Couple upset with Marlins over season ticket seats

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Two Miami Marlins season ticket holders are upset about a change in the view from their seats, accusing Marlins executives of being bad sports.

It's a season ticket showdown between the Marlins and fish fans Bill and Jan Leon. "I don't want to get into a legal battle with them," said Jan, "but I'm not going to back down."

The longtime fans from Plantation purchased premium seats. The price tag was $25,000 for the 2012 season in the new Marlins Park.

At first, the seats were pitch perfect during the pre-season: seats with a clear view of the field, no obstructions. All was good.

The Leons have been season ticket holders since 1993, but on Opening Day, at the new Marlins Park in 2012 the couple noticed something wasn't right with their new seats.

At the first game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a giant rolling advertising sign was now in the couples view. "I'm taller than David Samson," said Jan, "and I couldn't see third base."

From across the diamond, Jan's head could barely be spotted above the big sign and green foam pad. "Opening Day, my husband brought flotation devices from a boat," said Jan. "Square little boat cushions to sit on."

The Marlins agreed to compromise. They reduced the foam pad from four inches thick to one inch. The Marlins also offered a seat swap.

The team chose not to go on camera, but said, "Fan comfort is of utmost importance to us. We go above and beyond to ensure our fans have a great experience at Marlins Park. We have offered Ms. Leon numerous opportunities to move to a different seat location, and each time she has refused to move."

But the Leons cry foul with the new seat choices. "I could move further back," said Jan. "I could move to a different section, none of which would be an equivalent of what I paid for."

So the Leons want the bulky ad signage gone. If it stays, they want out of their contract.

The Marlins threatened a lawsuit if the couple refuses to pay up on the two-year seat deal.

On the tail of several losing seasons, and a fire sale of top-billed players last year, this couple wants to to know why the fish are picking on them. Through it all, they just want a fair trade. "Don't threaten me and say you are going to sue me because I didn't do something that you felt was fair," said Jan.

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