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 Marlins Ballpark
Miami, FL
Since the
Florida Marlins inception in April 1993, the team has played
at Dolphin Stadium, a facility built mainly for football. Because
the team has to share the stadium with the NFL's Dolphins, the team
has been trying for nearly a decade to have a new ballpark
constructed. During this time, several plans have been developed on
where a new ballpark should be built. After the Marlins won the
World Series in 2003, the team and Miami Dade County announced plans
to fund a new ballpark. Later in the year the city decided not to
help the team pay for a new stadium. However, in January 2004, the
City of Miami proposed building a baseball only stadium for the
Marlins at the site of the Orange Bowl that would adjoin the
existing football stadium along its northern flank. In May 2004, the
Miami-Dade County commissioners agreed to fund their portion of a
new Marlins stadium. The Miami Dolphins notified the Marlins in
December 2004 that they would end their lease at Dolphin Stadium
after the 2010 season.
One of the biggest
steps in the Marlins getting a new ballpark came in February 2005.
Miami-Dade County officials unveiled a financing plan for a
$420-$435 million ballpark and parking garage for the Florida
Marlins east of the Orange Bowl. However in May 2005, the Marlins
struggles with the Florida House Legislation continued as they
turned down funding requests of $45 million for a new ballpark. In
November 2005, the Marlins negotiations with the City of Miami
officially fell through. Since that time the Marlins have remained
committed to Miami but have explored possible options of relocating.
As of February 2008,
the Florida Marlins have reached an agreement for a baseball only
ballpark. In December 2007, the Miami-Dade County Commission voted
in favor for two proposals that would assist in funding. City and
County Commissioners voted on February 21, 2008 to approve funding
for a new ballpark for the Marlins. Several issues remain including
whether city or county police and fire departments will patrol the
facility. The latest proposal calls for the Marlins to contribute
$155 million, Miami/Dade County $347 million and the City of Miami
$13 million. Part of Miami/Dade County's $347 million contribution,
$297 million, would come from tourist tax dollars. At a total cost
of $515 million, if constructed the new ballpark will have a
retractable roof, a seating capacity of 37,000 and open in April
2011. As part of the agreement the Florida Marlins would be renamed
the Miami Marlins.
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