RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational (Week 6)
Dates: Now— March 30
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Chain of Lakes Baseball Complex and other baseball fields around the county
-Over 200 colleges annually in all divisions (NCAA D I, II, III, NAIA & JUCO), that’s more college teams than all other Florida spring break tournaments combined come to Polk County area for this tournament.
-Follow @CentralFLSports on Twitter and “Like” CFSports on Facebook for daily game schedule, game results, and weather updates.
-Scores are posted on Twitter daily.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: Now – April 3
Games start at 1:05 p.m.
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers is in action!  Check the schedule for daily home games.
This week’s home games:
Monday, March 26- Miami Marlins
Thursday, March 29- Washington Nationals at 6:05 p.m.
 Sunday, April 1- Houston Astros

38th Annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly In
Dates: March 27 — April 1
Venue: Florida Air Museum — Lakeland
-Offering over 250 open forums, hands-on-workshops, seminars, evening programs and industry dinners, plus four expo hangars and outside exhibits with over 500 aviation exhibitors, acres with over 4700 aircraft of all types & classes from vintage to war birds
-Also features a signature daily air show with the world premiere aerobatic stars and demonstration flights by military precision jet teams

Race for the Kids Foundation – Boat Racing
Dates: March 29 — April 1
Venue: Boys and Girls Club of Winter Haven
-Presented by the Race for the Kids Foundation, there will be over 80 teams from all over the U.S. competing in these hydroplane boat races; multiple classes running.
-This race benefits the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs (Winter Haven, Lake Wales & Haines City).

SUN n’ FUN Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight
Date: March 29
Venue: Fantasy of Flight — Polk City
-Fantasy of Flight hosts the Splash-In on sparkling Lake Agnes as part of the 38th Annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In.
-Visitors will witness a variety of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft perform water landings and takeoffs as part of the competition.

2012 Hyperflite/Skyhoundz Southeast Regional Qualifier
Dates: March 30 — April 1
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park —Auburndale
-Canine Frisbee® has been around since at least the mid -1970’s, and has just recently become popular in Florida within the last several years.
-This year’s Southeast Regional Qualifiers will be held at Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale.

Stock Outboard Winter Nationals
Dates: March 30 – April 1
Venue: Lake Hollingsworth – Lakeland
-American Power Boat Association’s Stock Outboard Winter Nationals will host boats from 10-12′ in length with motors that range from 15 cubic inch up to 44 cubic inch. They will range in speeds from 40 mph in the Junior classes, where nine-year-olds can begin to compete up to 85 mph in the big 44 cubic inch classes.
-Two different hull designs will race, Hydro’s and Runabout’s, in each class. 
-Competitors from Maine to Washington State and everywhere in between will attend the event along with several Canadian teams.

March Meltdown
Dates: March 31 — April 1
Venue: Bartow “555” Complex
-The March Meltdown is a Florida ISA qualifying event that will be held at the Bartow “555” Complex. It is expected to have over 400 softball players participating.

Mustangs & Mustangs at Fantasy of Flight
 Date: March 31
Venue: Fantasy of Flight —Polk City
-Fantasy of Flight and the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County team up for this 15th annual event, the only Mustang event in Florida that features both beautifully restored P-51 Mustang war birds from World War II and Ford Mustang automobiles.

Patrick Patriots Twirling Corps – Florida State Championship
Dates: March 31 — April 1
Venue: Polk State College —Winter Haven
-The Baton Twirling State Championship is a qualifier for the National Baton Twirling Association’s “Nationals” held in July. The event host novice, beginners, intermediate and advanced twirlers from Florida. However, it also will be expecting several twirlers to attend from out of state as it also holds an open contest. There will also be several teams/corps that come and compete in the group competition section.

Sketches & Steel by Albert Paley
Dates: March 31 — June 27
Venue: Polk Museum of Art —Lakeland
-This exhibition will focus on both sides of Paley’s creative process: the plan and the end product.
-His sculptures will be on view alongside the initial sketches Paley produced to create the sculptures.
-A reception to celebrate the exhibition will take place at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a lecture by the artist.

