loanDepot park stands as a distinctive landmark in the Miami sports landscape, serving as the home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins. This architectural marvel features a retractable roof and a unique design that reflects South Florida’s vibrant culture and climate. Originally known as Marlins Park, the stadium has become an integral part of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood and represents a modern era for professional baseball in South Florida.
Location and Address
The ballpark is located at 501 Marlins Way, Miami, Florida 33125, in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami. The stadium sits on the former site of the historic Orange Bowl, which was demolished to make way for the new facility. The venue is situated just west of downtown Miami, easily accessible from major highways including Interstate 95, State Road 836 (Dolphin Expressway), and State Road 112. The ballpark is approximately 10 minutes from Miami International Airport and is well-connected to the city’s public transportation system, with a Metrorail station located adjacent to the stadium providing convenient access for fans.
Seating Capacity
loanDepot park has a seating capacity of approximately 37,000 for baseball games, making it one of the smaller stadiums in Major League Baseball. This more intimate capacity was designed to create a closer, more engaging atmosphere for fans attending Marlins games. The stadium can be expanded for special events to accommodate additional spectators. The seating bowl features multiple levels including field-level seats, club seats, suites, and upper deck sections. The facility includes 60 luxury suites and various premium seating options, including club lounges and party decks that offer unique viewing experiences and amenities.
Construction and History
loanDepot park officially opened on March 5, 2012, with an exhibition game, and the first regular season game was played on April 4, 2012, when the Marlins hosted the St. Louis Cardinals. Construction of the stadium began in July 2009 and was completed at a cost of approximately $634 million, making it one of the most expensive baseball stadiums ever built at the time. The project was funded through a combination of public and private financing, with significant contributions from Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami.
The stadium was designed by the architectural firm Populous (formerly HOK Sport), with the goal of creating a state-of-the-art facility suitable for Miami’s subtropical climate. The most distinctive feature of the design is the retractable roof, which allows games to be played in air-conditioned comfort during Miami’s hot, humid summers and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while also providing the option for open-air baseball during pleasant weather.
The ballpark was originally named Marlins Park when it opened in 2012. In 2017, the naming rights were sold to loanDepot, a mortgage lending company, and the venue was renamed loanDepot park. The stadium replaced Sun Life Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens as the Marlins’ home, bringing baseball back to the city of Miami proper for the first time since the Orange Bowl hosted games in the 1990s.
Home Team and Baseball
loanDepot park is the home of the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball’s National League East division. The Marlins, originally known as the Florida Marlins from their inception in 1993 until 2011, rebranded as the Miami Marlins when they moved into the new stadium. The franchise has won two World Series championships in 1997 and 2003, both achieved while playing at the former Sun Life Stadium, though they continue to celebrate this legacy at loanDepot park.
The stadium hosts 81 regular season home games each year, typically from late March or early April through September, with the possibility of additional postseason games if the Marlins qualify for the playoffs. The venue has also hosted the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which brought national attention to the facility and showcased it to a global audience. Beyond Marlins games, the stadium has hosted college baseball games, international baseball competitions including World Baseball Classic games, and various other sporting and entertainment events.
Parking Information
loanDepot park offers extensive parking options for fans attending games and events. The stadium complex includes multiple parking lots surrounding the facility, with approximately 5,500 parking spaces available on-site. Parking lots are designated by color-coded sections, making it easier for fans to remember their parking location. Standard parking rates for Marlins games typically range from $20 to $40, depending on proximity to the stadium entrances and the type of event. Premium parking options closer to the gates are available at higher rates and can be purchased in advance or on game day, subject to availability.
The Marlins encourage fans to purchase parking passes in advance through the team’s website or mobile app, which can often provide discounted rates compared to day-of-game pricing. Season ticket holders and premium seat holders have access to preferred parking options. For fans using public transportation, the Miami Metrorail Orange Line has a station at the ballpark, providing direct access to the stadium and connecting to Miami’s broader public transit network. This option is particularly convenient for fans coming from downtown Miami, Miami Beach, or other areas served by the Metrorail system.
Unique Features and Design
One of the most striking aspects of loanDepot park is its distinctive architectural design, which incorporates modern aesthetics with elements reflecting Miami’s culture and environment. The retractable roof is a technological marvel, consisting of three panels that can open or close in approximately 13 minutes, allowing the stadium to transform from an outdoor ballpark to a climate-controlled indoor facility. The roof structure is supported by large columns and creates a dramatic visual impact both inside and outside the stadium.
Perhaps the most iconic and controversial feature of the original stadium design was the Home Run Sculpture, a massive, colorful kinetic art installation located beyond the left-center field wall. Created by artist Red Grooms, this sculpture would animate with lights, mechanical marlins, flamingos, and water features whenever a Marlins player hit a home run. While it became a symbol of the ballpark’s unique personality, the sculpture was removed in 2019 following a change in ownership and relocated to a nearby location outside the stadium.
The stadium features a stunning glass wall façade that provides views into the ballpark from the street, creating transparency and connecting the facility to its surrounding neighborhood. Inside, the ballpark incorporates vivid colors and artistic elements throughout, including colorful glass panels and artistic installations that celebrate Miami’s vibrant culture. The outfield dimensions are somewhat asymmetrical, with a distance of 344 feet down the left field line, 407 feet to center field, and 335 feet down the right field line, creating interesting dynamics for play.
Amenities and Fan Experience
loanDepot park offers a wide range of amenities designed to enhance the fan experience. The stadium features over 30 concession stands and restaurants, offering diverse food options that reflect Miami’s multicultural culinary scene, including Cuban sandwiches, croquetas, fresh seafood, traditional ballpark fare, and various international cuisines. Multiple bars and beverage stations are located throughout the stadium, including specialty craft beer locations and cocktail bars.
The Clevelander, a popular Miami Beach bar and entertainment venue, operates a location in right field that features a swimming pool, cabanas, and a party atmosphere, allowing fans to watch the game in a resort-like setting. The st