Miami Marlins to relocate homer sculpture beyond left-centre-field fence at Marlins Park

The Miami Marlins will move the seven-story-high "Homer" sculpture beyond the left-center-field fence at Marlins Park after a unanimous vote by the Art in Public Places board of Miami-Dade County on Tuesday.

The Miami Marlins will move the seven-story-high "Homer" sculpture beyond the left-centre-field fence at Marlins Park after a unanimous vote by the Art in Public Places board of Miami-Dade County on Tuesday.

The area vacated by the sculpture, which illuminates with every Marlins home run, is expected to be filled by a multi-story, standing-room area aimed to appeal to younger fans.

The sculpture, which was commissioned for $2.5 million by former Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria for when the ballpark opened in 2012, will be part of an art walk outside the stadium.

"We appreciate the support and collaboration for our proposal from the county and the Art in Public Places trust," the Marlins said in a statement. They added the new location "will allow the piece to be enjoyed year-round in a more public-facing manner."

Red Grooms, who designed the sculpture, opposed the movement of the piece, according to the Miami Herald. He and Marlins CEO Derek Jeter reportedly met last month.