Lakeland Raiders vs. Rome Rampage
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The Raiders’ 2012 season consists of seven home games at The Lakeland Center.
-Kick-off for all home games will be 7:15pm.
-Single Game Ticket Prices:
Club Level: $25 Adult, $18 Child
Side Line: $18 Adult, $9 Child
Red Zone: $12 Adult, $7 Child

Eagle Lake BBQ Festival
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Gazebo Park (off Hwy 17) – Eagle Lake
-Enjoy the best local barbeque at this pro-team /backyard BBQ competition along with all-day live music, children’s activities and free parking and admission.
-The Festival proceeds will benefit Lake Region High School Athletics.

Urban Mountain Bike Criterium & Street 2x/Speed Trials 
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Downtown Lake Mirror
- Red Trail Racing Inc. brings the Urban MTB Crit & Street 2x/Speed Trials to Lakeland Saturday.
-Classes for the race are listed at CentralFloridaSports.com.
-There must be a minimum of four per class or both will combine for an open class.

Youth Flowers for Moms
Dates: Saturday, April 28 — Sunday, April 29
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex
-This is an Independent Softball Association qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in over 500 softball players.

2012 Home School World Series
Dates: Sunday, April 29 — Sunday, May 6
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-The Series will bring in 28 baseball teams and over 1000 spectators to Polk County.
-The Homeschool World Series Association (HWSA) is a nonprofit corporation that endeavors to promote and coordinate high school (varsity level) baseball competition among homeschool students throughout North America in a distinctly Christian environment.

NSA Summer Slam
Dates: Sunday, April 29 — Monday, April 30
Venue: Auburndale Softball Complex
-This Adult Softball Tournament is expected to bring 25 teams to the area.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

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

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

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

2012 SSC Men’s & Women’s Tennis Championship
Dates: April 18 — April 21
Venue: Beerman Family Tennis Center – Lakeland
-This Sunshine State Athletic Conference event brings together 16 collegiate tennis teams (9 women’s teams and 7 men’s teams) from throughout the state of Florida for three days of championship competition and one practice day.

Area 6 Championship
Dates: April 19 — April 22
Venue: Universal Shooting Academy – Frostproof
-This regional championship is for qualifying shooters from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
-The event tests practical and action-pistol shooting. Top winners will progress to the USPSA National Championship.

10th Annual Lady Fire Shootout
Dates: April 20 — April 22
Venue: Lakeland
-Fire Youth Sports, Inc. presents the 10th Annual Lady Fire Shootout Classic held in the Lakeland area.

Winter Haven Stingrays-The Rowdy Cup
Dates: April 20 — April 22
Venue: Rowdy Gaines Center – Winter Haven
-The USA Sanctioned Swim Meet will be held at the Rowdy Gaines Center in Winter Haven.

2012 President’s Cup
Dates: April 21 — April 22
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-Champions from each of the Region’s Division 1 Region Cups will be traveling to Lake Myrtle Sports Park to compete in the 2012 President’s Cup presented by the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

Bike MS: The Citrus Tour
Dates: April 21 — April 22
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-The Bike for MS Citrus Tour is a two-day fundraising cycling event benefitting the National MS Society.
-Funds received are allocated towards local programs and services for those affected by multiple sclerosis and to support critical research for a cure.

Chain of Lakes Golf Splash
Date: POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 25
Venue: Begins and ends at Old Man Franks – Winter Haven
-Ridge Art Association presents the second annual Chain of Lakes Golf Splash.
-Modeled after the Conch Life Scramble in the Florida Keys, the Chain of Lakes Golf Splash is a nine-hole golf competition with boats replacing golf carts and holes located at various points on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes.

Child of the Sun Jazz Festival and Urban Triathlon
Date: April 21
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade – Lakeland
-This two-part event is both a Jazz festival and a triathlon sponsored by the Lakeland Rotary Club.
-The Jazz festival will have fireworks, food and legendary Jazz.
-The triathlon consists of a quarter mile swim, a twelve mile bike ride, and a three and half mile run.