Rowdies Rush
Date: March 31
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park —Auburndale
-The Tampa Bay Rowdies wrap up the preseason campaign against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers with an exhibition match hosted by Florida Youth Soccer Association.

15th Annual Fire Shootout Classic
Dates: April 1 — April 29
Venue: Gyms across Lakeland, Bartow and Mulberry
-Fire Youth Sports, Inc. presents this qualifier where over a hundred teams from across the state are expected to participate.

Upcoming:

Legends & Legacies- Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II – April 13-14, 2012 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K –April 14 ( LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Ironman 70.3 Florida –May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

66th Annual Tiger BBQ
Dates: February 28
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium -Lakeland
-Welcome back our Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium, Florida’s most magnificent spring training facility!
-Enjoy the famous menu of roasted corn, shrimp, BBQ ribs, Italian sausage and char-broiled steaks from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Steaks served 7:00-7:30 p.m.).
-Visit Central Florida Sports for more information or purchase tickets online at Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.

FHSAA Boys Basketball Finals
Dates: February 29 —March 3
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The FHSAA Boys Basketball Final is a four day tournament featuring semi-final and final rounds involving eight classes and 32 teams.
- For more information, please visit The Lakeland Center, FHSAA or Central Florida Sports.

Florida Jets
Dates: March 1 —March 4
Venue: Paradise Field in Lakeland
-Food, fun and non-stop action for the entire family! Come see for yourself, and check out over 300 RC jets.
-There will be eight flight lanes daily, RC jet manufacturer exhibits, and daily demos.
-Cost: $10.00 (Admission includes parking & pit passes)
-Please visit Florida Jets or Central Florida Sports for more information.

Major League Scramble with Detroit Tigers
Date: March 1
Venue: Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland
-The 17th Annual Major League Scramble brings both golf and baseball together in an effort to raise money for local youth programs in Polk County.
-This event allows sports enthusiasts the opportunity to spend a day on the course with The Detriot Tigers.
-Grab your golf buddies or join a foursome and hit the links at Cleveland Heights golf course for this annual scramble tournament.
-Each foursome will be joined by a member of The Detroit Tigers organization.
-Submit your Major League Scramble Registration Form promptly due to the heavy demand for this event.
-For questions or more information, visit Central Florida Sports.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Dates: March 2 —April 3
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium- Lakeland
-The Tigers will begin the exhibition schedule on Friday, March 2 as the club plays host to Florida Southern College in the annual matchup against the Moccasins. The club opens the home portion of the Grapefruit League schedule against the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium on Sunday, March 4th.
-For more information, please visit Detroit Tigers or Central Florida Sports.
This week’s home schedule:
March 2- Florida Southern, 1:05 p.m.
March 4- Atlanta Braves, 1:05 p.m.
March 5- Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m.

Orange Cup Regatta – Central Florida Racing Club – Boat Racing
Dates: March 2 – March 4
Venue: Lake Hollingsworth – Lakeland
-The 75^th Annual Orange Cup Regatta will take place on the “Lake of Records”. 
-The event brings around 540 racers, boat owners, crews and family members to compete in 12 different classes’ daily. 
-The race is sanctioned by the APBA through the Central Florida Racing Club Region #5 and racers come from across the United States and in the past it brought teams all the way from Puerto Rico. 
-It is estimated that 75% of competitors travel more than 500 mile distance to race.  The 1 mile race that attracts 7,000 spectators scattered around the lake is estimated to bring $3 million into the community. 
-For more information please visit Central Florida Sports.

The City of Davenport – Highwaymen Weekend Extravaganza
Dates: March 2 – March 3
Venue: City of Davenport
-This event celebrates Florida’s Highwaymen Artists and continues the City’s focus on cultural events to build and market our community to the region. During the early 1950’s and through the 1980’s a group of 26 African American artists known as the “Florida Highwaymen” used vivid and bright colors to display the beautiful untouched Florida landscape. The creativity and talent of these artists has made them famous for their idyllic landscapes of rural Florida and they were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004.
-The weekend not only gives the opportunity for art lovers to view this fantastic art, but the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with the Artists. Activities will start on Friday with a dinner with the artists and a live art auction. It continues to Saturday for an art show where visitors can visit, admire and purchase beautiful art work.
-For more information, please visit Davenport or Central Florida Sports .

