Attending a Miami Marlins baseball game is an accessible and family-friendly activity, with ticket prices varying by seat and matchup. For the 2025 season, single-game ticket prices generally start around $15 for upper-level seats at less popular games, while better seats closer to the action cost more. Premium games (like rivalry matchups or weekend games) will be pricier, and prime field-level or club seats can go for $50 and up per ticket. Children under 3 years old get free entry into the ballpark as long as they sit on a guardian’s lap; kids 3 and older will need their own ticket.
On certain summer dates, the team even offers special $1 tickets for kids as part of promotional family nights, which is a fantastic deal. Game times typically fall in the evening on weekdays (often 6:40 PM or 7:10 PM starts) and afternoon or early evening on weekends. Gates to loanDepot Park (the Marlins’ stadium) usually open 90 minutes before the first pitch, which gives you time to find your seats, grab food, and even watch the tail end of batting practice on the field. The baseball season runs from April through late September for regular season home games, with games scheduled most days of the week (the Marlins have frequent home stands and occasional afternoon weekday games). We visited on August 20, 2025, and all these details were accurate as of that date.
Inside loanDepot Park – History and Highlights
LoanDepot Park (formerly known as Marlins Park until 2021) is a modern stadium with a retractable roof, meaning games go on rain or shine – a huge relief in Miami’s summer heat and sudden thunderstorms. In fact, in a city famous for heat and humidity, how do you enjoy an outdoor sport like baseball? The answer is simple: the roof can fully close and the air conditioning keeps the seating bowl comfortably cool. We’ve sat in the stands on a 90°F August day with the dome shut and felt perfectly at ease. (It can even get a bit chilly inside, so we recomend bringing a light sweater just in case.)
Aerial panorama Miami Marlins Park and Little Havana
The stadium opened in 2012 on the historic site of the old Orange Bowl, and it was celebrated for its innovative design – it even achieved LEED Gold certification as one of the most environmentally friendly ballparks in America. With around 37000 seats, loanDepot Park isn’t the largest MLB stadium, but it feels spacious and lively. The interior showcases Miami’s vibrant character: bright colors, a sleek modern facade, and a few nods to local culture. When the outfield wall’s large glass panels are opened, fans get a peek at the downtown Miami skyline beyond the stadium – a pretty spectacular backdrop for a ballgame.
What can you expect during a Marlins game? For one, a lot of energy and entertainment beyond just baseball. The Miami Marlins are a relatively young franchise (established in 1993 as the Florida Marlins) but have an enthusiastic fan base and two World Series titles under their belt. The game itself is filled with suspenseful moments – you’ll hear the crack of the bat and see fans eagerly waiting to catch foul balls or home run shots. By the seventh-inning stretch, don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game along with the crowd. Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, the experience is engaging: the team’s mascot (Billy the Marlin) roams around for photos, and the stadium’s big screen keeps everyone informed on player stats and in-game entertainment. We noticed that many first-time visitors around us were quickly drawn into the fun atmosphere. One highlight inside is the Bobblehead Museum located on the Promenade Level – a quirky display case holding over 600 bobblehead figures that gently sway (yes, all the little heads are bobbing!).
The quirky Bobblehead Museum on the Promenade Level
It’s a cute exhibition of baseball figurines featuring Marlins players, MLB legends, and mascots, and kids absolutely love it. Another standout feature is the modern art and sculptures around the park; for years a gigantic colorful home run sculpture was the signature piece in center field. (That artwork now sits just outside the stadium as a Miami landmark, still worth a look as you walk in.) The facility also hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 2017, which underlines its status as a world-class venue. In short, loanDepot Park offers a unique blend of sports and local flair – it’s definately not just another baseball stadium.
Game-Day Tips and Food Recommendations
We have a few tips from our experience to make the most of a Marlins game outing. First, arrive early – we usually get to the stadium at least an hour before game time. This gives you a smoother time parking (on-site garages and lots fill up, and traffic in Miami can be unpredictable) and lets you enjoy the pre-game activities. If you’re there when gates open, you can often catch players warming up. We’d also recommend exploring the Fan Zone (if you have kids in tow) located near the concourse, which has a batting simulator and a small play area; it’s perfect for letting young children burn off energy if they get restless sitting in one place. Because the ballpark is entirely cashless now, remember to bring a credit/debit card for any purchases (or use mobile payments). As for seating, every level has a good view thanks to the relatively intimate design of the park, but if you can, try to grab seats along the first base side or behind home plate for a full perspective of the field and the skyline when the panels are open. We sat behind home plate once and the view of each pitch and swing was fantastic. Even upper-deck seats in the outfield, while farther, benefit from the vibrant stadium atmosphere – and you’ll be closer to some of the fun fan sections and music.
