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63º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. | Sunset 6:21 p.m.
 

There’s no crying in baseball...

Lakeland’s 89-year love story with the Tigers
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The team first played at Henley Field, seen here in the 1960s. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library
...but the love story between Lakeland and the Detroit Tigers has us reaching for our tissues. Lakeland has been the team’s second home for nearly 90 years, making it the longest-standing relationship between a team and its host spring city in the Major Leagues.

The Tigers’ local history

1923 | Lakeland’s first love: The Cleveland Indians arrived to train at Henley Field and brought an economic boom to the city in 1923. In 1927, the Indians and Lakeland parted ways.

A black and white photo of the Lakeland Flying Tigers circa 1937.

Detroit Tigers smile for a photo during Spring Training in 1937.

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Photo via Lakeland Public Library

1934 | The meet-cute: Lakeland invited the Detroit Tigers to come train for a year, trying to fill a baseball-sized economic hole in its heart. Before meeting, Detroit had trained at 10 sites. The team ended up signing a 37-year contract to stay in LAL.

1966 | Moving in: The newly added Lakeland Tigers moved into Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, which sat 4,900 people upon opening. The land under the stadium was where thousands of pilots from across the globe were trained, so the team was renamed the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

A panoramic shot of Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium at twilight. Players are on the field and the field lights are on, but the stands and seats are empty.

Grab your seat for an upcoming game.

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Photo by Reader Tom H., submitted for our 2023 Picture of the Year Contest

2014 | Renewing vows: The Tigers signed on to train in Lakeland for 20 more years, marking what will be a 100-year spring training relationship by 2036.

2023 | Happily ever after: The Tigers extended their lease through December 2044, and the City of Lakeland approved a $33 million dormitory upgrade for the team. The complex will include new team dormitories, recreation areas, and a cafeteria; Joker Marchant Stadium will be unaffected.

What’s new this year

  • The Detroit Tigers’ spring season will run from Saturday, Feb. 24 to Tuesday, March 26.
  • Single-game + season tickets are available.
  • Citrus Connection is introducing the Tigertown Express, offering free bus service to select home games, including Saturday’s opener.
  • Keep scrolling to learn how you can welcome the team to Lakeland tomorrow.
Asked

How many times have the Detroit Tigers won the World Series?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 9
D. 12
Take a swing at this trivia
 
Events
Monday, Feb. 19
  • After School Art | Monday, Feb. 19 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $0-$5 | Parents and children can learn a new art medium each week of this series.
Tuesday, Feb. 20
  • Fun Run, Music Bingo & Pinoy Cravings | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Run with Fleet Feet + stay afterward for music bingo and food from Pinoy Cravings.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
  • Catapult Presents Lunch with Marcus Hall | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Learn the inspiring story of the entrepreneur behind Marc Nelson Denim — lunch is provided.
Thursday, Feb. 22
  • Trivia at Crave | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, 2250 Griffin Rd., Lakeland | Free entry | Don’t miss this event hosted by Dang Yo Trivia — prizes are on the line.
Friday, Feb. 23
  • A Tribute To Bob Marley | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$150 | Don’t worry about a thing, just come to this concert by Firelight.
Saturday, Feb. 24
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Eat

⚾ Kick off Spring Training at the Tiger BBQ tomorrow
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Did you know? Spring Training’s economic impact is $45 million in Lakeland and $753 million in the State of Florida. | Photos via Visit Central Florida/Flickr
Consider this your invitation to an oh-so-Lakeland tradition.

Usher in Spring Training and feast on an old-fashioned southern barbecue at the 77th annual Tiger BBQ, happening tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Look forward to:
  • A barbecue buffet of pulled pork, grilled chicken quarters, ribs, sausage, shrimp cocktail + all the fixin’s (think: coleslaw, baked beans, and roasted corn).
  • A souvenir mug
  • A celebration of the Detroit Tigers’ return to Lakeland for Spring Training.
Snag Tiger BBQ + Spring Training tix
News Notes
Ranked
  • No. 2. That’s where Lakeland ranked on a list of 40 suburban markets with the lowest business operating costs. The report showed that a hypothetical Lakeland office with 150 workers (think: these top employers) could expect $14.5 million in annual operating costs. (The Ledger)
Plan Ahead
  • Lakeland’s Black History Festival was canceled this weekend due to weather. Mark your calendar for its new date on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Jackson Park. The event will include outdoor activities, plus history exhibits inside the Coleman-Bush building.
Civic
  • City commissioners will discuss adding Juneteenth as a city holiday during their meeting on Monday, April 1. The discussion was initially set for Monday, March 18, but two commissioners will be absent from that day’s meeting. You can still email your thoughts on the issue to the commission. (LkldNow)
Sports
  • Lakeland High School’s cheer team nabbed its second national title in a row at last week’s UCA High School Nationals competition. The win came just over a week after the Dreadnaughts won first in their division in the state championship. (The Ledger)
History
  • Polk County History Center researchers recently discovered the story of Moses Williams, a Black musician from Haines City known for playing a one-string guitar. A new historic marker bearing song lyrics he wrote is now on display at Shady Oaks Gardens Cemetery, where Williams is buried. (Bay News 9)
Eat
  • Chef Tina Calhoon of Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar was featured on FOX 13 News’ Dinner DeeAs segment. Start your meal planning for the week with her recipes for chicken noodle soup and chicken pot pie.
Number
  • 400,000+. That’s the number of people who start their day with The Dispatch — the newsletter that describes its reporting and analysis as ‘conservative but never partisan,’ with an emphasis on context, depth, and understanding. Subscribe for a 90-day free trial.*
 
Civic

Get involved + make a difference

Here’s how to join Lakeland boards and committees
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Create the city you want to live in. | Photo by Catapult
Swan City citizens like you are integral to creating the city we love. Wondering how you can make an impact? You can serve Lakeland on one of nearly 20 municipal boards and committees focused on arts, development, code enforcement, and more.

Time commitment varies, but most committees meet monthly or quarterly. Terms typically last from three to four years. Applications are available online. There are currently four vacancies on two committees.

Historic Preservation Board | Currently seeking two applicants | Nine to 13 members | Meets monthly
  • Promotes the preservation of historic structures and sites + oversees design guidelines in historic districts
  • Seeking an architect, realtor, property owner, or other Lakelander with an interest or experience in historic preservation
Planning & Zoning Board | Currently seeking two applicants | Seven members | Meets monthly
  • Oversees the city’s comprehensive plan and development regulations
  • Makes recommendations for zoning + rezoning requests and future land use
The Buy

The Buy 2.19.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A stylish new collar or leash from Six & Main’s collection for your dog to sport during their favorite time of day (walk time).
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The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
The Tigers’ return means spring really has sprung. We’re putting together our next seasonal events guide, but we need your help. Add your events to our community calendar for a chance to be featured. The best part? It’s free.
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