 FYSA Region Cup – Soccer
Dates: March 3 – March 4
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, Simmers-Young Park, Lake Parker Park
-The Auburndale Soccer Club will host U14 (division 1 & 2) and U16 boys teams from FYSA Region C at Lake Myrtle. 
-Forty-nine teams will participate with an estimated 1,060 participants and 1,750 spectators for an economic impact of $720,400.
-The Winter Haven Soccer Club will host twenty-six teams, ages U17 girls and U19 boys and girls.  Participants are expected to number 630 and spectators 1,000 for an estimated economic impact of $416,850.
-The Lakeland Futbol Club will host 24 teams (U15 Boys Division 1 and U14 Girls Division 2) for a total of 480 participants and 800 spectators totaling an estimated economic impact of $329,000.
-For more information please visit Florida Youth Soccer Association.

Southeastern University – Southeastern Baseball Classic
Dates: March 3 – March 10
Venue: Southeastern University
-This is a week-long, national spring break tournament.
-Twelve baseball teams are expected to participate. 250 participants and 300 spectators from out of county are expected to travel to Polk County for this event.
-For more information please visit Southeastern University Athletics or Central Florida Sports.

 Florida ISA – Youth March Madness 
Dates: March 3 – March 4
Venue:  Bartow Softball Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in 130 adult participants, 300 youth participants, and 210 spectators.
-For more information, please visit ISA Florida or Central Florida Sports.

Bartow Art Guild “Bartow’s Bloomin’ Arts Festival” – Festival
Dates: March 3 – March 4
Venue: Downtown Bartow
-Bloomin’ Arts is a two-day art festival which also includes a Classic Car Show, Children’s Tent, Flower Show, entertainment and other family activities which bring large crowds to Bartow over the weekend.
-For more information please visit Bartow Art Guild  or Bartow Chamber.

 Bok Tower Gardens Foundation, Inc – International Carillon Festival
Dates: March 3 – March 11
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens
-Showcasing one of the country’s finest carillons, the 21^st annual International Carillon Festival at Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, will draw international performing superstars and fans to Polk County for nine days in March 2012.
-The International Festival is one of only two of its kind in North America, and has been highly regarded in the music world for over 25 years.
-A previous recipient of funding from the Tourist Development Council, the International Carillon Festival is returning with a full schedule of concerts, exhibits, films, receptions, lectures, and ticketed events designed to attract and keep visitors in the area.
-For more information, please visit Bok Tower Gardens or Central Florida Sports.

 Race for the Arts
Date: March 3
Venue: Downtown Bartow
-Join us for the 6th Annual Race for the Arts 5K run and fun walk at Ft. Blount Park in Historic Downtown Bartow.
-This event is held in collaboration with Bartow’s Bloomin’ Arts Festival
-For more information, please visit Central Florida Sports.

Links:

• Detroit Tigers, Spring Training
• Independent Softball Association
• National Softball Association
• Home School World Series
• Florida Youth Soccer Association
• PSP Paintball World Cup
• Warrior Dash
• Lake Mirror Classic Auto Show
• Orange Cup Regatta
• Sun N’ Fun

Video Packages:

• Prospectwire Showcase
• Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Robers

Show Sponsors:

• Abuelos
• Holiday Inn Winter Haven
• Best Western Park View
• The Avenue Hotel
• Hollywood Window Tinting & Signs
• The Terrace Hotel
• Days Inn Lakeland North
• The Ledger

Original Air Date: December 2, 2011

Guests:

• Rick Brown, Sports Columnist for The Ledger
• Michael Mink, Principal Owner and GM of the Lakeland Raiders
• Feddy Azofeifa, Director of Operations of the Lakeland Raiders
• Linc Danser, Head Basketball Coach, Florida Southern College

