Get To Know Lakeland, Florida

Home to “TigerTown,” Lakeland is a vibrant Central Florida city known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and diverse cultural offerings. Nestled between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland serves as a gateway to the state’s renowned attractions while retaining its own unique charm. Among its notable landmarks is TigerTown, the long standing spring training location of the Detroit Tigers and home to the city’s beloved minor league baseball team, Lakeland Flying Tigers. While TigerTown is a focal point for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike, Lakeland also offers a variety of activities, attractions, day trips, and restaurants–making it a great destination for an early spring get away.

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The Detroit Tigers first began training in Lakeland in 1934 at Henley Field, long before the current TigerTown was converted to baseball use in 1966. It’s the longest relationship between a Major League Baseball team and a spring training host city.

Other than longevity, what makes TigerTown so special?

The Stadium
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium opened in 1966 and serves as the home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Florida Complex League Tigers and as the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. TigerTown boasts more than 9,500 seats and was renovated in 2017 with new features to enhance the game day experience.

Player-Fan Interaction
Available for groups of 20-40, the Hooters Dugout is the ideal spot for autographs and player interaction. The area includes an all-you-can-eat picnic with select ballpark and Hooters food, along with your own private wait staff.

Air-Conditioned Spaces and Shade
The 34 Club, presented by Miller Lite, features an indoor bar and seating, an all-inclusive buffet and outdoor padded seating for 203 fans. Four former suites on the third base side of the press box have been transformed into the On Deck Suite, an all-inclusive space for 36-60 people that includes upscale food and beverages. Fans can also cool off in the 1,800 square foot indoor merchandise store, located at the home plate entrance.

In addition, six new covered sections (211-216) increased the number of covered seats (rows N and up) from 1,246 to 2,098 seats, while more seats are shaded with the extended roof. The 34 Club casts shade to sections 200-201, previously unprotected from the sun.

The Runway
Built on top of the former Lodwick Field airstrip, The Runway connects the first base concourse and the berm, providing fans a 360-degree view of the field. Fans can watch the game from drink rails or beach chair seating, get a unique look into the bullpens, check out the history of TigerTown, and enjoy food and drink offerings.

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Lakeland Food Truck Rally
More than 15 food trucks come together on the second Thursday of each month on the streets surrounding Munn Park in downtown Lakeland for this family and dog-friendly event. Many visitors bring a chair and hang out on the lawn in the park and enjoy the evening listening to music from the DJ Truck with DJ LMO. Trucks include Got Desserts, The Crepe Company, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express and more.

Pro tip: During Spring Training, the food truck rally will take place on March 14 from 6-9 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LakelandFoodTruckRally

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings talented local artisans and growers, selling fresh produce, plants and locally handcrafted items, to downtown Lakeland every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Discover ready-to-eat items from food vendors, as well as seafood, produce, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, and crafts. Market tents are set up in the 200 block of North Kentucky Avenue and on East Bay Street.

Pro tip: Parking is free in downtown Lakeland on Saturdays.

For more information, visit http://www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org

Scout & Tag
Scout & Tag got its start selling painted furniture and decorative objects the Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market and is now a 5,000 square-foot destination open seven days a week in the historic old theatre in downtown Lakeland. Whether Lakeland-made or Lakeland-celebrated, the store has gift and décor items celebrating the community as well as a wide variety of home items.  

Pro Tip: Rafa Natural Bath & Body resides inside Scout & Tag, offering locally crafted, natural, vegan and organic skin care and bath and body products.

For more information, visit https://www.scoutandtag.com

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Coffee:
Concord Coffee
Hillcrest Coffee
Mitchell’s Coffee House
Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro
Pressed Books and Coffee

Dining:
Nineteen61
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Café Zuppina
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Frescos
Terrace Grille
Texas Cattle Company
The Joinery

Drinks:
Brew Hub
Cob & Pen
Swan Brewing
Dissent Craft Brewing Company
Revival
Union Hall

‍Terrace Hotel
The Terrace Hotel is an elegant historic hotel in the heart of downtown Lakeland, set in a restored 1924 building. The hotel overlooks Lake Mirror and the Promenade and features a full-service restaurant, free parking and room service.

Pro tip: Enjoy historic floor-to-ceiling arched windows, black and white patterned floors, and dramatic pecky cypress patterned ceilings at The Terrace Grille, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

For more information, visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tpateup-the-terrace-hotel-lakeland

Retro Retreat AirBnB
Step back in time to the 1960s in an iconic 3-bedroom, 2-bath mid-century home with a blend of retro nostalgia and modern accommodations in Lakeland. Step outside and enjoy the patio and cool off in the pool or lounge on the custom modern deck.

Pro-tip: This property features a dedicated workspace, making it ideal for those who are working remotely while enjoying spring training.

For more information, visit https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/696211708882082547

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort – 40 minutes away
Disney World – 45 minutes away
SeaWorld – 1 hour away
Bok Tower Gardens – 1 hour away
Mount Dora – 1 hour and 15 minutes away
St. Pete Beach – 1 hour and 15 minutes away
Anna Maria Island –  1 hour and 30 minutes away
Cocoa Beach – 2 hours away
Punta Gorda – 2 hours away
Crystal River – 2 hours away
Daytona Beach –2 hours away
Rainbow Springs State Park – 2 hours and 30 minutes away

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