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Over 5,000 fans joined Hunt Construction Group, Moss & Associates, Mars Contractors, architect Populous (formerly HOK Sport) as well numerous dignitaries including Miami-Dade County Mayor Carols Alvarez, City of Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess, Marlins president David Samson, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig and team owner Jeffrey Loria for the breaking of ground for the Marlins New Ballpark. (Governor Charlie Crist delivered a videotaped message.)

The yet-to-be-named retractable roof stadium will have 37,000 seats on 928,000 square feet of land. Additionally, four acres of land on the west side of the ballpark will serve as a stadium plaza – something the team envisions as a miniature version of New York’s Central Park. The largest of any stadium in history, the park will serve as an area for people to congregate year-round and will serve as the signature park of Miami.

Other signature features will include a half-acre retractable window wall above the left field seats to give a clear view of the city, numerous dining offerings under the name “Taste of Miami,” a party suite area behind left-field with a swimming pool, 50 luxury suites and see-through fences in right and left field allowing fans to view the bullpen and a porch above right field complete with a bar and standing room with game views name only a few.

David Samson, president of the Marlins has no concerns about the project completing on schedule. “This will absolutely be done on time. The reason is I know who is building it, I know who designed it, and who is in charge of it. Thirty three months is exactly the amount of time needed,” said Samson.