There’s something about summer that is synonymous with baseball. When I think of the impending hot weather, it immediately calls to mind the smell of freshly cut grass, the scent of an oiled leather glove, the crack of a bat. Cold beer and grandstand peanuts. Baseball is a game meant to be played outside, under an endless expanse of blue sky; heat and sweat and dirt are a part of it’s history.

But over the years stadiums have become more and more comfortable, for both spectator and player. In states where the heat can get unbearable in summer months–such as Texas, where the air-conditioned Astrodome is located–it’s almost a necessity to protect athletes from the swelter. Now, Miami has gotten in on the act.

The Marlins unveiled their new stadium on Wednesday, which is air-conditioned and has a retractable roof–something which will come in handy during those sudden rain showers Florida is famous for. Unfortunately, because the roof takes so long to close–about 13 minutes–stadium workers will have to be on their toes. An unexpected downpour drenched the field on Saturday for just that reason.

The Marlins’ new home is attracting attention from fans already–including boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who threw out the first pitch–and ticket sales are expected to keep climbing after being in decline for the past few years. Miami’s weather makes baseball games close to miserable for everyone involved, but new manager Ozzie Guillen is hoping that will change this season, despite their 4-1 loss against the Cardinals in the first game. When the players are comfortable, they perform better, and when a team is winning, crowds will show up.

“To keep people excited, we’ve got to win games,” Guillen said. “That’s how you keep the excitement in any city, with any ballpark.”

It seems to be true….if you build it, they will come.

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