The Miami Marlins have unveiled plans to reposition loanDepot park as a year-round destination through the introduction of a new entertainment development.
The MLB franchise is partnering with real estate and entertainment district developer The Cordish Companies on the Miami Live! scheme. The development will include indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment spaces aimed at fostering community and elevating the fan experience, including curated year-round activations focused on community programming for all ages.
The Marlins said the privately financed project, the budget for which has not been disclosed, represents a “significant investment” in the community, blending modern design with functional open spaces in an effort to create a dynamic environment where residents and visitors alike can unwind, socialise, and engage in year-round programming.
“It is with great excitement and pride that we announce the transformation of the West Plaza with Miami Live! – a communal space reinvigorated to bring joy and excitement to our fans and neighbours with opportunities for engagement,” said Bruce Sherman, Miami Marlins chairman and principal owner.
“This project represents our commitment to our community, as we develop our ballpark’s campus to feature dining, entertainment, and gathering options for everyone to enjoy. We are thrilled to have a well-renowned partner in The Cordish Companies, who are industry leaders with a great reputation in South Florida as well as across the sports and entertainment landscape nationally. Miami Live! will be a vibrant hub to gather and create lasting memories for all who visit.”
As part of its commitment to fostering community spirit, the team said it has prioritised sustainability and inclusivity in the design of Miami Live! through features like energy-efficient lighting, accessible pathways, and community art installations.
The official opening of Miami Live! is anticipated for early 2026, with such a project having been targeted since loanDepot park opened in 2012. The move to enhance the ballpark experience comes with the Marlins having ranking 29th out of MLB’s 30 teams in game attendance for the past four years, having been bottom in 2018 and 2019.
The Miami Herald also notes that the privately funded Miami Live! scheme comes with the financial model for loanDepot park remaining a controversial subject. The estimated $634m (£519.1m/€615.3m) project was publicly funded, with 80% of the cost provided by the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County.
The Marlins’ decision to partner with The Cordish Companies comes with the latter considered a market leader in sports-anchored, mixed-use developments, partnering with many of the country’s leading professional sports franchises and media companies including fellow MLB teams the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.
David Cordish, chairman and CEO of The Cordish Companies, said: “We are proud to join our partners, as well as Miami-Dade County, to deliver a transformational world-class project that has lasting impacts on the community through job creation, economic benefits, exceptional new first-class amenities and year-round activations and experiences.
“Miami Live! will become the living room for the community and offer a new year-round gathering place for locals and visitors alike.”
