Hey, batter batter. It’s that time of year: Spring Training is back in Lakeland.
The Detroit Tigers’ 89th Spring Training season — and 60th consecutive season in Lakeland — kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 22 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. Fans can grab tickets for individual games, purchase a five-game flex plan, or put down a $100 deposit for spring season tickets.
- Saturday, February 22 vs. Philadelphia Phillies — 1:05 p.m.
- Monday, February 24 vs. Toronto Blue Jays — 1:05 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 26 vs. Minnesota Twins — 1:05 p.m.
- Thursday, February 27 vs. Boston Red Sox — 1:05 p.m.
- Saturday, March 1 vs. Philadelphia Phillies — 1:05 p.m.
- Monday, March 3 vs. Toronto Blue Jays — 1:05 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 5 vs. Philadelphia Phillies — 1:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 7 vs. Baltimore Orioles — 6:05 p.m.
- Sunday, March 9 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates — 1:05 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 12 vs. Tampa Bay Rays — 1:05 p.m.
- Thursday, March 13 vs. New York Yankees — 1:05 p.m.
- Sunday, March 16 vs. Baltimore Orioles — 1:05 p.m.
- Monday, March 17 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates — 1:05 p.m.
- Friday, March 21 vs. New York Yankees — 6:05 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22 vs. Atlanta Braves — 1:05 p.m.
The parking
If you’re planning to drive to the games, the City of Lakeland recommends departing one hour earlier than you want to arrive due to the ongoing construction on Lakeland Hills Boulevard. Use the map above 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 + motorcycles, $25 for RVs, and $30 for buses.
Citrus Connection will also offer its complimentary Tigertown Express service to games once again this year. Lakelanders can grab a ride from four locations around town to Joker Marchant Stadium. Shuttles will depart every ~10-15 minutes from:
- Gow B. Fields Park + Ride
- Lakeland Park Center
- Rose Street Park + Ride
- RP Funding Center
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.