Links:

• The Ledger – Rick Brown Columns
• Lakeland Raiders Homepage
• Florida Southern College Basketball

Video Packages:

• Cornfusion 5k Race
• Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival
• Arts & Culture Update with Jessica Robers

Original Air Date: November 4, 2011

Lake Region Baseball – Fall Ball Classic
Dates: 10/15 — 10/23
Venue: Lake Region High School and the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven
-This JV/Varsity baseball tournament will be held over two weekends at the Lake Region High School baseball feilds as well as at the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven
-For more information, please visit  www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Youth Soccer Association – Region 3 Premiere League
Dates:  10/15 – 10/16
Venue:  Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-This event will bring in 8 elite boys soccer teams to Polk County from around the Eastern United States.  Age ranges from U15 – U16.
-More than 160 participants and 100 spectators are expected to attend.
-For more information, visit www.fysa.com

 Bazooka Soccer Cup Invitational
Dates:  10/15 – 10/16
Venue:  Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-Boys and Girls U9 – U19.  Open to All USSF Affiliates, US Club Soccer, AYSO Canada and All FIFA Members.
-More information TBD
-For more information, log on to www.bazookasoccer.com

 Florida ISA – Youth Halloween Havoc      
Dates: 10/15 – 10/16
Venue: Bartow “555” Complex
-This will be an ISA qualifying tournament and is expected to bring in 150 adult participants, 450 youth participants, and 240 spectators.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com 

 Florida ISA – College Showcase
Dates: 10/15 – 10/16
Venue: Bartow “555” Complex & Christina Park – Lakeland
-This will be an ISA qualifying tournament and is expected to bring in 150 adult participants, 450 youth participants, and 240 spectators.
For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

10th Annual Quilts & Tea Festival
Dates: 11/12 – 11/13
Venue: Davenport Historic District
- This event will bring in over 60 participants and over 900 spectators
- For more information please visit www.quiltsandtea.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Fall States U8, U10, and U12
Dates: 11/12 – 11/14
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex – Bartow, Jan Phyl Complex – Lakeland
- This event will bring in over 500 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Middle School Cross Country Championships
Dates: 11/13/2010
Venue: Lakeland Linder Airport
- This event will bring Florida’s best cross country athletes. The Championship Division 3K is open to Florida girls and boys in 6th thru 8th grades. Development Division 3K open to athletes of all fitness levels, capabilities between 3rd and 8th grades.
- For more information visit www.flyra.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Roar ‘n Soar – Land, Sea, and Air Show/Festival
Dates: 11/13 – 11/14
Venue: Fantasy of Flight 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. Polk City, FL. 33868
- Fantasy of Flight will play host to this Land, Sea, and Air Festival. The two day event brings participants and spectators from all over the United States. Come experience every aspect of racing whether it is Planes, Boats, or Race Cars bring the whole family for the weekend to enjoy the Roars and the Soars.
- For more detail about this event please check out www.fantasyofflight.com/roar-n-soar/

