A Look Inside the New Marlins Stadium - PICTURES

In case you were wondering what that giant thing that looks like a lost UFO is just across I-95 from downtown Miami, it is the yet-unnamed new Florida Marlins stadium. Love it or hate it, the new retractable roof ballpark will be opening next Spring, in all its taxpayer-funded glory.

This past week, we were fortunate enough to attend a VIP tour of the construction site that is the new stadium. MiamiBeach411.com is actually the proud owners of two of the best seats in the house for the 2012 season, and we were giddy to see what our view for 81 games will be for next year.

WHAT’S MORE MIAMI THAN WATCHING EVERYTHING IN ICE COLD AC?

The day we went, the roof was closed. Which is giving us a realistic idea of what this place wilL feel like since the Marlins’ staff told me we can expect roughly 80 percent of the games to be played indoors. Kind of disappointing, as South Florida is the kind of place where you want to be outdoors as much as possible. But I suppose anything better is better than the sea of empty orange seats we get now at SunLife.

This is the exterior of the retractable left field wall. This glass-paned marvel will actually open and close with the roof. Leaving the spectacular view of downtown in tact whether the Marlins are playing indoors or out.

The view of the Miami skyline will be visible from anywhere down the first base line. A little hard tot ell in this picture from the evening glare, but that wall in the distance is the same one from outside.

In Left Field, in front of the glass wall, will be what the Marlins are calling “The Taste of Miami.” This open plaza will be open to all ticketholders and will feature local restaurants that specialize in cuisine unique to our city. No word if Rey’s Pizza has yer secured a contract.

While at the Taste of Miami, this will be what you see when it’s light out. It’s even prettier at night.

The new stadium will be the smallest in the major leagues, with little upper level seating and plenty of great seats. MiamiBeach411.com’s seats have actually not been installed yet. We’ll be about 30 feet from where that crane is, right behind home plate.

Whenever the Marlins hit a home run, a water show featuring a giant fake Marlin will go on in this cement circle you see in Center Field. The staff described it as ”Bellagio-esque.”

The seats you see in the distance will be the largest section of outfield seating in the new ballpark. Again, because the stadium is so small, the majority of the seats will be closer to the action.

Whatever your feelings on the new stadium are, it’s hard not to be excited about it. The view you see as you some into the main concourse, of Miami in all its gleaming splendor, blue skies and glass towers, makes this stadium an instant icon for the city. Though its funding has been controversial, the project is moving forward and the city should do nothing but get excited. Eight months and counting until opening day. Get ready Miami, it’s gonna be fun.

Related Links: • Marlins Open Final Season, Look Forward to New Park in Little Havana • Miami Ballpark Asks: Are You Ready for a Night Out at “Field?” • Marlins' Ballpark - First Picture of Left Field Related Categories: Miami: Local News, Miami: Sports News, About the Author: Matt Meltzer is a featured columnist at Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Matt Meltzer. See more articles by Matt Meltzer Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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