Though neither Marty or I like Baseball we wanted to see the new Miami Marlins Ball Park and it is quite something to see. If you want to see pictures of the stadium, the seating and the parking garages check it out on Marlins.com.

We are both glad we went but would probably not do it again. The Ball Park is spectacular, colorful and with the ability to open or close the roof and open the East glass wall to the City of Miami independently it’s quite a mechanical marvel.

We left Juno Beach at 10:30 for a 12:40 Cubs game and covered the 85 miles to the SR 836 Airport Exit off I-95 by 11:45. From there we could see the White Domed Park – less than a mile away – which took us another thirty minutes to get into the parking lot. This is one of the areas where patience is required. It seems they have plenty of parking but the local streets get totally jammed and it takes forever to cover the last mile. If you go to a Marlins game I would recommend you purchase your parking in advance and regardless of where your seats are park in: 1. Third Base Parking – 2. Home Plate Parking – 3. and definitively last First Base Parking.

We purchased Club Seats, Row D, $75 each, which were very close to the field. When we got to the entrance to the Park we had to walk up and up and up to the Promenade Deck and then walk all the way down to our seats. I’m not sure which one of the three Stooges came up with this idea but it couldn’t have been Larry. Once we got to our seats we were told they offer no food service in the Club Section and I had to walk back up to the Promenade Deck against the crowd to stand in a line longer than any I ever stood in during the Army. We found our seats during pre-game activities and by the time I got back I missed the line up introduction, the National Anthem and the first two batters.

At this point I am fuming and trying to remain calm. I ordered the Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken sandwiches, which when I finally fought my way back to our seats were quite good. They are made by a Miami “local” and feature a vinegar base sauce. One Heineken and the excellent sandwiches calmed me down and I began to take the time to really look around and see what a nice Ball Park it is with a good view of Downtown Miami out the left center field wall.

We left after the fourth inning and got back on I-95 in just a few minutes. However, I got the feeling that getting out of the parking garages at the end of the game might require more patience than I possess – which isn’t much.

Overall we were glad we took the day to see new Park. Unfortunately, Baseball hasn’t gotten any more entertaining so I can’t totally recommend this adventure to everyone. However, if you actually like Baseball I’ll wager you’ll enjoy the time.

Uncle Larry