August 28 – vs. Virginia Wise 1:30 pm

September 4 – vs. Georgetown College 1:30 pm

September 11 – at Lamar University 6 pm

September 18 – at Jacksonville University  TBA

October 2 – vs. Azusa Pacific university 1 pm

October 9 – vs. North Carolina Pembroke 1 pm

October 16 – at Edward Waters College  TBA

October 23 – vs. Huntingdon College 1 pm

October 30 – at Shorter College 1:30 pm

November 6 – at Southern Virginia University 3 pm

November 13 – at Newport News Apprentice 1 pm

The Grand Opening and ribbon cutting of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame will take place on Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale and will be followed by the induction of the 2010 Florida Sports Hall of Fame Class that evening at The Lakeland Center. The hall of fame will be open until 2:00 p.m. that day, closing in preparation for the induction at 6:15 p.m. that evening. Hall of Fame members scheduled to appear at the event include: Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Doug Sanders, Charlie Owens, Don Garlits, Fran Curci, Jimmy Carnes, Roger Strickland, Hubert Green, Pat Borders, Catie Condon and Ruth Alexander. “We are so excited to be able to share this grand opening with the Hall of Fame members, the people who make this new building what it is,” said Florida Sports Hall of Fame Chairman, Rick Dantzler. “This promises to be a star-studded, memorable event for everyone who attends,” Dantzler added.

Following the grand opening, four new members will be inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. The 2010 Florida Sports Hall of Fame class consists of Lake Wales native and baseball standout Pat Borders, Olympic gold medalist Catie Ball-Condon, long time sports columnist Jack Hairston, who will be inducted posthumously, and professional golfer Hubert Green. The induction ceremony, which will also feature the Polk County All Sports Awards, will be aired live on Bright House Sports Network.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing at 863-551-4750.

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Men’s C NIT and E Qualifier
Dates: 3/12 – 3/14
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex
- The C NIT and E Qualifier event will bring in over 20 teams for this two day tournament
- For more information on this event please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) – Baseball
Dates: 3/12 – 3/14
Venue: Diamondplex Softball Complex
- This AAU event will bring in 40 youth baseball teams, ages 9-13 to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.aausports.org or check out www.centralfloridasports.com

Central FL Men’s HOOPfest Youth Basketball of America (YBOA)
Dates: 3/12 – 3/14
Venue: Polk State College , Polk County School Board Gyms
- The Central FL Men’s HOOPfest tournament will bring in over 550 participants and750 spectators
- For more information on this event please visit www.auburndaleyouthbasketball.com or check out www.centralfloridasports.com for updates

National Softball Association (NSA) – Bartow St Pattys Day Classic
Dates: 3/12 – 3/14
Venue:Bartow 555 Complex
- This NSA tournament will bring in 25 youth softball teams, ages 8-18 to Polk County
- For more information please check out www.playnsa.com or www.centralflroidasports.com for updates

Make sure you continue to check back here (and add us to your RSS feed if you have not already) to get the latest news AND photos as the construction begins and Cypress Gardens is transformed into LEGOLAND Florida. We will have exclusive access to the site as it is transformed and will post updates regularly.

While we are never big on posting entire press releases on here, this is straight from us and some great quotes and details on the big news:

A press conference today attended by a host of elected officials, including Governor Charlie Crist and U.S. Representative Adam Putnam, confirmed that Cypress Gardens has been purchased by Merlin Entertainments – the second largest attractions industry company in the world and also owner of LEGOLAND Parks worldwide.  Members of the media and invited guests gathered at Florida’s first theme park – Cypress Gardens – to unveil the plan to continue the park’s legacy of attracting a multitude of visitors to Polk County.  The new park will be named LEGOLAND Florida. 
“I am delighted to be here today to announce what I believe will be one of the most exciting and important projects in which Merlin Entertainments has ever been involved,” said Nick Varney, chief executive officer for Merlin Entertainments. Merlin Entertainments introduced LEGOLAND Florida to a spellbound audience who received oranges made of legos.  “The development of a LEGOLAND Park in Florida is a perfect opportunity for us here in the heart of what is the biggest family tourist centre in the world – and I believe it will bring a unique new experience to Florida,” said Varney. 

LEGOLAND Florida will be Merlin Entertainments thirteenth attraction in the United States, with four more in the development phase.  LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND Park worldwide and the only one on the East Coast – with the others in California, Denmark, England and Germany.  “LEGOLAND is an extraordinary concept – specifically developed for children between the ages of 2 and 12 and their moms and dads, of course,” said Varney.  LEGOLAND offers families spectacular rides, shows and even model building challenges.
Merlin Entertainments is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to the Walt Disney Company.  LEGOLAND California is the fastest growing theme park in the United States, realizing a 6 percent growth in visitation in 2009.  The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
The partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing had a major impact as the final site for LEGOLAND Florida was selected.  The Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ (BoCC) support for Polk County’s tourism industry was evidenced by a “can do” attitude and spirit of cooperation to partner with Merlin Entertainment Group to take their vision, as well as Polk County tourism, to new heights.  The BoCC’s commitment to tourism, and more specifically the historic site of Cypress Gardens, has been strong throughout the years.  They purchased Cypress Gardens’ original 30 acres in 2003 and continued an ongoing investment through sales and marketing support.  “We are looking forward to working with Merlin Entertainments.  Their record speaks for itself.  Their exciting plans for the site, the jobs LEGOLAND Florida will create and their commitment to Polk County is something my colleagues at both the local and state level really welcome,” said Bob English, chairman of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
 Additionally, during the press conference, Governor Crist and a host of legislators offered their support in the building of LEGOLAND Florida.  “We are extremely happy that the future of Cypress Gardens is secure.  LEGOLAND is one of the most exciting names in family attractions and a welcome new addition to Florida,” said Governor Crist. 

