Spectator Sports

Florida’s Spring Training Epicenter

Renovated in 2017, Lakeland’s Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium gives baseball fans a chance to catch Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers spring training games in a much more intimate atmosphere each spring.

Florida Grapefruit League Baseball

Those looking to catch other Florida Grapefruit League games need not drive too far–in less than an hour, you can enjoy a sunny day at the ballpark with the New York Yankees (Tampa), Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton), Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin), Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota).

Year-round Sports Excitement

Spring Training isn’t the only time you will hear the crack of a bat in Central Florida. Once the Tigers head back to Detroit, their minor league affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers take the field at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, playing in the Florida State League from April through September.

Indoor Sports in Central Florida

Indoors or out, professional sports will keep you occupied in Central Florida throughout the year. If soccer is your game, the Florida Tropics compete in the UPSL throughout the summer, while their affiliate club the Lakeland Tropics brings their game indoors while playing in the Major Indoor Soccer League each winter.

November through March brings some of the top young basketball talent to the RP Funding Center, which is home to the NBA G-League Lakeland Magic.

Day Trips to Sporting Events

Assuming you can find a break in all of the local sports action, you can get your sports action fix 365 days a year with a short drive down Interstate 4, in either direction.

NBA Basketball

Driving a little over an hour to the east, Orlando’s Amway Arena hosts the hardwood action of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, or you can experience the region’s newest professional stadium as Orlando SC takes to the pitch in MLS play.

NHL Hockey

Heading west towards the Gulf Coast, be sure to “Be the Thunder” during the NHL season with the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). Watch the pirate ship sound the cannons each time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) score, or take in a game “at the Trop,” which is home to the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB).