Catch Central Florida » Lakeland Flying Tigers http://catchcentralflorida.com Central Florida Sports News and Events from the Sidelines Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:00:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 This Week in Sports http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/08/01/this-week-in-sports-54/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/08/01/this-week-in-sports-54/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:43:53 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1050 Polk County Amateur Golf Championships
Dates: 8/6 – 8/7
Venue: Lake Region Golf & Country Club
-This event will bring in over 100 of the top men’s amateur golfers to the Winter Haven area.
-For more information, please visit http://blog.lakelandchamber.com/2011/06/polk-county-amateur-golf-championships-august-6-7/ or www.centralfloridasports.com

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs Brevard County Manatees
Dates: 8/6
Venue: Joker Merchant Stadium
-First Pitch: 6:00pm
-For more information visit www.lakelandflyingtigers.com

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/08/01/this-week-in-sports-54/feed/ 0 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/07/18/this-week-in-sports-52/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/07/18/this-week-in-sports-52/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:36:25 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1012 Independent Softball Association – Youth Fast Pitch World Series – Youth Fast Pitch Softball
Dates: 7/21- 7/24
Venue: Diamond Plex- Winter Haven, Bartow 555 Complex, Auburndale Softball Complex, Christina Park – Lakeland
-This event will bring in over 900 participants and over 1800 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 World Amateur Baseball Association – International Championships – Baseball
Dates: 7/22 – 7/24
Venue: Lake Myrtle Complex-Auburndale & Winter Haven- Chain of Lakes Complex
-This event will bring in 35 teams from across the southeastern U.S. to Polk County over the three-day tournament.
-For more information please visit www.wababaseball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 Florida Half Century 50’s Tournament – Slow Pitch Softball
Dates:  7/23 – 7/24
Venue:  Southwest/Westside Complex, Loyce Harpe Park – Lakeland
-This FHC tournament will bring over 50 senior softball teams from across Florida to Polk County.
-For more information, please visit www.fhcsoftball.org

Both the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Winter Haven Loggerheads have games this week on Monday the 18th, Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20th starting at 7:00pm.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/07/18/this-week-in-sports-52/feed/ 0 Giveaways, Contests & A Sunset Celebration This Weekend http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/06/10/giveaways-contests-a-sunset-celebration-with-the-flying-tigers/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/06/10/giveaways-contests-a-sunset-celebration-with-the-flying-tigers/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:01:13 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=986 The Lakeland Tigers will provide an entertaining weekend filled with giveaways, contests and festivities, including a giveaway just for kids on Friday and a Key West themed “Sunset Celebration” on Saturday.

Friday, June 10 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.):
Victor Martinez Kids Backpack Giveaway
The Flying Tigers will be giving away Victor Martinez backpacks to the first 750 paid kids ages 14 and younger.

Chick-fil-A Night
Look for special promotions, contests and giveaways throughout the game from Chick-fil-A.

Scout Night
Special group ticket and food packages for Boy and Cub Scouts and their families.

Saturday, June 11 vs. Brevard County Manatees (Brewers) @ 4:00 p.m. (Gates open at 2:30 p.m.):
The Ledger Customer Appreciation Day
The first 2,000 fans will receive a free grocery tote compliments of The Ledger Media Group. The first 100 new Ledger subscribers will be given Ledger Media Group t-shirts.  Fans can register to win great prizes including travel trips, gift baskets, gift cards and more throughout the game.  A fan will also have a chance to win a Fiat if a Flying Tigers player hits a grand slam in the seventh inning.  The Flying Tigers will be wearing special tropical jerseys during the game and fans are encouraged to dress for the occasion as well wearing flip-flops and tropical shirts.

Sunset Celebration Sponsored by The Ledger Media Group and Budweiser
Following the game the Flying Tigers will be turning the berm into a Key West themed party.  There will be live island-themed music by Captain Josh as well as street performers, frisbee dogs, a pig roast and much more.  There will be drink and food specials on the berm all night.  Polk County’s Parrot Head Club, Pirates on the Ridge, will be helping to get the party started.