Youth April Triple Slam
Dates: April 21 — April 22
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex
- This is an ISA qualifying tournament expected to bring in over 300 softball players.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

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

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

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Florida State Golf Association – Senior Amateur Championship
Dates: April 10 — April 12
Venue: Lake Wales Country Club
-The Florida State Golf Association presents the 51st Florida State Senior Amateur Championship.
-The field will consist of 144 players from throughout the state. Before they can reach the Championship, they must attempt to qualify at one of seven sites. The field will then be cut to low 60 players.

Auburndale Hoops Fest
Dates: April 13 — April 15
Venue: Polk State College – Winter Haven & Florida Southern College –  Lakeland
-This boys’ basketball tournament is sponsored by YBOA and is expected to bring in 50 teams.

Florida Suncoast Sports- World Series Qualifier
Dates: April 13 — April 15
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-Baseball teams from all over the state will be coming to the Lake Myrtle Sports to compete for the World Series Qualifier.

National Collegiate Paintball Championship
Dates: April 13 — April 15
Venue: Central Florida Paintball – Lakeland
- 51 collegiate teams from across the U.S. have already registered to compete in 2 divisions (College XBall and College Race to 2).
-Fox College Sports will be broadcasting this event nationwide.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Florida Tarpons
Date: April 14
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The Raiders’ 2012 season consists of seven home games at The Lakeland Center.
-Kick-off for all home games will be 7:15pm.
-Single Game Ticket Prices:
Club Level: $25 Adult, $18 Child
Side Line: $18 Adult, $9 Child
Red Zone: $12 Adult, $7 Child

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation- Citrus Classic
Date: April 14
Venue: LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven
-The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic is a community-wide health event designed for participants of all ages.
-Proceeds from the 2012 Citrus Classic will benefit the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Fund for Women and Children.
-The event will include a 5K race/walk and will take place at LEGOLAND® Florida this year.

Youth April Classic
Dates: April 14 — April 15
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex
- This is an ISA qualifying tournament expected to bring in over 300 softball players.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

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

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

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Date: April 2
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Tigers take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. in their last home game of 2012 Spring Training.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Exhibition Game
Date: April 4
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Tigers kickoff their 2012 season at Joker Marchant in an exhibition game against Southeastern University Fire.
-The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Home-Opener
Date: April 7
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Flying Tigers open their FSL season against the Tampa Yankees at 6 p.m.
-Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., and the first 1,500 fans receive a 2012 magnetic schedule.
-Publix will sponsor an Easter egg hunt after the game that will feature the Easter Bunny.
-A firework show will follow if weather permits.

32^nd Umpires Classic
Dates: April 7 — April 8
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying event that’s expected to bring in over 130 softball players.

Upcoming Events:

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)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

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

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

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Florida ISA – Youth Blast
Dates: 1/28 – 1/29
Venue:  Bartow”555” Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in 105 adult participants, 315 youth participants, and 170 spectators.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association – Adult Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/20– 1/22
Venue: Diamondplex, Auburndale Softball Complex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country.  This weekend’s competition features the Adult Class A, E, Women’s, and Masters divisions.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com 

 Dundee Area Chamber of Commerce – 1^st Annual BBQ Competition & Crafts Show
Dates: 1/21 – 1/22
Venue: Winn Dixie plaza off of US Hwy 27 in Dundee
-Come out for a fun filled day of BBQ competition. There will be an Arts & Craft show to go along with the  25 pros and 10 amateurs expected to cook off!! The venue is expected to house 10-15 vendors with about 4000 spectators. 
-Profession Division
            1st place prize $500
            2nd place prize $250
            3rd place prize $150

-Back yard division winners are awarded trophies and a $100.
-For more information, please visit http://dundeechamberflorida.org/main.php or www.centralfloridasports.com

2012 Warrior Dash
Dates: 1/21 – 1/22
Venue: Triple Canopy Ranch
-This fierce running series is held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the globe. Warriors conquer extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with music and warrior helmets. This is the wildest, muddiest; most fiery 5k run you will ever have the opportunity to participate in. With 12 seriously challenging obstacles ranging from mud-pits, to climbing walls, tight-rope walks and fire pits finishing competitors are deserving of the title Warrior! Over 1000 runners will tackle this task while over 2000 spectators watch!
-For more information please visit www.warriordash.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

• Entry Fees: $6.50 per bird (non NPA members)
• $5.50 per bird (NPA members)
• Entries Close: December 10,2011
• Banquet Tickets $35.00 per person
• Sale cages: $25.00 (4 standard holes or 18″x18″ holes
• Sale cages must be paid for in advance (no exceptions)
• You must be an exhibitor to get a sales cage (5 adult entries minimum 0
• For more information, please visit www.npausa.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Florida State Soccer Association – Florida Classic
Dates:  1/13 – 1/16
Venue:  Lake Myrtle
-Divisions include Men’s Open, Men’s Division 2, O30, O40, O45, O50, O55, O60; Women’s Open; Coed. (Only teams playing in Div 2 or lower may enter Men’s Div 2)
-Tournament is a 3 game minimum round robin format with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Semi-finals and Finals on Monday.
-Registration deadline is December 1, 2011
-For more information, please visit www.floridastatesoccer.com

Horses Unlimited Entertainment, Inc. – Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic
Dates: 1/13 – 1/14
Venue: Lakeland Center
-The Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic is a professional rodeo with 7 events sanctioned for World Championship points with the PRCA. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is head quartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the United States, Canada, and Brazil compete in bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping, bull riding, women’s barrel racing, along with comedy acts, dress acts and trick & fancing riding.
-For more information, please visit www.prca.com or www.lakelandprorodeo.com or www.centralfloridasports.com   

Independent Softball Association – Youth Winter Nationals
Dates: 1/14 – 1/15
Venue: Bartow Softball Complex, Diamondplex
-The ISA Winter Nationals takes place over three weekends in January, with open invitations to youth and adult teams from across the country.  This weekend’s competition features the youth division, which includes all fast pitch teams from 8U to 18U.
-For more information, please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com 

 City of Davenport – Horse Creek Festival
Dates: 11/11 – 11/12
Venue: City of Davenport
-The City of Davenport is hosting the inaugural Horse Creek Festival to celebrate Davenport’s history and to continue the City’s focus on cultural events to build and market our community to the region. We will be building on the success of the Quilts & Tea Festival which has been changed to a biennial event. This two day event will include a variety of activities including a “ Florida Heritage” art show, display of art work from the students of Davenports School of Arts, demonstrations and sample of citrus candy (since Davenport was the birth place of citrus candy), display of Florida Quilts, antique vehicles, children’s games, Florida Memorabilia, Florida Landscaping workshops and products, the Davenport Historical Museum, a baking contest and more. This event will offer something for everyone and will highlight the great City of Davenport.
-For more information please visit www.mydavenport.org or www.centralfloridasports.com

 Florida ISA- Youth Fall States
Dates: 11/12 – 11/13
Venue: Bartow ‘555 Complex’ – Christina Park – Lakeland
-This softball event is expected to bring in with 2300 participants and over 400 spectators from out of state.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com or www.isasoftball.com

Lake Region Baseball “Wood Bat Tournament” – Baseball 
Dates: 11/5 – 11/6
Venue: Lake Region High School / Chain
-Tournament for High School JV/VAR teams
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com 

Florida ISA – Youth Double Delight II
Dates: 11/5 – 11/6
Venue: Bartow“555”Complex
-This is an ISA qualifying tournament that is expected to bring in 600 participants and 240 spectators. 
-For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 Prospect Wire, Inc. – Fall Wood Bat Classic
Dates: 10/28 – 10/30
Venue: Lake Myrtle Baseball Event
-This 18+ baseball tournament is expected to bring in 45 teams (600 players) with 800 out-of-county spectators.
-For more information please visit www.prospectwire.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 Florida Youth Soccer Association – Olympic Development Training 98-99
Dates:  10/28 – 10/30
Venue:  Lake Myrtle Sports Park
-This event will bring elite soccer players from around the state of Florida to Polk County.
-FYSA is looking to identify players in the 1995-1999 boys and girls age groups.
-Applications are due by September 17, but late applications will be accepted with a fee.
-For more information, visit www.fysa.com

 Florida ISA – Halloween Are You Scared Yet
Dates: 10/29 – 10/30
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

 World Amateur Baseball Association – High School Team Showcase – Baseball
Dates: 10/29 – 10/30
Venue: Chain Of Lakes – Winter Haven
-For more information please visit www.wababaseball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com