Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

OmahaBlueDog

(10,000 posts)
Sun Feb 10, 2013, 01:03 AM Feb 2013

This is about the Miami Marlins, but is not a "Sports" story

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/t8IAjwPOZNcmya401PUZNg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/



I was certain every possible joke about baseball attendance in Florida had been exhausted over the past 20 years. Then I saw the tweet by Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post that included the photo above from the Miami Marlins Winter Warm Up event Saturday and realized we haven’t even scratched the surface.

The Marlins have used up all of the goodwill a new taxpayer-funded stadium gave them just a year ago. They've made many missteps, but the massive giveaway with the Blue Jays turned evenhardcore Fish fans against them. And it has left them with a line for tickets that's four people long. That's not including this guy, who wore a Blue Jays cap to the event in protest.


More at: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photos-marlins-fans-turn-winter-warm-event-220646017--mlb.html

Lesson: Taxpayers shouldn't build professional sports stadiums. That's the job of the owners.
6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
This is about the Miami Marlins, but is not a "Sports" story (Original Post) OmahaBlueDog Feb 2013 OP
Isn't opening day in April? dsc Feb 2013 #1
In warmer climates, this is a common practice OmahaBlueDog Feb 2013 #4
When they do this for the Mets and Yankees the line streches for blocks TeamPooka Feb 2013 #5
Floridian taxpayers were forced to pay for that abomination. geomon666 Feb 2013 #2
I had several problems OmahaBlueDog Feb 2013 #3
Florida Panthers did the same thing RandiFan1290 Feb 2013 #6

OmahaBlueDog

(10,000 posts)
4. In warmer climates, this is a common practice
Sun Feb 10, 2013, 01:21 PM
Feb 2013

Gnerally you have the mascot and a bunch of activities for the kids. Sometimes you get some players to show. You offer free food, and you give fans a chance to sit in their seat for season tickets/a less-than-a-season package.

geomon666

(7,512 posts)
2. Floridian taxpayers were forced to pay for that abomination.
Sun Feb 10, 2013, 01:20 AM
Feb 2013

Floridians and especially Miamians wanted nothing to do with that disgusting deal but our wonderfully corrupt "civil servants" decided otherwise. I would rather see them burn all of those millions of dollars in a huge bonfire then to see it go into the hands of a billionaire.

OmahaBlueDog

(10,000 posts)
3. I had several problems
Sun Feb 10, 2013, 01:19 PM
Feb 2013

1) Miami-Dade has schools in need of serious attention
2) Tax payers don't build movie theaters; don't build skating rinks; don't build video arcades; and don't build strip clubs -- how is this any different?
3) Given the history of ownership, you had to see the "build the team, then hold a fire sale" coming.

RandiFan1290

(6,237 posts)
6. Florida Panthers did the same thing
Sun Feb 10, 2013, 01:29 PM
Feb 2013

We have an empty building built w tax payers $$. This year they borrowed even more tax $$ to build "Club Red"
They kicked out all the season ticket holders behind the players bench and offered those seats to corporate buyers for huge amounts of money. They also get access to exclusive clubs and restaurants during the games.

Watch the next home game and you will see a sea of red empty seats

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/sfl-panthers-club-red-photos-20130125,0,5849924.photogallery

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»This is about the Miami M...