Sports

Go, fight, win: A rookie’s guide to supporting Lakeland sports teams

Supporting a student athlete in your family or just taking yourself out to the ballgame? We’ll tell you what to wear and who to cheer for.

August 21, 2024 • 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial shot of Southeastern University's football field and stands. SEU is painted in the center of the field, and the Fire logo is in the endzones.

Fans will fill stadiums throughout Lakeland this fall.

Photo by @thealexanderkautz

The start of fall means the return of high school + collegiate sports in Lakeland. If you’re planning on hanging out under the Friday night lights or sitting courtside this year, consider this our crash course to local athletics.

College

Florida Southern College
Mascot: Mocs | Color to wear: Red
Soccer, cross country, and volleyball seasons kick off this September. Pro tip: You may run into cross country meets in Lakeland’s Holloway Park.

Polk State College
Mascot: Eagles | Colors to wear: Black + red
Women’s sports take the spotlight in fall — catch soccer in Lakeland and volleyball in Winter Haven.

Southeastern University
Mascot: Fire | Colors to wear: Black + red
Changes are coming to football games at Victory Field. General admission is now open seating, and there’s a new end zone VIP experience.

Three photos of Lakeland high school football players on the field

PolkWay863 shared a few players to watch this football season with us: Martavius McCall of Lake Gibson, Jozia Scott from Victory Christian Academy (a private school), and Keon Young of Lakeland High.

Photos provided by @polkway863

Public high schools

George Jenkins High School
Mascot: Eagles | Colors to wear: Green + gold
The golf teams will tee off against other local schools at venues like Eaglebrooke and Cleveland Heights Golf Course.

Kathleen High School
Mascot: Red Devils | Colors to wear: Red + white
Super Bowl-winning linebacker Ray Lewis honed his skills here. Will another player follow in his footsteps this year?

Lakeland High School
Mascot: Dreadnaughts | Colors to wear: Orange + black
Don’t forget to join the Dreadnaught Wave to kids at Lakeland Regional Medical Center during football games at Bryant Stadium.

Lake Gibson High School
Mascot: Braves | Colors to wear: Maroon + gold
The girls’ volleyball season has already begun, but beach volleyball begins in the spring. Dig it?

McKeel Academy
Mascot: Wildcats | Colors to wear: Green + navy blue
Yes, bowling is a sport — and these charter schools are some of the only ones around that offer it.

Tenoroc High School
Mascot: Titans | Colors to wear: Purple, silver + white
The football team went winless last season, but with fans like you in the stands, we’ve got a good feeling about this year.

More from LALtoday
The exterior of Sora Eatery in Lakeland International Airport.
Food
Sora Eatery is now boarding at Lakeland International Airport
The new restaurant at LAL is nearly ready to open its doors, and we got a sneak peek of what Lakelanders (and visitors) can expect.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Amelia Grooms
House 1
City
Nextdoor names Lakeland’s friendliest neighborhoods of 2026
Did your neighborhood make the list?
February 26, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of the Florida Strawberry Festival's rides, booths, and entertainment pavilions
Events
Your guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival
It’s the sweetest time of year — the Florida Strawberry Festival is back. Save our guide so you don’t get in a (strawberry) jam.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Staff
Entrance to Munn Park with trees, benches, and signage
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lakeland
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
February 25, 2026
 · 
Staff
A 70-ft mural with a colorful, technological design
Travel and Outdoors
Barbecue, beer, and brushstrokes: Explore Polk with Visit Central Florida’s passes
Be a tourist in your own hometown with three passes that give you prizes in return for check-ins.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A line of people outside a green building with a pink neon "Grievous Angel" sign and outdoor picnic table seating.
Food
What we ordered at Grievous Angel, downtown Lakeland’s new burger joint
Burgers, beignets, and beverages — find out what’s on the menu at this new restaurant from the owners of LoveBird.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An architectural rendering of a modern library interior with vaulted ceilings, globe lights, and computer workstations.
City
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library to undergo major renovations
The library will fully close for the construction of new bathrooms, an updated layout, and new fixtures.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A pilot's view from the cockpit of a small aircraft flying over the Florida landscape under a clear blue sky.
Business
Learn to soar with Dobbs Flight Service in Lakeland
Lakeland’s aviation industry is reaching new heights. Become part of it by earning your pilot’s license with this flight school, located at Lakeland International Airport.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A small orange camper filled with plants, with succulents outside
Business
Local love: LALtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
February 18, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
tigers
Sports
Our guide to Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training in Lakeland
The 90th season of this beloved Lakeland tradition is underway at Joker Marchant Stadium — here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend.
February 17, 2026
 · 
Staff