 “This is a huge success story for Polk County that will have a significant impact on Polk County as a tourism destination.  LEGOLAND Florida and its connection to Merlin Entertainments provide worldwide visibility for Polk County,” said Mark Jackson, director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.  Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing has already begun working with Merlin Entertainments on a cooperative partnership that will help promote the park and the tourism industry in Polk County.
In addition to the impact the park will have on Polk County’s tourism industry, the effect on economic development in the area will also get a massive boost. With the announcement from Merlin Entertainments, an international company, one of the Central Florida Development Council’s goals is closer to fruition. “We have been working with the international community for quite some time and today’s announcement reinforces Polk County’s commitment to international companies,” said Central Florida Development Council Director Tom Patton. “This news will certainly bring more awareness to Polk County and shows that we are a destination for international-oriented companies and investment.”

USA Rugby Women’s National Team Training and World Cup Warm up match
Dates: 1/11 – 1/16
Venue:Tiger Town – Lakeland
- This USA Rugby event will be hosting an international rugby match, USA Eagles Women’s National Team vs. Rugby Canada Women’s National Team for a World Cup warm up match. These two National Teams will be training at Tiger Town in preparation for IRB Women’s World Cup 2010
- For more information on this event please visit www.usarugby.org and for local sporting news and events check out www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Paddle – canoe and kayak
Dates: 1/15 – 1/17
Venue: Ft. Meade, Peace river canoe trail
- Join Paddle Florida , January 15-18, 2010, for a three-day paddle along the Peace River Canoe Trail, part of Florida’s statewide trail system managed by the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails
- For more information on this event please visit http://www.paddleflorida.org  and for local events and news check out www.centralfloridasports.com

World Amateur Baseball Association (WABA) Pro’s Choice Showcase
Dates: 11/13 – 11/15
Venue: Chain of Lakes Complex 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SW  Winter Haven, FL  33880
- The WABA will bring in 350 high school participants and an estimated 400 spectators to Polk County. This Pro choice showcase will give high school athletes exposure to professional scouts. This event truly showcases the elite players from the southern region.
- For more information on WABA events check out www.wababaseball.com and www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Youth Fall States
Dates: 11/14 – 11/15
Venue:Bartow Softball Complex, CR 555, Bartow, FL  33830 Auburndale Softball Complex 299 Florida Citrus Blvd, Auburndale, FL  33823
- ISA Youth Fall States will showcase 70 youth fast pitch softball teams from across the state of Florida to complete in this two day softball tournament. 
- For more information on ISA events please visit www.isaflorida.com  and for local events check out www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Olympic Development Training
Dates: 11/15
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex
- FYSA will be hosting ODP training for 100 elite youth soccer players
- For more information on this FYSA event please visit www.fysa.com and for local sporting events and news check out www.centralfloridasports.com

This weekend, Ridgewood Lakes is offering 18 holes for only $17 per person on Thursday and Friday and only $20 on Saturday and Sunday. The best part is, they are getting into the college football spirit by offering a unique special for next week (Sunday, September 27 through Friday, October 2). The South Florida Bulls are headed up to Tallahassee this Saturday for a showdown with Florida State at noon in a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU. Whatever the final score total is of that game, that is what you will pay for a two-some at Ridgewood Lakes the following week. So, if the final score is 20-17, golf for two is only $37 from Sunday-Friday next week.

If you are wondering what to expect as far as a final total, the line for the over/under right now is at 50.5. $50 for two rounds of golf isn’t too shabby. Even if you dont like either team, Ridgewood Lakes just made this game even more interesting. Just root for the under.

Mid-Florida Football and Cheerleading Conference Jamboree
Dates: August 15-16, 2008
Venue: Simmers Young Park in Auburndale 5630 West 542 Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-534-4340
- Approximately 15,000 youth football players, cheerleaders, and spectators will travel to Polk County for this two-day event.  This event kicks-off the 2009 MFFCC season
- For more information on Mid-Florida Football events, schedules, and information check out http://www.mffcc.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

 Tuesday, June 30 at 1:00pm

Saturday, July 4 at 4:00pm

Thursday, July 9 at 4:00pm

 The 2009 Polk County All Sports Awards was great success with 540 people in attendance at The Lakeland Center. The evening featured the induction of five new members to the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame, including local golf great Bruce Scamehorn; football great Alvin Harper; water-skiing superstar Scott Clack; and golf great Dexter Daniels. In addition to the four inductees from the world of sports, Don Bridges was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Community Contributor for his contributions to amateur sports in Polk County as Polk County Schools Athletic Director.