A few weeks ago, LoanDepot Park was rocking.
The ballpark was packed with fans from all different cultures, singing, dancing, and honoring the sport that is baseball.
For the World Baseball Classic, LoanDepot Park was a cathedral for baseball fans to come, laugh, cry, and love the sport they hold so dearly.
Now, though?
It’s back to being the home of the Miami Marlins, possibly the least supported team in all of major North American sports.
After winning their first three games of the season against the Colorado Rockies and being only one of five teams with a perfect record heading into the new week, there was a belief that things might be turning around in South Beach with the WBC and the hot start from the young Marlins.
Then Monday came.
The perfect Marlins played against the Chicago White Sox at LoanDepot Park, and it was empty.
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Although it was an afternoon game, there was no excitement or fanfare to be had in Miami for a Marlins team that came out of the gate with three straight wins. Instead, a crowd of mostly White Sox fans watched as their winless team got its first win of the season over Miami.
The overall attendance?
6,515.
And that’s the paid attendance, which means that the actual numbers in the ballpark could be way lower.
It’s another embarrassing blow for the Marlins, who are attempting to rediscover a fanbase in a state that seems to love baseball unless it’s being played by either the Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays.
A fan who attended the game gave his unfiltered thoughts on social media following the humiliating turnout.
I know sometimes Marlins play like [expletive], besides that, people here in Miami are really ungrateful with the team,” they said. “Impossible after 3 games winning, the attendance was basically nothing. More White Sox fans than Marlins fans.”
Although it wasn’t as bad as Monday’s attendance, Miami’s crowd for opening weekend was also mocked online.
On the brink of another record-low attendance season, the Marlins will have to hope that opposing fans travel to watch their favorite team take on the “home team” at LoanDepot Park.
