TigerTown Honors Miguel Cabrera

TigerTown USA, the Spring Training home of the Detroit Tigers, added some special touches to their complex this season to honor Tiger legend Miguel Cabrera as he begins his final season before retirement.

TigerTown, located in Lakeland, Florida, has been home to the Detroit Tigers since 1966. The Tigers play at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. The stadium is the regular-season home to their minor league affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers. It is the longest-standing relationship between a team and its Spring Training host city in Major League Baseball.

The Tigers’ relationship with the city of Lakeland dates back to 1934. The stadium has a section for premium and group seating called the 34 Club to commemorate the relationship. The stadium is named after former Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Marcus “Joker” Marchant. Publix is based out of Lakeland, and Joker Marchant Stadium is the only field they have purchased naming rights for.

A Dedication to Miguel Cabrera

TigerTown USA had many different displays of appreciation for Cabrera. The walls around the stadium were filled with thank you posters. The entryway on the first and third base side had a banner across the top thanking him and announcing his final season. The pro shop wall had a photo collage of his major accomplishments including his 500 home runs and 3,000 hits.

Ballpark of the Year

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium was named the Grapefruit League Ballpark of the Year for three consecutive years: 2019, 2020, and 2021. The stadium was renovated in 2017 to add more shaded seats, new concession stands, a new pavilion, and more restrooms.

The renovations also included new features. One new feature is The Runway. The Runway connects the first base concourse to the berm. It was built on top of the former Lodwick Field airstrip and is painted to match. Fans can watch the game from the drink rails or beach chair seating. You are able to view the bullpens and game from the location of the walkway.

The ballpark offers a way to view the game from all angles. Fans can sit on the grass in the berm, on beach chairs, at shaded tables, or in standard seats.

The D Shop

The Tigers also offer a pro shop, called the D shop, for fans to get merch at. There is an inside and outside section for fans to shop at. The store offers Tigers’ merch such as hats, shirts, jerseys, and memorabilia. They also had USA jerseys available during the World Baseball Classic and Grapefruit League merchandise for fans to purchase.

TigerTown is a comfortable ballpark that enhances the experience for fans. The large concourses and recent renovations help fans enjoy the game. The stadium has a number of seating options to choose from and places to hang out around the field. It is definitely worth the visit.

Posted: March 18, 2023
Category: Photo Galleries, Tigers