Top > Sport > 2005 > November > 2005-11-24

Marlins Look for a New Home

After years of attempting to secure a baseball stadium in downtown Miami, the Florida Marlins are planning to relocate the franchise by the year 2008. It appear that this is more than just an empty threat, seeing that the team petitioned to the league offices and was given permission the commissioner`s office to explore its options in other venues. Jeffrey Loria, the owner of the team is not ruling out staying in Miami if a deal for a stadium can be reached.

Loria was quoted as saying, "No longer can baseball in South Florida be assured. It is now clear to us that there will be no baseball stadium in the city of Miami. So we must begin to explore other options. Therefore, we will expand our search beyond the city of Miami". Las Vegas and Portland, Ore., which both failed to land the Montreal Expos before that franchise moved to Washington a year ago, are likely to try to lure the Marlins. Samson said another possibility is building on land near Dolphins Stadium and owned by the franchise`s original owner, H. Wayne Huizenga.

The Marlins` lease with Dolphins Stadium owned by Huizenga is in effect until 2007. The team has a series of one-year options that could keep it there through the 2010 season. "We are all very disappointed that despite the efforts of three sets of owners, our office, two world championships, and a very significant economic proposal from the current owners, that plans for a new stadium have not been brought to fruition," Bob DuPuy, baseball`s chief operating officer.