Jaunted

Construction is about half way done, and we’re already pretty excited to add this stadium to our list of must-visit baseball parks. Unlike most new stadiums that have gone with a retro-inspired design, this stadium is actually bucking the trend to put a futuristic stamp on park construction. We’re thinking not quite IKEA, but apparently we should expect plenty of steel, glass, and white facades. Rain is always a problem in Florida, but it won’t be for the team, as a retractable roof can cover up the playing field—and fans—in less than 15 minutes.

The new place will seat less than 40,000 fans, making it the smallest in all of the major leagues, but this should lead to the place looking full-up with fans faster. Unique features will include a swimming pool and a beach in the outfield—they’re calling it La Playa—as well as some kind of fountain behind centerfield. We’re most excited about the huge saltwater aquariums that are planned for behind home plate—they are the Marlins after all!

Miami is pretty excited about the team’s new home, and they have created many different ways to stay in touch with the ladies and gentlemen wearing the hard harts. There’s a live webcam to check out the facility’s progress, and you can even follow the stadium on Twitter. The team is already taking 2012 season ticket deposits, but if you’re like us, you’ll probably just pick up a last-minute scalped pair in the parking lot next April.

Related Stories:
· New Ballpark News and Information - Florida Marlins [Official Site]
· Marlins Ballpark [Ballparks of Baseball]
· Sports Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photos and Renderings: Florida Marlins]