 Fireworks Extravaganza at dark (weather permitting).

 Post-Game Party at Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill
The fun keeps going at Natalie’s following the fireworks show.  Natalie’s is located at 3120 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland.

The Tigers will also be hosting games Sunday-Tuesday, as well.

Sunday, June 12 vs. Brevard County Manatees (Brewers)  @ 1:00 p.m. (Gates open at Noon):
Sunday is Kids Day.  All kids 14 and under will receive free admission to the game.  All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen – North Lakeland.

For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/06/10/giveaways-contests-a-sunset-celebration-with-the-flying-tigers/feed/ 0 Plenty of Activities as Flying Tigers Come Home for Five Games http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/06/01/2nd-annual-flying-tigers-wing-ding/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/06/01/2nd-annual-flying-tigers-wing-ding/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:56:11 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=980 The Lakeland Flying Tigers return home for a five-game homestand beginning Tuesday, May 31 at Joker Marchant Stadium.  Lakeland will host the Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) from May 31 – June 3 and the Tampa Yankees on June 4.
 
Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Flying 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.  Saturday tickets are an additional $1.  Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat tickets are $10.  Parking is FREE.

Wednesday, June 1 vs. Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
All-You-Can-Eat Night
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Outback Steakhouse – North Lakeland. Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Outback from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last.

Emergency Preparedness Night
Members of Polk County’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will be at the game distributing ready materials and will be available to answer any questions from fans.  There will be PSA audio and video messages, trivia questions, games and contests throughout the game to educate fans.  The Red Cross, National Weather Service, United Way as well as a blood mobile are expected to participate.  There will also be information regarding hurricane preparedness as the beginning of June also marks the beginning of hurricane season.  
WFLA News Channel 8 weekend anchor and Polk County reporter Jennifer Leigh will also throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.  The Sleepy Hill Middle School Chorus will sing the National Anthem; the Civil Air Patrol Cadets will present the colors, and the Sleepy Hill Middle School Drum Line will perform throughout the game.

Thursday, June 2 vs. Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
2nd Annual Flying Tigers Wing Ding (5:30 -7:00 p.m.)
Area Polk County restaurants will be competing for the Flying Tigers Wing Ding Champion.  Competitors will be judged by best overall wing and the people’s choice award which will be judged by the fans.  Winners will receive trophies and prizes from the Flying Tigers.  Restaurants scheduled to participate include Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill, Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings, Gators at Dockside, Tiger Town Cafe, Smokey Bones, Beef O’ Brady’s and Mojo’s.  Entrance to the Wing Ding is $5 (ticket to the game is required) and includes wings, live music and beer samples from Budweiser.  Part of the proceeds benefit Camp Fire USA.

Thirsty Thursday
Fans can enjoy $1 beer and soda every Thursday home game.  Beer sales begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the 7th inning.

Friday, June 3 vs. Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Flying Tigers Youth Cap Giveaway
The Flying Tigers will be giving baseball caps to the first 300 paid kids ages 14 and younger.

Saturday, June 4 vs. Tampa Yankees @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Bright House Customer Appreciation Night
Bright House Networks customers receive free tickets for their entire household.  Customers can bring their Bright House statement to the game for free tickets.  There will be special prize giveaways throughout the game.

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 or call (863) 686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/06/01/2nd-annual-flying-tigers-wing-ding/feed/ 0 Chili Returns to Tigertown! http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/04/12/chili-returns-to-tigertown/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/04/12/chili-returns-to-tigertown/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:57:19 +0000 admin http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=942 The Lakeland Flying Tigers  are proud to host a Chili Throwdown at Tigertown for the second year. If you love chili, you need to be at the Joker Marchant Stadium on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. when the competition begins. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy free beer samples, courtesy of Budweiser, live music, free chili samples, $1 beer and soda until the 7th inning and a Flying Tigers Vs. Daytona Cubs baseball game for only $10. If you just want the chili, tickets are $5 without admission to the game.

