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Miami Marlins Gear Hot Seller In Dade

MIAMI (CBS4)- Marlins fans who've been patiently waiting to check out what the team has dubbed the 'coolest ballpark ever' got their chance Saturday. Die hard fans buying season tickets got to select-a-seat at the stadium.

Most were impressed with what they saw.

"The stadium looks absolutely wonderful," said Jonathan Trillos.

Fan, Bobby Brown says the new ballpark is much better than the Marlins' former home at Sun Life Stadium.

"The seats were close to the field- you're right there with the players," Brown told CBS4's Natalia Zea.

The Howells aren't thrilled with the Miami location. They've been season ticket holders for 19 years and drive down from Jupiter for games. But they are impressed by the shiny new ballpark complete with retractable roof.

"It's big. And hopefully it will be nice and air conditioned at hopefully we won't have to worry about the heat and the rain," said Lotta Howell.

The decision to build the 600-million dollar stadium caused a lot of controversy among South Florida taxpayers, and was one of the reasons voters recalled a Mayor.

Fan, Malcolm Brown hopes it will be worth the money.

"Time will probably tell- but I think it's going to be exciting and hopefully in time it will be worth it."

And the Miami Marlins now have a spankin' new logo to go along with their new home.

Fans wasted no time snatching up the new gear at the ballpark. Though some folks aren't fans of the new look.

"I was a little hesitant at first but they've grown on me. I'll be fine with it, you'll get used to it," said Jonathan Trillos.

Kenneth Pinos digs it. "A lot of people are saying they don't like it. Personally I love it. I think it's similar to the Dolphins colors in a way. It signifies Miami," he told Zea.

The Miami Marlins and new merchandise has already hit South Florida stores, with a chance for fans to meet their favorite Marlins player.

The Marlins announced three new locations where fans can get their favorite Miami Marlins gear on Saturday.

According to the team, fans can purchase new Miami Marlins merchandise while spending time with their favorite Marlins players.

The new store locations include:

Sawgrass Mills located at 12801 West Sunrise Boulevard near Mall Entry 3 near FYE. Players Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco were at the location from noon to 1 p.m.

Dolphin Mall located at 11401 NW 12th Street by the Mall Entry 5 near Marshalls and Burlington Coat Factory. Omar Infante, Gaby Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez were in attendance from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

On Friday, the team celebrated the big change at their new stadium in Little Havana, showing off the nearly-complete roofed ballpark to 800 celebs and VIPs invited for a first-hand look. The Marlins also unveiled their new logo, new team colors and four new uniforms.

It's Official: New Logo, Uniforms For The New Miami Marlins

The new stadium is expected to officially open on April 4, 2012.

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