As is the tradition in these parts, the college football season kicks off the Fall schedule of events, and ushers in what my friend Dean used to call the “Social Season.” But this year, there’s a twist, as the college football poobahs (see ESPN and college presidents) decided September 1 (or more accurately, August 31) was just too long to wait, so they moved it up a week.

Once every four years world-class athletes gather to compete against each other, and for a chance at immortality. Let’s face it: you may accomplish a lot of things in your life but to be known as an Olympic champion is a dream few of us will ever realize.

The Miami Marlins have revamped the franchise this offseason with the hope of contending for their third playoff birth in team history. The team is opening the doors to a brand new stadium this year and can boast a place to call their own for the first time since the team’s inception in 1993.