage (indoor icebox), I kissed her goodbye, told her I love her. I spoke to some friends on the cell phone coming home by myself. I don't know what commercials CBS showed during that 12 minutes "timeout" but I was there to see what really happened. I saw a composed Maryland team (coaches & players) work out the strategy needed to win. The lessons learned in Knoxville (1999) and two Duke disasters in 2001 were not in vein.
I'm glad I was in Syracuse to see it. Also, I was wrong, Knoxville was not a waste of time.
1999 NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Championships - South Regional Knoxville TN
In 1999, #2 seeded Maryland Terrapins (its a Diamondback Turtle) beat Valparaiso & Creighton in Rounds 1 & 2, Maryland Survived! Now they matched up in the Sweet Sixteen game against #3 seeded St. John's (NY) of the Big East. South Regional to take place on the campus of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville on March 18 & 20, 1999....ROAD GAMES!!!
On Thursday, March 18, 1999 @ 7 am, I drove to BWI Airport with my college roommate and BFF Steve. Landing in Nashville about 10 am, we rented a car and drove to Knoxville. There was major construction on the way and we stopped for lunch. We got to the U of Tennessee at 5 pm. Campus police directed us to "Shuttle Parking" and there we waited an hour for the shuttle bus. The bus took us to the arena, where I had to walk around the building and up a ramp to "Will Call." Got the tickets, walked back around to the entrance and entered the facility.
After I bought a T-shirt, hat & program...I sat in my seat 15 rows above the Maryland bench at 7 pm...12 hours of travel.
Tip off at 7:18 pm for TV, everything was okay...for the first 3 minutes. Then the Terps were overwhelmed by St. John's Red Storm, which had recently changed their nickname from the "politically incorrect" Red Men. You can Google it...I was there. Down 10...15...20...25 points, it was a nightmare. During timeouts, coaches and players yelling at each other. At the half, I was disappointed the concession stands didn't sell cyanide. I found a pay phone (no cell phones then), changed my flight home to the next afternoon and my hotel room to a one night stay from three.
I watched Laron Profit, Obinna Ekezie & Steve Francis (entered NBA early) Maryland careers come to a Thud Ending. At the final buzzer, the ticket "scalpers" ran into the Maryland section, handed me $100 and I gave him our two Championship (Saturday) game tickets. No wait for the shuttle bus back to the parking lot, I was out there before Ohio State-Auburn had warmed up. I got home the next afternoon and admitted to my wife, what a waste of time.
2002 NCAA Div 1 Men's Basketball Championships - East Regional Syracuse, NY
In 2002, everything was on the line for Maryland. Their first Final Four appearance the previous year ended in a 2nd half collapse of historic proportion against Duke in the National Semi-Finals. Maryland was home at the Verizon Center (formerly MCI Center) for Rounds 1 & 2. I was there via DC Metro (Chinatown Station) for Round 1 win over Siena. Wisconsin was a tough 2nd round opponent, but the Terps Survived! ROAD GAMES!!
So happened, my daughter was a Sophomore at Syracuse University, site of the East Regional, March 22 & 24, 2002. Although it was "tax season," I packed the computer, some files and headed to Syracuse NY. I secured two tickets for the game from a client (Terp Booster) who wasn't going.
Syracuse University's Newhouse School is worth every penny of tuition. But, that place was an icebox. I walked Friday night at 6 pm from my daughter's dorm room to the Carrier Dome (center of campus), 1/2 mile tops...I thought I was going to freeze to death.
We sat behind the basket, near Maryland's bench for the Sweet Sixteen game against Kentucky. It was close for awhile, but Maryland won. Wow!! I finally get to use the Championship Game Ticket. Of course, CBS scheduled it a 5:30 pm tip off on Sunday...another cold, dark night in Upstate New York.
I worked in the hotel room, Best Western by the airport Saturday & most of Sunday.
The Championship game was against UConn and it wasn't going well. I was still defrosting in the 2nd half, it was colder than Friday night, while UConn's Huskies were outplaying the Terps. Maryland couldn't inbound, got out hustled, out played...UConn had MOMENTUM.
Then the Giant Hand of CBS reached into the Carrier Dome...the Red Light came on - "TV or Official Time Out" was called.
About 12 minutes later, Maryland throws in the ball (without calling time out, throwing it away or having it stolen), Juan Dixon dribbles up the court and calmly hits the three point shot. The Terps got their game back to form. Maryland's Championship Run is Saved!!! Bless you CBS.
My daughter walked me to the garage (indoor icebox), I kissed her goodbye, told her I love her. I spoke to some friends on the cell phone coming home by myself. I don't know what commercials CBS showed during that 12 minutes "timeout" but I was there to see what really happened. I saw a composed Maryland team (coaches & players) work out the strategy needed to win. The lessons learned in Knoxville (1999) and two Duke disasters in 2001 were not in vein.
I'm glad I was in Syracuse to see it. Also, I was wrong, Knoxville was not a waste of time.
Friday, November 19, 2010
1st NCAA Lacrosse Championship - Maryland vs. Cornell @ Hofstra Stadium June 5, 1971
The 1st NCAA Lacrosse Championship was also my first lacrosse game. Traffic from my home in Queens to Hofstra was heavy. Cononero II was running in the Belmont Stakes that afternoon for the Triple Crown. Over 100,000 was expected at Belmont Park in nearby Elmont, NY.
Hofstra had the first "AstroTurf" on a college campus. The AFL's NY Jets had their training camp there. Only Houston's Astrodome, home of the MLB Astros, had "artificial" turf (i.e. AstroTurf) in pro sports. Americans were still going to the moon in those days.
Maryland and Cornell's school colors are both Red & White. Maryland's players were 50/50 - NY/MD and Cornell almost all NYers, but Cornell's star was Canadien Al Rimmer who the Terps could not stop all day.
The Terps were playing catch up all day, but never did catch the "Big Red." Cornell won 12-6. Per the scoring I kept, Al Rimmer had 6 goals. I wanted him deported.
The attendance was reported in the paper at 5,500 or so. I would have guessed two or three thousand tops.
It was the last time I bought a program for 25 cents.
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