On Wednesday, a crowd of over 36,000 fans packed LoanDepot Park as the Dominican Republic edged Venezuela 7–5 in a thrilling group-stage matchup of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Dominican Republic struck first when Juan Soto blasted a two-run home run in the opening inning, igniting the crowd early.
Venezuela quickly answered with a pair of runs, keeping the game within reach through the early innings. The momentum later swung back toward the Dominican Republic when Fernando Tatis Jr. launched a three-run homer, helping his team regain control of the game.
After four straight scoreless innings in the middle of the match, Venezuela mounted a late push in the ninth inning. But the Dominican Republic ultimately held on to claim the 7–5 win and finish atop their group.
The stadium atmosphere portrayed the deep passion both nations have for baseball, as Dominican and Venezuelan supporters created an electric buzz throughout the night. The excitement inside the stadium never faded, showcasing the pride and passion of Hispanic baseball culture in South Florida.
“[It was] a truly first-rate experience,” said Herberto De Jesus, a Dominican fan. “I was here back in 2013 [for a match] and it was truly incredible. We had a fantastic time here. And at the end of the day, we are all the same. We are Latinos, and that is what matters.”
The strong turnout also highlighted the draw of international baseball in South Florida. The 36,230 fans in attendance were more than double the Miami Marlins’ average home crowd of a little over 14,000 fans during the 2025 season, showing how global tournaments like the World Baseball Classic can bring a significantly larger audience to LoanDepot Park.
