Continuing what has become an annual tradition, the Marlins play an exhibition against the University of Miami before delving into their Grapefruit League schedule. This year’s contest will be a 3:05 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Stadium on March 1. The next day the Marlins travel to Fort Lauderdale Stadium to take on the Orioles at 1:05 p.m., kicking off their Grapefruit League schedule.

Florida Marlins officials met with Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina to discuss two sites for a potential baseball stadium.

The Marlins have been shopping around the country for a new home.

Marlins President David Samson told reporters that the Hialeah talks demonstrate the team’s desire to stay in the region. Hialeah is northwest of downtown Miami.

The Marlins announced in November that Major League Baseball has granted the team permission to seek relocation. That followed the collapse of a deal to build a retractable-roof stadium in downtown Miami.

The Marlins have played in Dolphins Stadium for 13 years.

The Florida Marlins Fanfest is coming up! Feb. 11? 10:AM-4:PM

• Autograph and photograph sessions with Marlins players and coaches, Billy The Marlin and the Marlins Mermaids presented by the Miami Herald

• Interactive areas and activities including: Home Run Derby, Little Sluggers’ Zone, Big League Batting Cage, PlayStation2 Challenge, and Baseball Trivia Zone presented by Doctors Hospital

• Marlins World Championship trophies display

• Exclusive Marlins’ clubhouse and pressbox tours

• Townhall meetings with Marlins players, coaches and front office executives

• Baseball card and memorabilia shows

• Live musical entertainment

• Live radio broadcasts from the Marlins flagship stations WQAM 560 AM and WQBA 1140 AM

• Appearance by Dora the Explorer

Admission to the event is free. A $5 parking fee, which can be applied as a credit towards the purchase of game tickets, will apply during FanFest only. All other proceeds will benefit the Florida Marlins Community Foundation