Everything you need to know about '23 Classic games in Miami
MIAMI -- After a six-year hiatus, the World Baseball Classic is upon us.
For Marlins president of business operations Caroline O'Connor and the rest of the organization, it has been a long time coming. loanDepot park will become the first venue in tournament history to host games in all three rounds in the same year, something it was slated to do in 2021 before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the event.
• Watch the World Baseball Classic live on FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes and Tubi
When talks resurfaced, the Marlins' pitch remained the same: Miami is the "Home of Béisbol." It has a track record -- from the electrifying 2017 Classic contest between the United States and the Dominican Republic to the MLB All-Star Game held months later. Over the past two seasons, the Marlins have hosted vibrant Heritage Celebrations showcasing the South Florida community's diversity.
• Complete World Baseball Classic rosters
"Just our people, our passion, it tells such a great story," O'Connor said. "I think the heritage nights and the success they've seen, those are something that we showed MLB and said, 'Look at these heritage nights. We have thousands of people coming out to support these countries, and they're the same countries playing in the WBC.' So really excited to see those on a next level with the WBC."
If you're attending a game in Miami, here's a handy FAQ with everything you need to know:
What's the schedule?
• March 11-15: Pool Play D consisting of the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and Israel
• March 17-18: The North American quarterfinals, including the teams advancing from Pools C and D
• March 19-21: The semifinals and final
When will gates open?
• First round: Two hours prior to first pitch for the day games and 1 1/2 hours prior for the night games
• For quarterfinals, semifinals and final: Three hours prior to first pitch
How should I get to the ballpark?
• A World Baseball Classic Transportation Hub has been established in Downtown Miami at the Government Center, with a parking fee of just $15 that includes a complimentary shuttle service to and from loanDepot park.
Hours of operation are as follows: March 11-15 from 9 a.m.–1 a.m. ET and March 17–21 from 3 p.m.–1 a.m. ET.
• Parking on site at loanDepot park is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advance parking sales. The fee will be $40 per game, while supply lasts.
• Brightline, a partner of the Marlins, has adjusted the travel schedules for its trains. In addition, Brightline is offering complimentary shuttle service for guests to and from MiamiCentral Station and loanDepot park during the World Baseball Classic. Fans can book their rides today at GoBrightline.com.
• Rideshare apps will set a geofence at the below time to only permit pickups from the dedicated Rideshare Zones.
Day games: 3-5 p.m. ET
Night games: 10 p.m.-midnight ET.
Rideshare Zones will be located at the intersection of NW 16th Avenue and W Flagler Street and NW 13th Avenue and W Flagler Street.
For more information on transportation, click here.
Will there be entertainment if I get there early?
There will be pregame concerts and activities on the West Plaza as well as around the concourse.
What sort of concessions can I expect to find?
Among the food destinations along the Promenade Level are the following:
• Bites del Caribe (Section 24): Food inspired by Serie del Caribe, which will take place at loanDepot park in 2024, featuring arepas, tequeños and other Caribbean-inspired delights.
• The BeisBowl (Section 19): A healthier option for guests dining at the ballpark. The grain or rice bowl will include your choice of fresh toppings and sauces.
• Islas Canarias: Cafecito, croquetas and pastelitos will be served at AutoNation Alley.
• Naked Taco (Section 8): Fresh tacos with a twist on the traditional, like the Philly taco and buffalo chicken taco.
• Queso Grande (Section 40): Quesadilla concept with fun fillings like Firecracker Chicken, Steak Carnitas and Impossible Bulgogi (vegetarian).
• Pardon My Cheesesteak (Section 13): An elevated cheesesteak experience with All-Star flavor.
• Taco 93 (World Baseball Classic specialty): A new taco stand makes its debut on the Legends and Vista levels, featuring pastor, carne asada and volcano chicken tacos.
• Rincon Habana (World Baseball Classic specialty): Classics like the Cuban sandwich and pan con croqueta will expand to the Legends and Vista levels.
• On Deck Smashed Burger (Section 207): The Smashed burgers concept, with burgers, boneless wings and loaded buffalo fries, has been added to the Legend and Vista levels.
"[The ballpark will] look different, and it'll taste different with the foods," O'Connor said. "We've been really excited about it. Our chef has been really taking a lot of interest in this and looking at the countries that are coming to play and what are some delicacies and special dishes that they would like. You're going to see everything from the beers of that country to the food of that country."
How can I order food from concessions?
Aside from waiting in line and missing the action, fans can do the following:
• CHEQ mobile order for pick-up, which has expanded to all stand locations on the Promenade Level and select locations on Legends Level and Vista Level
• CHEQ will operate mobile order for in-seat delivery in the PNC Club.
• Cashless payment policy at all locations
• Additional self-checkout stations have been installed throughout the promenade.
Can I bring instruments?
Music won't be restricted to the Pachanga band, which is a staple during Heritage Saturdays. Fans can show off their musical talent at games, though your vuvuzela will have to stay at home. For more information, check out the instrument and flag policies.
Where can I buy merchandise?
The New Era Team Store on the West Plaza will open beginning from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET on Friday.
"All the game presentation will be themed for the countries playing and for the WBC specifically, so you'll see people bringing in their instruments and wearing their country jerseys," O'Connor said. "Some of the country jerseys are already on sale around town. I see a lot of excitement about them on social media, so I think it will be a very vibrant experience. We are welcoming all of that personality and way that people want to celebrate their team."
Will the roof be open?
It will not, so enjoy the 72-degree temperature inside loanDepot park!
If I can't make it to a game, is there anything to see around town?
The World Baseball Classic & Miami Marlins Family Fest Concert will take place this Friday from 6-10 p.m. ET at Lummus Park at 6th Street and Ocean Drive. There will be performances by local musicians Spam Allstars, PALO! and Tito Nieves. The event is free and open to all guests.
Giant baseball sculptures designed by local artists Rigo Leon, Victor Gosa and Muta Santiago can also be found at loanDepot park, Domino Park (Little Havana), Coconut Grove and Dolphin Mall. The installations feature a QR code that creates a custom augmented reality filter with interactivity. Plus, there is a World Baseball Classic-themed baseball cart traveling the streets.