Marlins to sell single-game parking passes

Fans should reserve spots in advance for popular games

MIAMI – For people living near the new Marlins Park, the Miami Parking Authority assured Thursday that baseball fans won't take away their parking.

Permits will be available for residents to secure street parking.

"The intent is to make life easier on them, not harder," said Art Noriega with the Miami Parking Authority.

Noriega said fans will actually have more parking options than previously believed.

For months, the Marlins said the four garages surrounding the ballpark were reserved only for VIPs and season ticket holders, but that's not the case anymore.

"This parking will actually be available and open to the public day of game, on most games," Noriega said.

News that garage parking had opened up to the public wasn't easy to find. On the Marlins website, there was no big announcement. On its parking page, there is a small green tab indicating where a fan can click to find parking. Once the tab is clicked, games that have parking available are listed.

Noriega said fans don't have to reserve a spot in advance for most games. But they should, especially for popular games.

Parking has been the sore spot for fans eager to see the gleaming new ballpark.

Public transportation options are slim, and a new trolley system has only limited routes.

Noriega said parking availability on game days will be a matter of supply and demand.

"Just as ticket sales vary, capacity will vary," Noriega said.