Polk County Fire Departments will be all be competing for one title; The Flying Tigers Chili Throwdown Champion. Competitors will be judged in two categories; best chili as voted by judges and people’s choice award that will be judged by the fans. Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each category.

For more information, visit www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/04/12/chili-returns-to-tigertown/feed/ 0 Congratulations! http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/22/congratulations/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/22/congratulations/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:53:59 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=786 I just wanted to post a quick note of congratulations to one of our regular contributors here at Catch Central Florida. Zach Burek, who is the General Manager of the Lakeland Flying Tigers, was just named the Florida State League Executive of the Year. The Flying Tigers are the Detroit Tigers Single A affiliate and are part of the Florida State League. Zach regularly posts updates throughout the Flying Tigers season and you can always check here for the latest Flying Tiger news. Here is the official release on his award:

Lakeland Flying Tigers General Manager Zach Burek was named Executive of the Year by the Florida State League today. Burek will be honored in front of more than 1,200 representatives from Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball at the Baseball Winter Meetings during the Opening Session as well as the Awards Luncheon December 6 at Disney World. 2010 was a record breaking year for the Flying Tigers. The team established a new single-season attendance record at Joker Marchant Stadium with 64,010 fans attending games. The previous record of 61,255 was set in 1987. The club also set new records in concession sales and merchandise sales. 2010 marked 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. “I am very honored and humbled to be recognized by a league with such great history and tradition as the Florida State League” commented Burek. “This award is a credit to the hard work and passion of our entire staff.” This is Burek’s fifth season as general manager and tenth season with the Tigers organization. Burek started with the Tigers as an intern in 1997 while attending Southern New Hampshire University.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/22/congratulations/feed/ 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 Flying Tigers Final All-You-Can-Eat Night of the Season (Sept. 1) http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/01/flying-tigers-final-all-you-can-eat-night-of-the-season-sept-1/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/01/flying-tigers-final-all-you-can-eat-night-of-the-season-sept-1/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:38:30 +0000 zach http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/01/flying-tigers-final-all-you-can-eat-night-of-the-season-sept-1/ Wednesday, Sept. 1 vs. Dunedin Blue Jays @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
All-You-Can-Eat-Night
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Little Caesars and Tigertown Catering. Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat Little Caesars pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Tigertown Catering from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last.

Health & Wellness Night
Exciting night tailored to show our Flying Tiger fans new fitness techniques, teach proper eating habits and get them working towards a healthier tomorrow! The night will feature fitness instructions, business display tables and great giveaways.

Thursday, Sept. 2 vs. Dunedin Blue Jays @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Thirsty Thursday
Fans can enjoy $1 beer and soda every Thursday home game.

Bark in the Park
The Flying Tigers have partnered with the Humane Society of Polk County for the second Bark in the Park of the season. Fans can visit local vendors set-up inside the stadium, see adoptable pets and enter to win great prizes throughout the game. (Fans are encouraged to bring their dog out to the ball park with them. Pooch passes are available at the box office for only $1.)

Friday, Sept. 3 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Joker Marchant Stadium Photo Card Giveaway
The first 250 fans will receive a special photo card celebrating the 45th anniversary of Joker Marchant Stadium.

Chick-fil-A Night
Look for special promotions, contests and giveaways throughout the game from Chick-fil-A.

Ladies Night
The night will feature wine tasting from Keel & Curley Winery, special giveaways, beauty tips and business display tables for all women in attendance.

Saturday, Sept. 4 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.)
Hispanic Heritage Night
Join the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Polk Hispano for Hispanic Heritage night, featuring Live Hispanic music, Live dancing, plus local business displays inside the stadium. Fans are encouraged to bring with them new or used baseball gear to donate to Roberto’s Kids, started in the name of Roberto Clemente to give equipment to less fortunate children in the Dominican Republic.
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Sunday, Sept. 5 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 11:00 a.m. (Gates open at 10:00 a.m.)
Sunday is Kids Day. All kids 14 and under will receive free admission to the game. Kids can play catch on the field at 10:00 a.m. (weather permitting). Kids can also run the bases just like the Flying Tigers following the game (weather permitting). All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen.

