Catch Central Florida » Lakeland 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 Lakeland Flying Tigers Back in Action for 2012 Season http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/03/27/lakeland-flying-tigers-are-back-in-action-for-their-2012-season/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/03/27/lakeland-flying-tigers-are-back-in-action-for-their-2012-season/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:00:11 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1882 Spring has arrived, which could only mean one thing…baseball!
The Lakeland Flying Tigers approach the start of their 2012 season at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday, April 4 with an exhibition game against Southeastern University Fire. Gates to the stadium will open at 5:00 p.m., and the first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

This is definitely not the Flying Tigers’ first time taking on the Fire. In fact, this is the third consecutive season they have competed and the fourth time overall for an all-time record of 4-0 against Southeastern.

Tickets to the exhibition game will benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida and only cost $2.00, while parking is free.

2012 is the 46th season of Lakeland’s Detroit Tigers affiliation, the longest affiliation in Minor League Baseball, and also marks the 62nd season that Lakeland has been a member of the Florida State League.

The Flying Tigers open the FSL season in Tampa on April 5 and 6 against the Yankees. The FSL home opener for the Flying Tigers is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 also against the Yankees. Gates to this game will open at 4:30 p.m., and the first 1,500 fans to enter will receive a free 2012 magnetic schedule sponsored by the Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites.

Don’t rush out after the game because Publix will sponsor a massive Easter egg hunt where over 2,000 candy and toy-filled eggs will be scattered across the field of the stadium. Children 14 and under are encouraged to participate. The Easter Bunny is also set to make an appearance following the game, and as if that doesn’t sound like plenty of fun already, a spectacular firework show will take place (weather permitting) following the egg hunt.

Tickets for all home games can be purchased by calling the Flying Tigers at 863-686-8075. Box seats are $6 and reserved seats are $5. Seniors 55 and over along with children 14 and under receive a $1 discount. Saturday tickets are an additional $1. Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat tickets are $10. Parking is FREE.

The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. For more information visit the Flying Tigers online or call 863-686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/03/27/lakeland-flying-tigers-are-back-in-action-for-their-2012-season/feed/ 0 Local Howie Nichols in Orange Cup Regatta http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/29/local-howie-nichols-in-orange-cup-regatta/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/29/local-howie-nichols-in-orange-cup-regatta/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:00:31 +0000 Emily Leineweber http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1745 Tradition is one thing not lacking from the sport of powerboat racing, not only here but throughout the United States. One local racer has had a family history full of Orange Cup Regattas and racing that stems all the way back to his great great grandfather. Howie Nichols a name familiar to many here in the Polk County racing scene began his career in 1978 at just 9 years old, and attended his very first race in his mothers’ arms at just one month.

Currently racing here in Polk County in the Orange Cup Regatta are Howie, his father Pete, and daughter Becky. Howie and his father have participated in racing itself as well as officiating, chief refereeing and also as race chairman.

When listening to Howie speak about racing itself and his family’s participation, it was evident that this has been, and always will be, a passion of his, if passion could even describe his love for racing. Having his father on one side and daughter on the other make it all the more special. Throughout his racing career to date, Howie set and currently holds the world record in Lakeland in the SST-60 Class which he gained in 1999, and in 2006 he was the North American Champion in the same class.

Though his entire family does not currently reside in Florida, as they live in various states up and down the east coast, some still come down to cheer on their fellow racers, but most importantly family. Howie’s uncle, who previously raced, still comes down to watch, along with his brother, brother-in-law and nephew, all racers themselves.

When asked about his daughter’s racing experience, one story that came to mind was her first heat race. Howie reminisced about his anxiousness, nervousness, yet pure joy that he felt when watching Becky race for the first time. “I was petrified and paced back and forth but I was overcome with joy watching her. I knew deep down that I had taught her enough about racing that she would be just fine, which she was”. He said that to this day he still gets nervous watching Becky race, but loves to cheer her on.

To the Nichols family education is everything, especially when it comes to daughter Becky. As a sophomore in high school, this is their number one priority, with racing second. Howie said that they may travel all over the country for various races, but they do whatever it takes to make it back for Becky’s classes, even if it means driving through the night. If a race is on the weekend, once she is out of school, he will sometimes fly her out just to make sure that she is not missing any valuable class time.

Racing is not just a sport to participate in or watch, but it became a family that connected Howie with so many people throughout the United States. He spoke of having not only his biological family but also about the racing family that he has created through the sport of powerboat racing. It has been a network which created opportunity no matter where he and his family may be. These race participants could be on the water one minute competing and fighting for the same titles, but once they are off the water it is back to being a normal family, joking around.

Trying other sports has crossed Howie’s mind and he tried out go kart racing, cars, motorcycles, but something was still missing and he was continually drawn back to boat racing. No matter where he has to travel, Howie will be there, from California to Michigan to Florida, and will continue to pass down the tradition of boat racing to generations to come.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/29/local-howie-nichols-in-orange-cup-regatta/feed/ 1 Tee it up with the Detroit Tigers http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/16/tee-it-up-with-the-detroit-tigers/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/16/tee-it-up-with-the-detroit-tigers/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:16:27 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1616 Are you a Detroit Tigers fan or golf and sports enthusiast? If so, grab your golf buddies or join a foursome, and meet the Tiger players and coaches on the course as they tee it up to raise money for local youth programs in Polk County. Celebrities, golf and baseball all come together on Thursday, March 1 for the 17th Annual Major League Scramble at Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland.

This is your opportunity to spend a day on the course with sports superstars of yesterday and today. This celebrity event not only features your favorite stars and world-class golf, but it also includes contests such as the longest drive, closest to the pin and the traditional putting contest along with multiple raffle drawings and prizes.

To register, submit your Major League Scramble Registration Form. Be sure to send your entry promptly due to the heavy demand of this event.

The event begins with registration at 10:30 a.m. and is followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. The tournament officially kicks off with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and later wraps up with a reception, awards presentation and raffle ticket drawings at 6:00 p.m.

The Major League Scramble is just one of the week-long set of events leading up to the Tigers’ 76th Opening Day of spring training in Lakeland.

The Detroit Tigers open their 2012 Spring Training season with a home game against Florida Southern at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2 at Joker Marchant Stadium. For more information about the 17th Major League Scramble, please contact the Tournament Director, Brock Whitmyer at 863-834-2379 or Bill Tinsley at 863-860-2176.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/16/tee-it-up-with-the-detroit-tigers/feed/ 1 Non-Stop Action at Florida’s Largest RC Jet Show http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/09/non-stop-action-at-floridas-largest-rc-jet-show/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/09/non-stop-action-at-floridas-largest-rc-jet-show/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:45:02 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1514 Soar on over to The Largest All Jet Show, Florida Jets, featuring four days of flying with over 300 jets. It all begins Thursday, March 1st at 8:30 a.m. at Paradise Field near Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

This “jet-together” guarantees a sensational action-packed weekend with all-day, continuous flying by R/C Jet Pilots from across the globe, exhibits and daily demos. Every ticket doubles as a pit pass, so spectators will receive the chance to see the latest offerings in aviation technology along with the opportunity to get up close and personal with pilots and their planes. Be sure to take the opportunity to get a picture and an autograph with the pilots along with answers to all your aviation questions.

Model aviation and related vendors will showcase current and coming products and will also have items for sale. In addition to continuous flying, a demonstration hour will occur at noon for most events.

While the event is pure fun and not intended as a competition, sponsors will also be there to hand out several awards for excellence.

Admission to Florida Jets is $10.00 and FREE for children under seven. Admission includes parking and pit passes. Bring your lawn chair and make a thrilling day of it. What better way to spend your weekend than with food, fun and non-stop action?

Florida Jets is brought to you by Frank Tiano Enterprises and will take place Thursday, March 1 at 8:30 a.m. through Sunday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. at “Paradise Field” on West Pipkin Road at the intersection of Air Show Rd. (Gate 36). Lakeland, Florida.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/02/09/non-stop-action-at-floridas-largest-rc-jet-show/feed/ 0 Lakeland Raiders Fan Fest http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/01/31/lakeland-raiders-fan-fest/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/01/31/lakeland-raiders-fan-fest/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:10 +0000 Emily Leineweber http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1468 As the regular football season comes to a close, many fans are beginning to wonder what they will do with their time. Luckily the patrons of Polk County will be continuing on the football tradition with the inaugural season of the Lakeland Raiders indoor football team. In order to start the season off right, the team will be hosting Lakeland Raiders Fan Fest on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Lakeland Center.

Events to look forward to throughout the day include:

  • Free Raiders Inaugural Season Posters to first 1,500 Fans
  • Coaches and Player pictures and autograph signings
  • Fan Fest Season Ticket Specials
  • Kids Zone, Games, Face Painting
  • Giveaways All Day Long
  • Fan Contests
  • Meet and Greet with Coaches, Players and Dancers
  • See Live Football Drills
  • Raiders4Kids Youth Teams And Junior Dancer Sign Ups
  • Drink and Food Specials
  • Raiders 2012 Merchandise on Sale
  • Try Out to Sing the National Anthem
  • Try Out To Be The Voice of the Raiders
  • 2012 Raiders Model Search Sign Ups

This event is completely free to everyone so come out and enjoy food, football, and get an inside look at the newest team in the United Indoor Football League. Don’t forget to check out the home game schedule and be the first to get your tickets at www.lakelandraiders.com.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/01/31/lakeland-raiders-fan-fest/feed/ 2 U.S.T.A. Serves Up Tennis in Lakeland This Weekend http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/01/03/u-s-t-a-serves-up-tennis-in-lakeland-this-weekend/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/01/03/u-s-t-a-serves-up-tennis-in-lakeland-this-weekend/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:14:35 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1285 Lakeland Parks and Recreation welcomes the Lakeland Winter Sectional this weekend on Saturday, January 7 – Monday, January 9. This U.S.T.A. Florida event will be held at three different venues across the city of Lakeland including: the Beerman Family Tennis Complex, Kelly Recreation Complex and Woodlake Complex. Only the top ranked players in the state can participate. This sanctioned U.S.T.A. tournament is expected to bring in 80 tennis players and 200 spectators from out of the county.

For more information please visit http://www.florida.usta.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2012/01/03/u-s-t-a-serves-up-tennis-in-lakeland-this-weekend/feed/ 0 Florida International Senior Games and State Championships return to Polk County http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/10/18/florida-international-senior-games-and-state-championships-return-to-polk-county/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/10/18/florida-international-senior-games-and-state-championships-return-to-polk-county/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:05:10 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=1093 For the first time in eight years, the Florida International Senior Games and State Championships, an Olympic-style competition for athletes age 50 and over, will return to Polk County for the 20th Anniversary Games.

The nine-day event, featuring 23 sports at various locations across Polk County, will take place Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 11, 2011.

 Approximately 2,000 athletes are expected to compete in sports such as archery, powerlifiting, softball, golf and table tennis.

 The 2011 Games now carry the International Senior Games designation as a way to offer more competitive opportunities for Floridians. Out-of-state athletes are not required to qualify at one of 19 Florida Local Senior Games events. Floridians are required to qualify, but are eligible for dual state championships and overall medals/awards.

 Athletes who have not yet qualified still have a few opportunities to earn a spot in the State Championships. The Gainesville Senior Games and Ormond Beach Senior Games each begin on October 21, and the Martin County Senior Games and Golden Age Games in Sanford will be held in November.  The Lee County Senior Games will also hold a Tennis qualifier in November. For more information about the remaining qualifiers, visit www.flasports.com.

 Registration is now open! Conveniently register online at www.flasports.com or print the registration form found on www.flasports.com, and send it to the Florida Sports Charitable Foundation in Tallahassee.

The complete schedule for the 20th Anniversary Games is listed below:

SPORT SCHEDULE OF THE 2011 FLORIDA SENIOR GAMES STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Archery, Saturday, 12/3 – Central Florida Archers, Fort Meade

Badminton, Saturday, 12/10 and Sunday, 12/11 – Kelly Recreation Center, Lakeland

Basketball

Shooting, Thursday, 12/8– Simpson Community Park, Lakeland

 3-on-3, Friday, 12/9 – Simpson Community Park, Lakeland

Billiards, Friday, 12/9 – Sunday, 12/11 – Wally’s Billiards, Lakeland

Bowling – Individual, Saturday, 12/3 & Sunday, 12/4 – Lakeland Lanes

Bowling – Team, Saturday, 12/3 & Sunday, 12/4 – Lakeland Lanes

Cycling 5K & 10K Time Trials, Saturday, 12/10 – West Pipkin Road & County Line Road, Lakeland

 20K & 40K Road Race, Sunday, 12/11 – Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland

Golf

 Men’s, Tuesday, 12/6 – Cleveland Heights Golf Course, Lakeland

 Women’s, Wednesday, 12/7 – Cleveland Heights Golf Course, Lakeland

Horseshoes, Wednesday, 12/7 – Rotary Park, Winter Haven

Pickleball, Saturday, 12/3 – Monday, 12/5 – Kelly Recreation Center, Lakeland

Pwerlifting, Saturday, 12/10 and Sunday, December 11 – The Lakeland Center

Race Walk/ Power Walk

 1500 Meter, Sunday, 12/4 – All Saints Academy, Winter Haven

 5K Race Walk & Power Walk, Saturday, 12/3 – Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland

Racquetball, Saturday, 12/10 & Sunday, 12/11, Lakeland YMCA

Road Race 5K, Saturday, 12/13 – Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland

Shuffleboard, Saturday, 12/10 & Sunday, 12/11 – Lake Parker Park, Lakeland

Softball, Saturday, 12/3 & Sunday 12/4 – DiamonPlex Softball Complex, Winter Haven

Swimming, Saturday, 12/10 & Sunday, 12/11– Gandy Pool, Lakeland

Table Tennis, Monday, 12/5 & Tuesday, 12/6 – Simpson Community Park, Lakeland

Tennis, Tuesday, 12/6-Sunday, 12/11 –Beerman Family Tennis Center, Lakeland

Track & Field, Saturday, 12/ 3 (Field Events only) Tenoroc High School, Lakeland

Sunday, 12/4 (Running Events)  – All Saints Academy, Winter Haven

Volleyball, Saturday, 12/10 (Men) & Sunday, 12/11 (Women) – Polk State College, Winter Haven

The Florida Senior Games is a program of Florida Sports, a division of Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state’s lead sports promotion and development organization and a division of Enterprise Florida, Inc.

