Marlins to Get Own Stadium by 2012

Why is this important to me, a Phillies fan? Because I'm also a Dolphins fan. And a new Marlins stadium means NO MORE INFIELD DIRT ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. Hallelujah!

Now (well, starting in 2012) there will be no excuses for botched plays, bad footing, and missed field goals in the fall!

It only took 10 years and an additional nine hours of debate by the Miami-Dade County Commission, but the Florida - well actually soon the Miami - Marlins will have a brand new stadium for Opening Day 2012.

The new stadium, situated at the site of the previous Orange Bowl, will have 37,00 seats and feature a retractable roof - a necessity for those spring, summer, and fall rains. The entire stadium plan - including parking and surrounding areas - totals $634 million.

Rendering of Marlins Ballpark by Hok & Rosenberg Gardner (via the Miami Herald).

Groundbreaking is expected in July of this year.