A feared parking nightmare turned out to be more like a dream come true for numerous Marlins fans attending the season-opening debut of Marlins Park Wednesday night.
That was even the case for those Fish fans arriving after the first pitch, such as Steve Miller and Doug Tobins.
“We had no problem but you pay a little extra,” Tobins said.
Jen Kleier “found a deal” in the lot of a pharmacy chain.
“We got $25 parking,” she said, “in a Walgreens parking lot."
Marlins Park holds about half the number of people of the old Orange Bowl. And parking garages create several thousand new parking spots.
Even with a packed stadium Wednesday, a lot directly across the street from the stadium was half-empty. Slots there cost $15 each.
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Perhaps because of concern about scarce parking, many fans took Marlins shuttle specials. Savvy businesses also offered free shuttles to and from casinos.
The folks who live near the sports site have always made a little cash for filling tiny front yards.
But some are just not seeing as much business. Phil Uranga, who lives near the ballpark, said this first night was substantially different from the old Orange Bowl days.
“It was a madhouse before. Not enough capacity, and this used to be jam-packed with people looking for spots,” he said.