 For more information contact Nick Gandy, Florida Sports Foundation Director of Communications at (850) 488-1422 or ngandy@flasports.com

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/10/18/florida-international-senior-games-and-state-championships-return-to-polk-county/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 Flying Tigers Individual Tickets on Sale Saturday http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/02/23/flying-tigers-individual-tickets-on-sale-saturday/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/02/23/flying-tigers-individual-tickets-on-sale-saturday/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:16:56 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=902 Individual tickets for Lakeland Flying Tigers home games will go on sale Saturday, February 26th at 10:00 a.m. at the Joker Marchant Stadium box office.  The box office is located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd.  Tickets may also be purchased at 10:00 a.m. through the Flying Tigers website, www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or via telephone by calling toll free 1-866-66-TIGER (84437).  Season tickets are currently on sale for $210 (only $3 per ticket) and include special season ticket holder benefits including events, trips and a ticket exchange program.  The Graphic Systems Officers Club Party Deck and party suites are available for all games.

This season will mark Lakeland’s 62nd season in the Florida State League (FSL) and 45th as a Detroit Tigers minor league affiliate, the longest affiliation in all of Minor League Baseball.  Lakeland is an original member of the FSL, a league that was established in 1919.

The Flying Tigers will open the season on Thursday, April 7 against the two-time defending FSL champion Tampa Yankees.  The schedule is highlighted with home games on July 4th, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Cinco de Mayo, and education day games. There will be appearances by the Philly Phanatic and Myron Noodleman as well as fireworks shows. A current promotional calendar can be found at LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

Ticket prices for Flying Tigers regular season games are: $6 for box seats and $5 for reserved seats.  Adults ages 55 and over and children 14 and under receive a $1 discount.  Saturday tickets are an additional $1.  Parking is FREE.

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

     

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/02/23/flying-tigers-individual-tickets-on-sale-saturday/feed/ 0 Tigers Spring Tickets on Sale Saturday http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/01/05/tigers-spring-tickets-on-sale-saturday/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2011/01/05/tigers-spring-tickets-on-sale-saturday/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:29:52 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=849 It is getting closer…..The Detroit Tigers are set to celebrate their 75th sprig in Lakeland and individual tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10:00am. 

Tickets will be on sale at the Joker Marchant Stadium box office and may also be purchased at 10:00 a.m. through the Tigers website, www.tigers.com or via telephone by calling toll free 1-866-66-TIGER (84437). Fans that make it to the box office at Tigertown will receive free popcorn, soda and coffee at the concession stands from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The Tigers will also be holding a special merchandise sale at the souvenir shop from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Select merchandise will be 50% off.

This spring will mark the Tigers 75th season at TigerTown in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a major league team and a current Spring Training host city.  The 2011 spring season marks the club’s 46th consecutive season of exhibition play at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Tigers will begin the exhibition schedule on Friday, February 25 as the club plays host to Florida Southern College in the annual matchup against the Moccasins. The club opens the home portion of the Grapefruit League schedule against the Toronto Blue Jays at Joker Marchant Stadium on Sunday, February 27. The schedule is highlighted by three visits from the National League East Division Champion Philadelphia Phillies on March 6, March 9 and March 26. The schedule also features visits from the New York Yankees on February 28, Boston Red Sox on March 15 and Atlanta Braves on March 19.  

Tickets for the 2011 spring exhibition season will be priced at three separate levels, which include Navy, Orange and White levels. Navy level games on February 28, March 9, March 15 and March 16 range from $14-25. Orange level games on February 27, March 4, March 6, March 12, March 13, March 19, March 22 and March 26 range from $12-23. White level games on February 25, March 1, March 2, March 8, March 17 and March 24 range from $9-20.

Full season ticket packages, five-game and flex plans for the 2011 Tigers Spring Training exhibition season are on sale now at the Joker Marchant Stadium ticket office, via phone at (863) 686-8075 or by visiting www.tigers.com.  Individual game tickets go on sale beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 8th, and can be ordered by visiting the ticket office at Joker Marchant Stadium, calling 866-66-TIGER (8-4437) or visiting www.tigers.com.  Handicap and wheelchair orders should call (863) 413-4140 for tickets.  For additional ticket information and special group pricing, call the Lakeland office at 863-686-8075.

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