Marlins Park could not be further away from those grand shrines to baseball.
Tell me if these things sound like they belong in a baseball stadium:
-2 aquariums that total over 1000 gallons of water
-A swimming Pool with a poolside bar
-A sculpto-pictorama with flamingos, marlins, and neon waves and colors
-A photography exhibit
-A bobblehead museum
Yes, these can all be found at this new ballpark.
A wild pitch will bounce up against bullet-proof glass that protects the aquariums at the backstop. A Homerun will lead to a 30-second show from the sculpto-pictorama.
Games, especially sports, seem to benefit from these gimmicks, albeit financially. Quirks like the ones found in this ballpark are important for the fans who follow these storied sports. These games have so much tradition and history, yet require new points of interest to increase attraction and fanfare.
The focus on fans is essential in sports and the eye-catching features of Marlins Park show the extent to which a team is willing to impress and invigorate its fan-base in order to make the atmosphere around the sport and team even better.
This is a great example showcasing how sports and other venues have constantly been evolving into bigger and more intricate spectacles. Its not enough anymore to just have one purpose because from a business standpoint, the venue must offer more gimmicks to make money off the initial consumers. At the same time, smart marketers know that greater publicity leads to greater interest and in turn greater sales. However, they must be careful that the product they offer is truly worth the hype. Many times a product has dwindled in enthusiasm and sales because it did not live up to the hype. The Marlins and other franchises must be careful of this before investing such a heavy sum.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with what you said about gimmicks being necessary nowadays to keep fans interested and to attract them to games, however, I think it is dependent on the franchise. The Marlins as a franchise have never been all that prestigious. Because of this (and the lackluster Florida sport fans) the Marlins need to invest in these gimmicks to get fans to come. Unlike prestigious teams such as the Yankees or the Red Sox, the Marlins don't have the luxury of having such a loyal fan base. I think all of these gimmicks, including not only the new stadium but also the switch to Miami instead of Florida and the new uniforms, are all trying to get that loyal fan base and to turn the franchise in a new direction. Maybe a couple years down the road (or 15) they won't need to rely on such gimmicks to attract fans
ReplyDeleteI watched Opening Day in the new Miami Marlins stadium and it didn't even feel like a baseball game. It was more of a big event, with a baseball game as one of the features. There is so much going on in that stadium that it's hard to pay attention to the game. The stadium is like a circus, not a place for baseball. I see the pros of the stadium though, as it will definitely work in the organizations favor. Having all these features to the stadium will definitely bring in more people, who are looking for a fun experience with the inclusion of a baseball game. The park also seems very fan friendly, so maybe more kids and families will come out for a game. Clearly this stadium is a huge upgrade to their previous stadium, where they basically had to pay fans to come to the games. The Marlins are going to need to win games to bring in a lot of people though, which should probably come because of their stacked roster. The Miami Marlins are definitely on the rise. More and more people will come out to see the attractions and features of the stadium, which will probably account for more people than the ones actually coming for a good baseball games.
ReplyDeleteWhy are the classic baseball stadiums classic? Because they have storied teams that play great baseball. This field isn't going to help the Marlins play better baseball, and will not be heralded as anything but what sports casters will undoubtably refer to "what's wrong with modern sports." I like Comerica Park because I can go there, get sun burned, buy an eight dollar hot dog and watch nine innings of America. Comerica Park, Fenway, Old Yankee, those are baseball fields. This new Marlins joint is a theme park.
ReplyDeleteChad Rhiness
Perhaps their reason behind this is to make money when there isn't a game going on. The stadium will probably benefit from its gimmicks on as well as OFF season. Tourists would go there to check it out even if they don't have interest in the baseball game. Essentially, I see this as a smart business choice because such a large venue can now house tourism all season instead of being reserved solely for baseball. They have optimized the use of the stadium as a building.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, as a long time baseball fan, I am amazed at how the game has transformed. I have been growing up going to cubs games all my life ever since I can remember. There is nothing better than an afternoon ballgame, at wrigley field, with the beautiful ivy in the outfield and the old-school scoreboard above. The atmosphere in Wrigley, like fenway or yankee stadium, is something that can't be compared. THe old-school stadium, with all of its history, and the loyal fans, and most importantly, great tasting food are what define the experience of going to cubs game. Recently many stadiums have been built that have many things that a baseball field typically would not have as David described above. You can see this happening in other stadiums too, like the slide at Miller Park in milwaukee or the outfield pool in Arizona. The atmosphere at Baseball games is transforming, and I think it is important to remember the history of this game and how important it has been for Americans over the past century. I hope that Wrigley field continues to display its historical significance for the game of baseball and the city of chicago. I can't wait to go to cubs games this summer, and I hope that the owners of the chicago cubs never dare to build a stadium with the modern qualities of that like the new Miami Marlins stadium. Go CUBS!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you to an extent David. I feel as though classic franchises and their storied baseball diamonds do preserve the past and the tradition that baseball, as an American past time holds. I merely find the Marlins new stadium a gimmick to attract fans, but this new stadium, may serve as a cultural awakening for baseball. As time progresses, so will tastes, and the Marlins are trying to compensate these new tasted with this newly forged ball park. In my mind, the Marlins franchise could be a pioneer in the new stadium era or become somewhat of a mockery for years to come.
ReplyDeleteHaving been to old Yankee Stadium and New Yankee Stadium, I feel as though these stadiums provide for a better stage for baseball. Stadiums like the new Marlins Park take attention away from what the sport is all about. The extent of the new Marlin's stadium is extremely overwhelming and over the top. That being said, I do think that these are what new stadiums are going to turn into. Although I wish that all new stadiums maintained the tradition of the new Yankee Stadium, I think that as technology and culture moves forward, so will the tastes of baseball fans. All everyone can talk about is the new stadium and I'm sure other teams want the same type of hype.-Nicole Thompson
ReplyDeleteThe game can't just be about the game anymore-it isn't enough. We need lights and sounds. Take the LA Lakers for example. People don't say they're going to see the Lakers play when they go to a game, they say they're going to the "Lake Show" because Lakers games aren't just games, they're a show. What makes this so? LA Live. The entertainment area that just happens to be by the Staples Center. The creators of LA Live knew fans don't just like going to the game, they want a whole production. Just like the Marlins essentially making their new stadium another Miami Club (there actually is club in the stadium), LA Live transforms Lakers games into the "Lake Show". But no one complains because everyone is entertained. So we can only conclude that adding entertainment whether it be a monstrosity in left centerfield or a party outside the arena, is good for the sport and team.
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