The Florida Marlins officially broke ground for the new ballpark on Saturday, July 18. The historic ceremony, hosting nearly 5,000 fans, was held at the site of the new Ballpark located at 1501 NW 3rd Street in Miami.
The event included the unveiling of videos of the new Ballpark and renderings shown to the public for the very first time. Festivities were free and open to the public with the first 1,000 fans receiving a coupon for a ballpark-style lunch and a commemorative Groundbreaking pin. There was music, games, live entertainment, Billy the Marlin, the Mermaids and Manatees, all leading up to the official ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Marlins broadcasters Dave Van Horne and Felo Ramirez. Following the groundbreaking, all fans had the unique opportunity to participate first-hand by shoveling dirt at the exact spot of home plate at the new ballpark.
Also participating in the celebration were special representatives from the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, the Marlins and Major League Baseball. There was also a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Charlie Hough and caught by Benito Santiago - the first ever "battery" in franchise history.
Leading up to Opening Day 2012, fans can follow the ballpark's progress from a webcam that overlooks the site of the new ballpark. These pictures can be viewed exclusively at www.marlins.com. Click on "Camera Control" to the left of the main image and zoom in and out. You can also click on the archive tab to look back in time. The camera's orientation is from North to South and images are updated every 15 minutes.
The new ballpark's footprint will have a south-east orientation, with unobstructed views of Miami's skyline made possible by six operable glass panels. The ballpark will be located on the parcel of land bordered by NW 6th Street to the north, NW 4th Street to the south, NW 16th Avenue to the west and NW 14th Avenue to the east. With a capacity of approximately 37,000 spectators, the retractable roof, air-conditioned ballpark will be built on 928,000 square feet on the former Orange Bowl site. The ballpark will celebrate Opening Day in April 2012 and will attract a wide variety of events throughout the entire calendar year.
Ballpark