This year's Major League Baseball season isn't over, but for the Florida Marlins, it pretty much is.
In fact, the Florida Marlins are technically pretty much over. Next year, they'll be in that new stadium with a new name, and the MLB has announced that the team will play the very first game of the 2012 MLB season in its new home.
The Miami Marlins will take on the St. Louis Cardinals April 4 at Miami Marlins Stadium (though it's sure to have a corporate-sponsored name by then). That Wednesday's game will happen a day before any other MLB games, and though the TV schedule hasn't been announced, it almost ensures that the Fish will have their house-warming party in front of a national television audience. Well, after all the drama surrounding the stadium, a little national PR for our town is the least we could get in exchange.
The game will also mark the beginning of the team's 20th season. Really, it's been that long? We guess it only seems shorter because we've paid attention to only two of those seasons.
As previously announced, the team will also host the New York Yankees in two exhibition games at the new stadium April 1 and 2.
After the opening game, the Fish will go on a six-game road trip and then return April 13 to host their first three-game series at home against the Astros. Yes, that's Friday the 13th. What could go wrong?
Individual game tickets aren't one sale yet, but you can buy season tickets now. Of course, if we were you, maybe we'd wait until we know that a new name and a stadium aren't the only fresh things about next season before plunking down for tickets. A new manager, roster, and front office might not be so bad either.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
