The Florida Marlins put more than a decade of political and financial frustration behind them Monday when Miami-Dade commissioners delivered the team what two World Series titles and previous ownership could not: a permanent new home and a sexy new name.
Baseball fans, meet the Miami Marlins.
''Ten years is a long time. Eventually it was going to come. Wow, I'm very happy, very pleased,'' said team owner Jeffrey Loria.
Standing near Loria, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz said, ``Finally. I never had any doubt it would happen.''
The new ballpark will have 37,000 seats under a retractable roof, with about 60 suites and new parking facilities. The team hopes to take the field on Opening Day 2012.
The Marlins, despite their winning ways, are consistently among the bottom in baseball in payroll and attendance.
The financial breakdown on the $634 million stadium plan is top-heavy for the county. Miami-Dade is on the hook for $297 million from tourist taxes, another $50 million from a separate bond referendum, and $12 million for road and utility repairs.
Miami pledged last week to spend $94 million on the parking structures, $13 million toward stadium construction, and $12 million for other improvements.
Miami will also operate the garage and pay the yearly debt payment, though the Marlins have agreed to buy most of the expected 6,000 parking spaces at between $10 and $12 over the 35-year stadium contract. The Marlins keep any profits made from selling those spots
Commissioner Audrey Edmonson asked Loria if he had any intention of selling the club after the stadium is built.
''Absolutely not,'' replied Loria.
Last week, on the eve of the Miami vote, the Marlins agreed to give a much greater share of profits back to the city and county should Loria sell after construction.
