It has been weeks since the OB plan was launched. And nothing, not a peep from anywhere else. That could be either bad, or really good. I am staying optimistic because that is how I am and I honestly feel that the Marlins are going to get something done here. I cant help but feel that they are working right now on something.

 

That said, I am starting to think (well, I have waffled on this for years) that the best place for the Marlins is in Broward. There seems to be a more stable market there as the economy is in better shape there and the population is growing in Broward and even Palm Beach. Plus, it would be somewhat centered for the Tri-County area. I dont know if there really is a central location in Dade county that could allow for the fans of Miami to attend games on a regular basis. I think I-95 and US-1 are cluster-f$%cks and cant be ideal for game traffic. Does anyone have any opinion on this? (I mean not just speculative theory, like mine, but actual concrete info/insight on this?)

If we get a stadium in Broward, I'll go to games, but I won't get season tickets again. That's just me. It was troublesome enough getting to JRS when we didn't leave atrociously early, going even farther into Broward will be worse.

If we get a stadium in Broward, I'll go to games, but I won't get season tickets again. That's just me. It was troublesome enough getting to JRS when we didn't leave atrociously early, going even farther into Broward will be worse.

If the team moves to Broward, most of the Dade fan base would be about 75 minutes away.

That being said, the entire Miami fan base would be alienated.

 

And has Broward offered anything??? Even that Ft. Lauderdale Stadium stuff is a terrible idea, so why would Broward make more sense?

True. But I just dont feel the Miami fans are supporting the Marlins as much as they should. I am from Dade county - came all the way from Culter Ridge for games. But I didnt go to more than 5-10 games a year (money and travel were inhibiting factors). And I LOVE the Marlins. (of course, now I am in Tallahassee and cant even see them on TV!!! But Capefish is going to change all that).

I agree Jonny. Miami fans may never turn out what we expect them to be, but Broward may never offer a reasonable stadium plan. I could see Dade offering a quality site, but beggers can't be choosers.

 

And Broward fans are overrated. The stadium is already there (well, practically), and they don't show up.

the city commission was actually supposed to have more news about the stadium for the jan 22 meeting (this past thursday). they were also supposed to have met with the miami sports commission before that date to work out the orange bowl proposal.

 

have they forgotten about it because the papers aren't saying anything anymore?

the city commission was actually supposed to have more news about the stadium for the jan 22 meeting (this past thursday). they were also supposed to have met with the miami sports commission before that date to work out the orange bowl proposal.

 

have they forgotten about it because the papers aren't saying anything anymore?

I noticed that as well....was expecting to hear something this past weekend. I'm sure there is something in the works, and if the FO is being quiet, then it could mean a turn in a different direction.

Charles Elmore of the Palm Beach Post had a story today on funding sports arenas in South Florida. IMO, the Marlins should of had a new ballpark before the Heat and Panthers got new homes.

And before that(pre-1993), perhaps major league baseball should have required a new ballpark built(at least finances in place) in South Florida, much like the Rockies, D-Backs, and D-Rays had already in place; before a franchise was awarded. The Marlins have been the area's most successful franchise(as far as championships) since the 4 major sports came to South Florida(pre 1993). I would argue that the Marlins are the ones that have been given the least respect.

 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/conten...d1f09900ef.html

It's damn shame that the Marlins have to deal with all the baggage from building two unneccesary sports facilities in South Florida. It is certainly making it more difficult, but you've got to believe it will happen.

 

I hope it doesn't take a serious threat to move elsewhere to get South Florida to wake up and support the team.

I wonder what could be going on in Miami? Do they not want this team? They cannot have their cake and eat it too. Pay for it or lose it! Same goes for Broward and Palm Beach. The Marlins will not leave Florida, Orlando and Jacksonville will find the money for the ballpark much like st. Pete did without even having a team.

the way negotiations work, nothing will get done stadium wise until right at the March 15 deadline. Not hearing anything from the media isn't a bad thing because when can we believe any of these reporters anyway? Sun Sentinel writes around Dec. 22 in a screaming headline on the front of their paper that the stadium deal is dead. They say Mike Lowell will be gone because of his contract being tied to the stadium. Then two or three days later, screaming headlines about the Orange Bowl and land and a proposal. Sun Sentinel has already killed the stadium in one report, then they act like it's alive and kicking, but underplay that story. What is it? The answer is, negotiations are best when the media isn't twisting it. Dade will support the team fine. It's a myth that Broward and Palm Beach support it better. Fact is, if they supposedly do, these folks aren't buying season tickets. Face it, there isn't enough of a fan base in any of the three counties to act like they deserve the team over the other county. So if they go to Dade a few Broward people would be ticked. Well, get over it. I believe you people still will buy season tickets. If you don't and the team is good, you will be the ones missing out.

the way negotiations work, nothing will get done stadium wise until right at the March 15 deadline. Not hearing anything from the media isn't a bad thing because when can we believe any of these reporters anyway? Sun Sentinel writes around Dec. 22 in a screaming headline on the front of their paper that the stadium deal is dead. They say Mike Lowell will be gone because of his contract being tied to the stadium. Then two or three days later, screaming headlines about the Orange Bowl and land and a proposal. Sun Sentinel has already killed the stadium in one report, then they act like it's alive and kicking, but underplay that story. What is it? The answer is, negotiations are best when the media isn't twisting it. Dade will support the team fine. It's a myth that Broward and Palm Beach support it better. Fact is, if they supposedly do, these folks aren't buying season tickets. Face it, there isn't enough of a fan base in any of the three counties to act like they deserve the team over the other county. So if they go to Dade a few Broward people would be ticked. Well, get over it. I believe you people still will buy season tickets. If you don't and the team is good, you will be the ones missing out.

I hope you're right.

 

And I dont care where this team is located - as long as it stays in Florida. I would actually love to see them relocate to Jacksonville - they would have to remodel Wolfson Park to accomodate a big league team. That would be very exciting and the fans in Jax are pretty good. They love baseball there but the Braves would be saddened because it would cut into their market. MLB may not allow that. Orlando would be interesting...

 

But I hope they stay in Miami. Just get something done - and I think the silence is good, despite the articles that came out today.

Wolfson park is coming down. The Baseball Grounds in Jacksonville is the new ballpark. Opened this season. The Marlins have played at Wolfson Park BTW.

MLB ruled that the Braves no longer hold Jacksonville as a market. It is Marlins and Devil Rays territory.

Wolfson park is coming down. The Baseball Grounds in Jacksonville is the new ballpark. Opened this season. The Marlins have played at Wolfson Park BTW.

Yeah, I remember back in '93 when the Marlins caravan came to Regency Mall in Jacksonville and me and my brother got autographs from Orestes Destrade, Benito Santiago, and some young guy named Jeff Conine. Also, Gary Carter was there. I think Jacksonville would be an interesting market.

You know, the Suns (and even Jaxpos) always drew well. They are a AA team. Here are some pics of the new remodeled stadium in Jacksonville. Like the architecture...

 

Jacksonville Baseball Grounds

According to the Herald there's a luncheon forum tomorrow at the Biscayne Bay Marriott to discuss the stadium options for the Florida Marlins.

It is sponsored by Downtown Bay Forum and speakers will be reps from the city of Miami, Miami-Dade county, and the Marlins. Jim DeFede will be moderator. Admission is $18 for members, $22 for non-members.

 

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/...rth/7786095.htm