1.   Fernandez, a Miami native, was not packing the place every time he pitched.

2.   Although the place was packed, there were no mayors, supervisors, city department heads or well-heeled representatives from the Office of Protocol.

3.   And he started packing places.

4.   And there was a time not too long ago when packing the place for Passover was a given.

5.   Around the edges, tiers with barstools and standing room offer a good view even when the place is packed, and the sound is hefty but precise.

6.   About half the gamblers packing the place on weekends are Americans, casino officials said.

7.   But every Saturday night the place is packed for a beauty contest like no other.

8.   But the place was packed.

9.   By noon, the place was packed.