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Olympic Development Program
Dates: 11/14
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
- This event will bring into Polk County over 1000 participants and over 1500 spectators
- For more information please visit www.fysa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Race for the Kids Foundation Worlds 2010 Hydroplane Boat Races
Dates: 10/21 – 10/24
Venue: Lake Alfred – Lake Alfred
- Race for the Kids Foundation’s Worlds 2010 Hydroplane Boat Races. Race fans mark your calendars for the most exciting action packed thrills and spills coming to Central Florida. Over 200 racers from Asia, Europe as well as the USA compete for this world title in a seven class four-heat, three day format. On Thursday the boat racers will be testing and qualifying all day. Friday will be the conclusion to the qualifying and the much anticipated Kids-Pro Race for the 11-17 year olds. Sat & Sun the Pros will race all day at speeds of over 120 mph. Also included; entertainment, food vendors, boat show, raffles. Event proceeds to benefit multi East Polk charities such as the Boy Scouts, City Little Leagues, Sunshine Foundation Dream Village, Lions Club, Humane Society of Polk County, and Keep Polk County Clean & Beautiful. Thurs-Sun, 9-6pm. For vendor or sponsor info contact Tracey Greene (863) 221-8505 or tgreene0422@gmail.com. For Race info contact Gary Levin, Race for the Kids President (954) 732-2393.  This event will bring in over 250 participants and over 750 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information please visit www.raceforthekidsfoundation.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Baseball Fall Slug-A-Rama
Dates: 10/22 – 10/24
Venue: Chain of Lakes – Winter Haven, Diamondplex – Winter Haven, Auburndale Softball Complex – Auburndale, Lake Myrtle Sports Complex – Auburndale.
- AAU Baseball Fall Slug-A-Rama will bring in 100 teams, over 1500 participants and an estimated 3,000 spectators
- For more information on AAU events check out www.aaubaseball.org and www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Orange Blossom Series Fall Classic – Table Tennis Tournament
Date: 10/22 – 10/24
Venue: Simpson Park Community Center 1725 Martin Luther King Ave., Lakeland, FL
- Lakeland Table Tennis Association will be hosting 100 table tennis athletes from across Florida for this 3 day tournament.   
- For more information on the Central Florida Fall Open Table Tennis Tournament please check out www.eteamz.com/lakelandtabletennis  and www.centralfloridsports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Adult Halloween Havoc
Dates: 10/23/2010
Venue: Loyce Harpe Park – Lakeland
- This ISA event will bring in over 100 participants and over 170 spectators.
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Go Green 5k at Circle B – Running
Date: 10/23/2010 8:00am
Venue: Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd Lakeland, FL
- This environmental friendly 5k running event will be at beautiful Circle B Bar Reserve a learning and nature sanctuary that will play host to the 5k (3.1) mile race through natural trails cut out of the forest.
- For more information check www.lakelandrunnersclub.com

Jim Ryun Invitational 5K
Dates: 10/23/2010
Venue: Without Walls Central Church – Auburndale
- This 5k race will be on a grass course around the 85 acres of Without Walls Central Church. Early registration will be $20 and race day registration will be $25. Registrations can be turned in at FITniche and all pre-registrations must be received by 10/17/2010. There will be a lot of prizes to be given away courtesy of FITniche so come out and enjoy the race.
- For more information please visit www.fl.milesplit.us/meets.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Lake Region Baseball Fall Baseball Classic
Dates: 10/23 – 10/24
Venue: Chain of Lakes Complex – Winter Haven
- This event will bring in over 250 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information visit www.centralfloridasports.com

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame museum is not normally open on Monday’s, but will be open for this special event. Admission to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame is free and the museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Lake Region Baseball Fall Baseball Classic
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Chain of Lakes Complex – Winter Haven
- This event will bring in over 250 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
- For more information visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) College Showcase
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Christina Complex – Lakeland
- This ISA event will bring in over 400 participants and over 200 spectators.
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Half Century (FHC) Bucs and Bulls 65s & 70s
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex – Auburndale, Diamondplex – Winter Haven
- Florida Half Century will host 50 teams from throughout Florida. This two day tournament will showcase teams with athlete’s ages ranging from 50+
- For more information please visit www.fhcsoftball.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Auto Classic
Dates: 10/16 – 10/17
Venue: Lake Mirror, Downtown Lakeland
- The Lake Mirror Classic will bring in over 500 registered cars that will attract over 20,000 visitors. Come and experience classic automobiles from the last 100 years.
- For more information, schedule, and visitor inquiries about this event please check out www.lakemirrorclassic.com and  www.centralfloridasports.com

Sundays at 8:00 pm
Mondays at 8:00 am
Tuesdays at 3:00 am
Wednesdays at 11:00 pm
Thursdays at 4:30 pm
Fridays at 12:00 pm
Saturdays at 6:00 pm

Don’t have any of the cable providers we listed? Well, as long as you have a computer, you can always catch the show there. Visit the Polk County website and click on the PGTV link at the bottom of the page for live streaming.