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.

Triple Crown
 Dates: 5/13 – 5/16
 Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park
 The Triple Crown event will bring in over 40 teams and over 450 spectators to Polk County
 For more information on this event please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Orange Blossom Spring Classic 2010 – Table Tennis
Dates: 5/14 – 5/15
Venue: Simpson Park
- The Florida Orange Blossom Spring Classic will bring in over 100 participants to Polk County to compete in this spring classic.
- For more information on this event check out www.centralfloridasports.com  www.eteamz.com/LakelandTableTennis/

Florida State Soccer Association (FSSA) State Cup – Soccer
Dates: 5/14 – 5/16
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park
- The FSSA State Cup will bring in 54 teams and over 1300 participants to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.fssa.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

The NATL MS Society – Cycling
Dates: 5/14 – 5/16
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens
- The NATL MS Society will bring in over 1000 participants to Polk County.
- For more information on this event please check out www.centralfloridasports.com www.nationalmssociety.org/get-involved/events/bike-ms/index.aspx

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Youth Summer Slam – Softball
Dates: 5/14 – 5/16
Venue: Bartow 555 Softball Complex, Christina Park
- The Youth Summer Slam will bring in over 650 participants to Polk County.
- For more information on this event www.isasofbtall.com or check out www.centralfloridsports.com

Mid Florida Junior Golf Tour
Dates: 5/15
Venue: River Greens Golf Course
- The Mid Florida Junior Golf Tour will bring to the event 75 youth golfers.
- For more information please visit www.thefirstteelakeland.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Mid Florida Junior Golf Tour
Dates: 5/1
Venue: YMCA Par 3
- The Mid Florida Junior Golf Tour will bring to the event 75 youth golfers.
- For more information please visit www.thefirstteelakeland.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Community College Athletic Association Baseball State Championships
Dates: 5/6 – 5/10
Venue: Lakeland Tigertown
- The Florida Community College Athletic Association Baseball State Championships will bring in over 8 baseball teams to Polk County.
- For more information on this event please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Lakeland Twilight/State Championships – Cycling
Dates: 5/8 – 5/9
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
- The Lakeland Twilight/State Championships will bring in over 500 participants to Polk County.
- For more information on this event check out www.centralfloridasports.com or www.floridacycling.com

Top Gun – Aviation
Dates: 5/5 – 5/9
Venue: The Lakeland Airport
- The Top Gun event will bring in over 250 participants to Polk County for some fun under the sun.
- For more information visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) 11th Annual Sunshine Shootout
Dates: 5/7 – 5/9
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex, Bartow 555 Complex, Christina Park.
- The 11th Annual Sunshine Shootout will bring in over 1000 participants to Polk County
- For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or check out www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida’s Natural Charity Classic – Golf
Dates: 3/19-3/21
Venue: Lake Region Yacht and Country Club
- The Florida’s Natural Charity Classic will bring in over 155 participants and over 500 spectators for a three day event to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.floridasnaturalcharityclassic.com, www.duramedfuturestour.com  or www.centralfloridasports.com

The Lakeland VW Show & Swap Classic
Dates: 3/19-3/21
Venue:The Lakeland Center
- The Lakeland VW Show & Swap Classic will bring in over 500 vintage cars and over 1000 participants and over 5,000 spectators to Polk County for this two day event
- For more information on this event please visit www.lakelandvwclassic.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

4th Annual Race for the Arts &Arts & Wellness Expo
Dates: 3/19-3/20
Venue:Polk State College-Lakeland Campus, Fort Fraser Trail, and Polk County Historical Museum
- The Race for the Arts & Arts & Wellness Expo will be hosting over 50 participants for this weekend event
- For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida Half Century – Softball
Dates: 3/19 – 3/21
Venue:Diamondplex and Auburndale Softball Complex
- This FHC event will bring in 60 Senior Softball teams for a three day event to Polk County
- For more information please visit www.fhcsoftball.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida State Twirling Championships – Baton Twirling
Dates: 3/20 – 3/21
Venue: Address: Polk State College Gym – Winter Haven
- The Florida State Twirling Championship will bring in over 330 participants and over 450 spectators for a two day event to Polk County
- For more information on this event please visit www.floridabatontwirlers.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

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.”

Foursomes and single registrations are available by calling Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing at 863-534-2500.  The day begins at 10:30 a.m. with registration, followed lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. Following the round of golf will be an awards reception and raffle including Detroit Tigers and Florida Sports Hall of Fame autographed memorabilia. Individual spots are available for $175 and a team of four is $600.Golfers attending the 2010 Major League Scramble will also receive a goody bag filled with Tigers memorabilia and a special gift commemorating the event.  Prizes will be awarded to each member of the top three teams as well as the individual golfers who record the longest drives and the tee shots landing closest to the pin. There will also be a putting contest with a prize available for the winner.

 The 2010 Detroit Tigers Spring Training season opens on Tuesday, March 2 with their traditional game against Florida Southern College at Joker Marchant Stadium at 1:00 p.m.  To make reservations or receive more information for the 15th Annual Major League Scramble, call Polk County Sports Marketing at (863) 534-2500.

The island fairway at The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland.

The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland is offering a very special rate every Monday through April 15. You can play the 4-1/2 star course for just $49. This is a great deal and definitely reason enough to use one of those vacation days you have stashed away. For more information, or to book your tee time, call 863-701-0101.

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.

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Baseball First Pitch Classic – H.S. Division
Dates: 9/4 – 9/6
Venues:Chain of Lakes 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SW  Winter Haven, FL  33880, Lake Myrtle Sports Complex Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL‎ 33823
- The AAU Baseball First Pitch Classic will bring in 50 teams, over 750 participants, and an estimated 1500 spectators for this two weekend tournament.
- For more information about AAU events check out www.aaubaseball.org and www.centralfloridasports.com

Tour De Tow Road Race and Criterium – Cycling
Dates: 9/5 – 9/6
Venue:Downtown Bartow
- The Tour de Tow road race and criterium will bring in over 500 participants each day and over an estimated 1000 spectators to Polk County. The criterium race brings fast pace close quarter cycling. Come watch as cyclist weave in and around historic downtown Bartow
- For more information about the Tour De Tow road race and Criterium check out www.floridacycling.com and for local sporting events and information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Twilight Fall Kick-Off
Dates: 9/5 – 9/6
Venue:Bartow 555 Softball Complex CR 555, Bartow, FL  33830
- The Twilight Fall Kick-Off will bring in over 600 Participants and an estimated 300 Spectators to Polk County
- For more information on ISA events check out www.isasoftball.com and www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association (ISA) Mid-Florida Regional Men’s C,D,E
Dates: 9/5 – 9/6
Venue:Bartow555 Softball Complex CR 555, Bartow, FL  33830
- The ISA Mid-Florida Men’s C,D,E division will bring in 50 teams, 750 participants, and an estimated 1000 spectators to Polk County
- For more information on ISA events check out www.isasoftball.com and www.centralfloridasports.com

Required pre-registration begins January 1, 2010. The deadline to enter is Friday, February 12 for the games that run from February 27 through March 10.

The entry fee is $10 for the first event and $3 for each additional event up to a maximum  of $28.  Bowling, Golf, Shooting and team sports have additional fees. All participants receive a T-shirt and are invited to a free Closing Ceremony at The Lakeland Center,  which includes special awards, mini-health fair, goody bags, door prizes, and entertainment.

Keep checking back here for updates and to reserve a copy of the entry book, contact Deena Wilbur by email at polkseniorgames@verizon.net or call: 863-533-0055.