City News Blog: Baseball Is Back!
LAKELAND, FL (February 19, 2026) | The Detroit Tigers return to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Sunday, February 22, as the club opens its 2026 Grapefruit League schedule. This marks the 61st consecutive season the Tigers have called Lakeland home. The 2026 Spring Training season represents Detroit’s 90th straight year in TigerTown, extending the longest-standing relationship between a Major League Baseball franchise and its Spring Training host community. For generations, Lakeland has been where baseball traditions begin, legends are built, and the next wave of Tigers stars take the field.
Single-game tickets for all 2026 Spring Training home games are on sale now and available at the ticket office at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, by calling 863-686-8075, or online at Tigers.com/Spring. Originally opening in 1966, Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium has undergone multiple multimillion-dollar renovations, most recently in 2003 and 2017, elevating both the player and fan experience. Consistently voted one of the best ballparks in the Grapefruit League, the stadium features a 360-degree walkable concourse, an interactive children’s play area, premium indoor and outdoor seating options, and unbeatable sightlines that bring fans closer to today’s Tigers and tomorrow’s stars.
Detroit Tigers Spring Training in Lakeland is an experience unlike any other. Fans can enjoy premium seating options, relax at the Corona Cabana Bar, or soak up the Florida sunshine from the family-friendly berm. The ballpark atmosphere pairs exciting baseball with family activities, panoramic views, local food offerings, and some of Central Florida’s most popular frozen cocktails.
The Tigers will host 15 home games during the 2026 Spring Training season. The home schedule ends Saturday, March 21, when the Tigers welcome the New York Yankees.
The full Spring Training schedule is available at Tigers.com/Spring.
TigerTown Express Returns
Fans looking to skip traffic and parking can take advantage of the TigerTown Express, operated by Citrus Connection. This complimentary shuttle service provides convenient transportation to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium for all Tigers Spring Training home games.
The TigerTown Express runs continuously before and after each home game, helping fans travel to and from the ballpark with ease. Service operates approximately every 10 to 15 minutes on the main routes, with hotel service running about every 18 to 20 minutes.
Park and ride locations include:
• Gow B. Fields Park and Ride
• Lakeland Park Center
• Rose Street Park and Ride
• RP Funding Center
• Lakeside Village hotel area
TigerTown Express flags mark each stop for easy identification. The service is open to the public and fully ADA accessible.
Heads Up, Fans
Due to ongoing construction along Lakeland Hills Boulevard, fans are encouraged to allow additional travel time when heading to the stadium. Departing at least one hour earlier than planned is recommended. An attached map outlines the most efficient routes to avoid the construction area.
Parking for all 2026 Spring Training games is cashless. Parking attendants will use ParkHub handheld devices to expedite entry, and payments can be made by credit card at the point of sale.
Parking rates are as follows:
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$15 – Car/Truck/SUV
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$15 – Motorcycle
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$25 – RV
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$30 – Bus
Spring is calling. TigerTown is ready.
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early and be part of another unforgettable season in Lakeland.
Contacts
Larry Little
Director
Communications
City of Lakeland
863-394-3942
Larry.Little@lakelandgov.net
Jamin Smith
Digital Content Creator
City of Lakeland
Jamin.Smith@lakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida, and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Community members are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat, and Nextdoor by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit LakelandGov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.
