Marlins offer freebies, ticket deals

At long last, it’s time to play ball in South Florida.

“You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through,” Yankee great Joe DiMaggio once said. “You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

We shall see. The Miami Marlins home opener is Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. But later this year, something wonderful is definitely going to happen when Miami hosts the 88th All Star Game on July 11.

Festivities include parades, a FanFest to be held July 7-11 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and an All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game. Sounds fun, but the Home Run Derby and All Star Game are going to be the hottest tickets in town.

Marlins season ticket holders get first dibs on seats, which means everyone else must register by April 20 for a chance to purchase tickets on or about May 11.

Sign up at SunSentinel.com/ AllStar.

In the meantime, the team is offering freebies and deals on tickets this season.

Here’s a look at the offers, found at Marlins.com/Promotions.

Sundays: Get four seats (Lexus Legends Level, Baseline Reserved, Bullpen Reserved or Home Run Porch), four hot dogs and soft drinks, starting at $84. Catch the last of three games with the New York Mets at 1:10 p.m. on April 16.

Mondays: A weekly flash sale will be revealed at 3:05 p.m. on Mondays, offering various discounts on tickets, food and merchandise. Also, the Salute & Serve Mondays promo offers two free tickets to active-duty and retired military, veterans and first responders who have valid ID, based on availability. Pick up tickets at the Center Field entrance starting at 5:30 p.m. on game days.

Tuesdays: Save up to 50 percent on seats, which vary by category. Purchase up to nine tickets per transaction.

Wednesdays: No promos are offered because there is only one Wednesday home game scheduled for Sept. 6 against the Washington Nationals.

Thursdays: Seniors rule with free admission for those 55 or older with I.D. to five home games, starting June 1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Naturally, games against the Mets on Thursday and Chicago Cubs on June 23 are blacked out. Pick up tickets, based on availability, at the East Plaza entrance starting at 5:30 p.m. on game days.

Fridays: Get a lower level ticket, specialty burger and a beer for $30, starting when the Mets take the field at 7:10 p.m. on Friday.

The first 10,000 fans in the park get a Don Mattingly bobblehead.

Saturdays: It’s all-youcan-eat Nathan’s hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos at games in April, May and September. Prices start at $30.

On Saturday, the first 10,000 fans get a wall calendar.

It’s also Jackie Robinson night with post-game fireworks.

Also, young fans up to age 12 can register to get a package of team goodies by joining Billy’s Bunch Kid Club for $5.

Members get a welcome letter from the mascot, a membership card, lunch box, lanyard, key chain, bracelet and coloring book, among other things. It’s a shame the team is charging to join the club. It used to be free.

Sign up at SunSentinel.com/BillysBunch.

ADAM SACASA/STAFF The Miami Marlins home opener is Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves.