Catch Central Florida » Justin Verlander http://catchcentralflorida.com Central Florida Sports News and Events from the Sidelines Tue, 22 May 2012 15:37:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 New Attendance Record for Flying Tigers http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/02/new-attendance-record-for-flying-tigers/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/02/new-attendance-record-for-flying-tigers/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:05:46 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=780 Congratulations to the Lakeland Flying Tigers who just broke a 23 year-old attendance record last night. The Lakeland Flying Tigers established a new single-season attendance record at Joker Marchant Stadium with last night’s crowd as they played the Dunedin Blue Jays.  Kerri Koesel of Lakeland was the 61,256th fan to pass through the gates this season and for helping break the record, Koesel will receive a free season ticket to the 2011 season. The previous mark was set in 1987 when the team drew 61,255 fans.  The mark also represents an increase of almost 25% from 2009 when 49,569 fans attended games.  The Flying Tigers have been very creative in drawing fans to the ballpark the last few years and it has certainly paid off. Not only do they have a good product on the field, having seen players like Justin  Verlander, Rick Porcello, Joel Zumaya, Brennan Boesch and others come through Lakeland, they have something special going on every night with promotions like “All You Can Eat Night”, “Thirsty Thursday”, Fireworks on Saturday nights and more.

This was a very fitting year to break the attendance mark too. This season marks the 60th season Lakeland has been a member of the Florida State League (FSL).  Lakeland was an original member of the FSL in 1919 and has won five league championships.   Lakeland has been a Detroit Tigers minor league affiliate since 1967, the second longest affiliation in all of Minor League Baseball.  The season also celebrates the 45th anniversary of Joker Marchant Stadium. 

There are only a few more chances to catch the Flying Tigers this season.  For more information and the rest of their schedule, visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/02/new-attendance-record-for-flying-tigers/feed/ 0 Baseball Stars of Tomorrow http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/03/24/baseball-stars-of-tomorrow/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/03/24/baseball-stars-of-tomorrow/#comments Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:27:41 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=629 We have been saying for a long time what a great opportunity it is to go see a Lakeland Flying Tigers game because you literally get to see the stars of Major League Baseball before they make it big. Well, The Ledger has done a great job of putting together an interactive Lakeland Tigers Hall of Fame. When you see that list of players, and the level of success they have had in the big leagues, it really is impressive to think that they started their great careers in Lakeland. After you go over to The Ledger’s site and check out that list, start making plans to attend some Flying Tiger games this season. Their schedule is already out and they start playing in just a few weeks. As always, it is very affordable and they always have a lot of great promotions going on.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/03/24/baseball-stars-of-tomorrow/feed/ 2 Flying Tigers Ready to Take the Field http://catchcentralflorida.com/2009/04/03/flying-tigers-ready-to-take-the-field/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2009/04/03/flying-tigers-ready-to-take-the-field/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:27:18 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=307 As the Detroit Tigers head north to Comerica Park to start their Major League Baseball season, the real tenants of Joker Markchant Stadium, the Lakeland Flying Tigers (the Detroit Tigers Class A affiliate) will take over where the big club left off. The Flying Tigers play some great baseball and it is one of the best values in town as far as baseball and family entertainment goes. Plus, you may be watching some of the future starts of Major League Baseball. Current tiger stars like Curtis Granderson and Justin Verlander spent time playing in Lakeland before making it to the big stage. Even tiger rookie pitcher Rick Porcello played for the team as recent as last season. The home opener for the Flying Tigers is April 9 and it sounds like they have a lot planned:

The Lakeland Flying Tigers 2009 home season kicks off on Thursday, April 9 at Joker Marchant Stadium when the team hosts the division rival Tampa Yankees sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts.  Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm and the gates to Joker Marchant Stadium will open at 5:30 pm.  
The Flying Tigers will be holding a special happy hour from 5:30-7:00 pm sponsored by Bell’s Beer.  There will be free specialty beer sampling, giveaways, contests and prizes.  Fans can enjoy $1.00 draft beer during happy hour and all game long sponsored by Miller Lite.  There will also be special wine and bottled beer prices. The first 1,500 fans that enter the ballpark will receive a free 2009 Flying Tigers magnet schedule sponsored by the Holiday Inn Lakeland Hotel & Conference Center.
Tickets for opening day and all home games are available by calling the Tigers at (863) 686-8075.  Box seats are $6 and reserved seats are $5 and seniors 55 and over and children 14 and under receive a $1.00 discount.  Parking is free.  The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com

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