Miami
Miami City Overview
Everyone should visit Miami at least once. This multinational city with a rhythm all its own is one of the most exciting cities in the country. Situated along the extreme southeast coast of Florida, Miami attracts visitors from all over the world.
Miami is also a city of contrasts, from the palatial waterfront estates to the downtrodden neighborhoods filled with refugees from other nations. In fact, it’s just as likely to hear Spanish spoken here as English. The cultures of Cuba, Haiti, and many other Caribbean and South American countries are a big part of Miami’s fabric.
Miamians also love their sports, particularly football’s Dolphins and the NBA Miami Heat. The newly nicknamed Miami Marlins, born as the Florida Marlins in 1993, have won two World Series and yet struggle to draw and hence, struggle financially. With plans afoot for a new ballpark, hopefully there will be better days ahead for baseball in Miami. The new ballpark is slated to open in April 2012, and we’ll add our commentary to this page shortly thereafter.
Miami is also known as a college town, with the University of Miami having a huge presence in adjacent Coral Gables. Plus, there’s the world renowned nighlife scene of Miami Beach’s South Beach, where the party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up.
No matter your pleasure, Miami won’t disappoint.
The Neighborhood – Marlins Stadium
The new Marlins Stadium is located in the Little Havana area of Miami, just a short distance from downtown. We’ll comment more after the opening of the 2012 season.
The Ballpark
As of the end of the 2011 season, Land Shark Stadium is no longer home of the Miami Marlins. The stadium will remain the home of the Miami Dolphins of the NFL.
Beginning in 2012, a new baseball only facility will be located closer to downtown Miami. The new ballpark will be a 37,000 seat facility with a retractable roof. The new ballpark was constructed on the old Orange Bowl site in the Little Havana section of the city, less than two miles from downtown. We’ll comment further on the new Miami Marlins home shortly after the opening of the 2012 season.
Ballpark Tours
We expect there will be tours of the new ballpark and we’ll comment at a later date.
Historic Baseball Sites
Since the Marlins came into major league baseball so recently, there aren’t any old ballparks to discuss. Baseball has a long history in Miami, but there aren’t any baseball specific historical sites per se. One could say that Land Shark Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, is a baseball historic site, but the focus is on the future of the Marlins franchise as opposed to an emphasis on the past.
Marlins Tickets
With a brand new ballpark opening for the 2012 season, attendance at Marlins games is expected to increase significantly. This is particularly likely as the new stadium will offer a retractable roof, thereby eliminating concerns about rain showers, heat, and humidity. For now, the best option is to watch the official Marlins website for details on single game tickets.
Public Transportation
There is public transportation in downtown Miami and it will surely be useful once the new ballpark opens. A light rail line will shuttle fans from downtown Miami to the ballpark entrance, and we’ll add our comments shortly after the 2012 season opens.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
Titanic Brewery and Restaurant: There are precious few brewpubs in the Miami area, but what the area lacks in quantity, this one makes up in quality. Located just down the street from the University of Miami campus, Titanic is a lively place with great house brewed beers and a menu sure to please anyone. 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Phone: 305-667-2537.
The Bar: Not far from Titanic Brewery is another Coral Gables gem, aptly named The Bar. They have 10 taps, 48 bottles, and a fun scene in the evenings. 172 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables. Phone: 305-442-2730.
Abbey Brewing Company: This is Miami Beach’s only brewpub, and it has a loyal following of clientele from 22 to 82. There are 4 house beers, one of which is an outstanding IPA. There are 14 total on tap. 1115 16th St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-8110.
Zeke’s Roadhouse: Zeke’s is a great laid back place to kick back and enjoy a few cold ones and hang out on the outdoor patio. They offer 12 beers on tap, but the real story here is all the hard to find Caribbean, South American, and Asian beer they stock. Take a beer trip around the world here at Zeke’s. 625 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-3118.
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus: Also in Coral Gables, this place is a German beer hall through and through. Lots of German and Austrian food specialties, live music, a fun crowd, and lots of beer flowing freely. 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-774-1883.
Abraxas Lounge: If you think South Beach is all mojitos and martinis, think again. This is the best beer bar in South Beach, bar none. Abraxas Lounge pays homage to music in a relaxed, comfortable setting. The music is played at a volume which allows conversation, and the gorgeous wooden bar fits in nicely with the clientele. Ten beers on tap and 120 in bottles. 407 Meridien Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-9005.
