Miami Marlins Make Big Change to Gameday Atmosphere in LoanDepot Park
The Miami Marlins want to build a better atmosphere in LoanDepot Park.
Per radio host Andy Slater, the Marlins will allow musical instruments in the ballpark, up to and including drums and trumpets for the 2024 season.
Flags are also allowed, per Slater.
It's an effort by the Marlins to recapture the atmosphere and spirit that was shown by local fans for both the World Baseball Classic games played in the ballpark last spring, as well as the Caribbean Series games in February.
Some of the most prominent and endearing images from the WBC tournament last spring were of fans draped in flags for their country, dancing and singing along in the stands as their country played on the field.
For an organization that's struggled to draw fans to their games - Miami ranked 29th in fans per game, averaging only 14,356 - the atmosphere of the WBC is something to strive for, and removing barriers to fostering that environment makes sense.
“We know how special baseball is for our community, many with roots in the Caribbean, and we are going to bring that passion and energy back in a special way,” Marlins president of business operations Caroline O’Connor said in a press release. “We want fans dancing, playing their drums, waving their flags, and chanting along to every pitch! LoanDepot Park is going to look, sound and feel different this year.”
There is one exception to the team largesse, though: Pots and pans. Bringing in pots and pans to be used as noisemakers, while something Miami wanted to allow, is currently prohibited by MLB's stadium rules and won't work. Bring your own trash cans to be used as noisemakers won't be allowed either, which makes sense from both a logistical perspective and a "let's not remind folks that the 2017 Houston Astros cheated to win a World Series" perspective.
So feel free to dig out that old trumpet or trombone from the closet and bring it to LoanDepot Park this season.
The team's cool with it.
Managing Editor for Blackerby Media, covering the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins Also: Senior Baseball Writer for Auburn Daily, member of both the National College Baseball Writers Association and Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (where he won the 2023 Prospects, Minors, & College Writer of the Year award)