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 or call (863) 686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/01/flying-tigers-final-all-you-can-eat-night-of-the-season-sept-1/feed/ 0 Flying Tigers Return Home Saturday (Aug. 21) to Battle First-Place Yankees http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/20/flying-tigers-return-home-saturday-aug-21-to-battle-first-place-yankees/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/20/flying-tigers-return-home-saturday-aug-21-to-battle-first-place-yankees/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:25:39 +0000 zach http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/20/flying-tigers-return-home-saturday-aug-21-to-battle-first-place-yankees/ The Lakeland Flying Tigers return home for a series against the Tampa Yankees beginning Saturday, August 21 at Joker Marchant Stadium. August 21st and August 23rd (doubleheader) games will be at Marchant Stadium and games August 22nd (doubleheader) will be in Tampa. Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Flying 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. Saturday tickets are an additional $1. Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat tickets are $10. Parking is FREE.

Saturday, August 21 vs. Tampa Yankees @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.)
Bike Night
Bikers can enjoy a private parking area for bikes, a special on-field bike parade, bike displays and much more.

Law & Order Night
The Flying Tigers will pay tribute to all of those that fight to protect us and our rights everyday. We will have fun in-game promotions and in game recognition for all those groups in attendance.

Subway Kids Club Autograph Session
Special pre-game team autograph session for Subway Kids Club members.

Monday, August 23 Doubleheader vs. Tampa Yankees @ 5:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
The Flying Tigers will play two 7-inning games vs. the Tampa Yankees beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Monday is $1 hot dog night. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs during both games. Also, check The Ledger for a special two-for-one ticket offer.

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 or call (863) 686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/20/flying-tigers-return-home-saturday-aug-21-to-battle-first-place-yankees/feed/ 1 Flying Tigers Return Home Monday for $1 Hot Dog Night http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/06/flying-tigers-return-home-monday-for-1-hot-dog-night/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/06/flying-tigers-return-home-monday-for-1-hot-dog-night/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:06:16 +0000 zach http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/08/06/flying-tigers-return-home-monday-for-1-hot-dog-night/ Monday, Aug. 9 vs. Clearwater Threshers @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Monday is $1 hot dog day. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs all game long. Also, check The Ledger for a special two-for-one ticket offer.

Tuesday, Aug. 10 vs. Clearwater Threshers @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Baseball Wingo Sponsored by Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill
• Fans can play Baseball Bingo during the game for a chance to wings from Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill and prizes from the Flying Tigers.

Silver Sluggers
• Flying Tigers Silver Sluggers Tuesday presented by Humana. Silver Sluggers members will receive free admission to the game as well as a complimentary soda. For more

information on the Silver Sluggers program please contact the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075 or visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

KRAFT Singles Tuesday Tickets
• KRAFT Singles Tuesday Tickets. Fans receive a special buy one, get one free ticket offer by bringing a KRAFT Singles package wrapper to the ticket office.

Wednesday, Aug. 11 vs. Clearwater Threshers @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
All-You-Can-Eat-Night
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Little Caesars and BD’s Mongolian Grill. Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat Little Caesars pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from BD’s from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last.

Thursday, Aug. 12 vs. Brevard County Manatees @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Thirsty Thursday
Fans can enjoy $1 beer and soda every Thursday home game.

Social Media Night
Check out the Flying Tigers on Facebook (South Paw) and Twitter (LkdFlying Tigers) for more information.

Flying Tigers to Honor the Auburndale Lady Razorbacks
The Flying Tigers will honor the Auburndale Lady Razorbacks prior to the game. The Lady Razorbacks 12 and under team recently won the NSA B World Series in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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 or call (863) 686-8075.

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