Don’t look now, but the 2017 MLB All-Star Game is just around the corner, and the Miami Marlins are making some changes to Marlins Park before the big event on July 11.
The 2017 MLB All-Star Game festivities actually begin on July 9 with the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, followed by the Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and Home Run Derby on July 10. With the Fish on the road between now and the All-Star Game, the team has the chance to make some changes to Marlins Park to handle large and potentially rowdy crowds. One of the biggest installations, as a matter of fact, is a large fence around the perimeter of Marlins Park — the better to keep fans in a larger space. In addition, outside signage will be installed. From the Sun-Sentinel:
Come Monday, Major League Baseball and its close to 300 people will begin to arrive in earnest. All sorts of signage and branding will go up in and around the ballpark. The field will be similarly detailed, with All-Star logos and such painted onto the grass.
Inside, Marlins clubhouse attendants will makeover the clubhouses. The National League will get the larger of the two, the Marlins’ normal space. The American League will occupy the visitors’ clubhouse.
Prep on the home side includes packing up Marlins players’ belongings and cleaning each locker, then replenishing it with All-Star apparel and new name plates for the temporary tenants.
All-Star Games are noteworthy events in the history of a ballpark. While the Marlins sale certainly has drawn on — it looks like Derek Jeter is out, with several big names (Marcus Lemonis, Jeb Bush) joining the Tagg Romney bid — the All-Star Game is a nice event to remind locals why they support the team and professional baseball. We were lucky enough to attend the 2014 All-Star Game at Target Field — yes, the one where Derek Jeter made the grand farewell — and it is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.