Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has made it official — the Miami Marlins will host the 2017 All-Star Game.
Manfred made the announcement Friday at a news conference at Marlins Park. Among those attending were Florida Gov. Rick Scott, the Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez, and several former players, including Gary Sheffield and Mike Lowell.
"We look forward to being here in 2017 and to a great All-Star weekend," Manfred said during the announcement.
The event included a color guard and performance of the national anthem and had a celebratory tone because it was a long time coming.
Team owner Jeffrey Loria spoke early in the announcement and also answered questions later on. Loria was instrumental in the vision of a new ballpark being realized for the Marlins.
"A landmark moment for our ballpark," Loria said during a brief statement.
The Marlins started play in 1993 and two years later were awarded the 2000 All-Star Game at Pro Player Stadium. After founding owner Wayne Huizenga dismantled the roster of the team's 1997 World Series champions, Major League Baseball took away the game in 1998 and awarded it to Atlanta.
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The 2017 All-Star Game will take place on July 11th, 2017. Prior to the game, there will be a Home-Run Derby and several other events.
