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(LAKELAND) As Spring Training begins in Florida, Lakeland is preparing for an influx of Detroit Tigers fans. Local hotels and businesses are expected to be a lot of foot traffic while the Tigers play in town.
Lakeland City Manager, Shawn Sherrouse, estimates the Tigers bring in more than $55 million of economic benefits to the city. The overall impact of Spring Training statewide is expected to be over $680-million dollars, that’s according to the Florida Sports Commission.
The Detroit Tigers have called Lakeland their Spring Training home since 1966. It is the longest standing relationship between a Major League Baseball team and a host city. The relationship is expected to continue for many more years as the team recently was approved for building a new $33-million dormitory for players. The team also extended their contract to play at Publix Field through 2044.
Local restaurants and even clothing boutiques will see many more shoppers during this time of year. Hannah Sampton owns a local shop and says many businesses like hers in Downtown Lakeland rely on the economic boost from the Tigers.
“We have a bunch of business,” said Sampton, “On Saturdays people come in for the Farmers market that come in and check it out, we usually do really well.”
Many fans who attend the 12 home spring training games end up staying at local hotels as well. Tiki Jenkins works the front desk at the Terrence Hotel.
“During the Spring Training time it is always busier around this time,” said Jenkins, “A lot of areas are walking distance that are restaurants, things to do for children and on the weekends as well.”
While the extra foot traffic is great for local businesses, fans also enjoy coming to Lakeland to make memories. Jennifer McMillan and her family are life-long Tigers fans.
“We are from Michigan, but we live in Florida now, so we were raised on the Detroit Tigers. We have been fans for over 40 years. It’s a family thing for us,” said McMillan.
From getting a bite to eat at a local restaurant, a scoop of ice cream, new clothes, or even a quick drink, Downtown Lakeland is the place to go for Tigers fans.