Engineers: Marlins stadium construction on track 100 days in

MIAMI (WSVN) -- One hundred days into construction on the new Marlins stadium, project engineers insist that they are on-schedule and on budget.

"The $158 million that we've awarded, we are tracking very well to stay on budget and certainly within the time constraints that we have to build this facility," said Senior Vice President of Ballpark Development Claude Delorme, who believes the stadium itself will not exceed its expected costs despite expectations for the facility's garage to do just the opposite.

Work at the stadium's Little Havana neighborhood construction site, surrounded by green-mesh fencing, started with large columns that will support the venue's retractable roof. As of Thursday, each of those beams stands about 138 feet tall, but officials say the ballpark's final height will double that amount. "It's a very large structure," said an engineer. "It will take people's breath away."

With it's foundation in place and the framework for it's seating underway, the stadium is designed to boast dynamic views of the downtown area.

Protected by wood framing, concrete has been laid down at the location of home plate, which has been strategically positioned to keep the sun out of the players' eyes.

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