Hey, batter batter. It’s that time of year: Spring Training is back in Lakeland.
The Detroit Tigers’ 90th Spring Training season — and 61st consecutive season in Lakeland — is now underway at Joker Marchant Stadium. Before you grab your ball caps, here’s everything you need to know to get in on this time-honored tradition.
How much of this Lakeland sports history did you know?
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
The history
The Detroit Tigers first came to train in Lakeland in 1934, and ended up signing an initial 37-year contract with the city — so needless to say, that first meeting went well. In 1966, the team moved their training operations to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium where they continue to train today, albeit with a few upgrades over the years.
In 2017, the stadium underwent a $47 million upgrade to include new features like a 360-degree walkable concourse, an interactive children’s play area, all-inclusive indoor/outdoor seating, and food + drink options. In 2023, the City of Lakeland also approved a $33 million dormitory upgrade for the team after they extended their contract with the city through December 2044, further solidifying their relationship as the longest-standing between a team and its spring host city in the MLB.
The schedule
This year, the Detroit Tigers will play 15 games at Publix Field. All games start at 1:05 p.m., except the March 13 game, which begins at 6:05 p.m.
- Sunday, February 22 vs. Baltimore Orioles — 1:05 p.m.
- Monday, February 23 vs. Minnesota Twins — 1:05 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 25 vs. Toronto Blue Jays — 1:05 p.m.
- Friday, February 27 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- Sunday, March 1 vs. Toronto Blue Jays
- Monday, March 2 vs. Atlanta Braves
- Wednesday, March 4 vs. Panama
- Friday, March 6 vs. Boston Red Sox
- Saturday, March 7 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Monday, March 9 vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- Thursday, March 12 vs. New York Yankees
- Friday, March 13 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Monday, March 16 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- Tuesday, March 17 vs. Baltimore Orioles
- Saturday, March 21 vs. New York Yankees
The tickets
We recommend buying tickets online for individual games so you can select your seats. The cheapest options will be the Berm grass seating or the standing-room-only Runway seating in the left and right outfields, respectively. For the luxury experience, upgrade to the 34 Club, where tickets include food and beverages.
Bringing a big group of fans? Purchase a group plan for discounts on 20+ tickets.
If you plan to attend as many games as possible this season, consider spring season tickets. With a $105 deposit per seat, you can choose which section you prefer to sit in so the ballpark can truly be your second home.
The parking
If you’re planning to drive to the games, the team recommends allotting extra time to arrive due to ongoing construction on Lakeland Hills Boulevard. Use the parking map to find a route that avoids the construction areas as much as possible.
Parking at the stadium is now cashless, so you can travel with a light wallet. Parking costs $15 for cars, $25 for RVs, and $30 for buses. Pro tip: Buy parking in advance to save a few dollars or upgrade to a premium spot.
Citrus Connection will also offer its complimentary Tigertown Express service to games once again this year. Hop on a bus from these destinations:
- Lakeside Village hotels
- Lakeland Park Center + the Gow B. Fields Park & Ride
- RP Funding Center + Rose Street Park & Ride
- Socrum Loop-area hotels
The gear
Show off your Tigers pride by grabbing official hats, jerseys, and more before game day from Fanatics. We’re fans of this custom jersey — think we could get them to put LALtoday on the back?
Have any other Spring Training tips we need to know? Pitch them this way.