No baseball game would be complete without enjoying some ballpark food, and loanDepot Park offers plenty of choices. One pleasant surprise is that concessions here are relatively affordable (by sports venue standards) and include a mix of classic American and local Miami flavors. Of course, you can get the staples: hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos are sold all around. In fact, families can take advantage of a “4 for $44” deal at certain stands – this bundle includes four hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks, which made feeding our group of four much easier on the wallet.
We tried it and it was enough to keep everyone happy until the late innings. If you’re in the mood for something more Miami-inspired, we encourage you to seek out the stands with Cuban and Latin cuisine touches. For example, there’s a popular stall that makes Cuban sandwiches (a local must-try, with roast pork and pickles pressed in warm bread) and others offering snacks like empanadas, arepas, or tacos during some games. We found the variety pretty impressive – one of us grabbed a classic Miami lager beer from a craft brewery kiosk while another went for ice cream. A fan-favorite spot inside the stadium is the Bullpen Bar & Grill out near left field, where you can relax at a table with a view of the game while sipping a cold drink or munching on wings and sliders. For beer lovers, the Blue Moon Brew Hall in the concourse (near Section 15) offers craft beers in a pub-style setting right inside the park. The bottom line on food: come hungry because there’s a lot of tasty options, and the prices won’t shock you as much as at some other MLB parks. We also noticed that outside food isn’t allowed through the gates (like most arenas), so plan to eat on-site or before you arrive.
Pressed Cuban sandwich with pickles—classic Miami ballpark bite
Nearby Attractions and After-Game Suggestions
One thing we love about seeing a Marlins game is that you’re not just confined to the stadium – the surrounding area has some great spots to check out before or after the game. loanDepot Park is located in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, a culturally rich area known for its Cuban heritage. After the final inning, you might want to take a short walk or drive to Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street), the main street of Little Havana just a few blocks south of the ballpark. In this vibrant area you’ll find Latin music pouring out of venues and the smell of Cuban coffee in the air. We recommend heading to a local restaurant like Versailles (a famous Cuban restaurant, about 10 minutes away by car) or Old’s Havana (on Calle Ocho, closer to the park) for a late dinner. At Versailles Restaurant, which is an iconic gathering spot, you can indulge in authentic dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef stew) or simply enjoy a Cuban sandwich with a strong cafecito coffee on the side. If you prefer something more lively in the evening, Ball & Chain is a historic bar/music lounge on Calle Ocho where live salsa and jazz music keep the energy high – it’s a fun place to celebrate a Marlins win with some dancing.
Colorful Calle Ocho rooster statue in Little Havana. Photographer: Sharon Hahn Darlin via Wikimedia Commons. licensed under cc-by-2.0
For those looking to make a full day of it, the ballpark is only a couple of miles from Downtown Miami. After an afternoon game, for example, you could drive over to the Bayside Marketplace by the waterfront. We’ve done this to unwind – Bayside has open-air shops, souvenir stalls, and restaurants overlooking Biscayne Bay, so it’s a nice spot to grab a meal or drink with a view of the marina (sometimes there’s even live music in the evenings). Another nearby attraction is the Wynwood Arts District (about 3-4 miles north of the stadium), famous for its colorful street murals and trendy eateries; strolling through Wynwood Walls can be a great contrast after sitting through a game. If you have kids along and want to keep them entertained, consider the Miami Children’s Museum or Jungle Island for the next day – they’re not far and add more family fun to your itinerary. There are also a few parks near the stadium if you just want to relax outdoors – for instance, Bayfront Park in downtown offers green space by the bay and often has events or free concerts.
Attending a Miami Marlins baseball game isn’t just about the sport; it’s a chance to experience a slice of American pastime combined with Miami’s unique flavor. From the moment we stepped into the stadium, we felt the buzz of excitement – and by the end of the night, as fireworks lit up the sky (there are fireworks on special game nights), we knew it was an evening well spent. Whether you’re a baseball enthusiast or a curious traveler looking for a fun activity, a Marlins game at loanDepot Park is worth adding to your Miami plans. We definately recommend it for travelers and locals alike, as it offers entertainment, culture, and memories all in one. Enjoy the game, and play ball!