Having been to Joker Marchant Stadium many times over the last 30 years, I was excited to get back to Lakeland to check out the recent improvements to the newly renamed Publix Field (at Joker Marchant Stadium). Let me tell you, the Tigers organization did a great job turning the facility into one of the best training camps and minor league facilities in baseball. Not that stadium was bad before the renovation, but the upgrades added a new level of comfort by increasing the seating capacity and the amount of shade covering the seating areas.
One of the biggest changes was the removal of the odd bleacher section down the left field line that was completely uncovered and misaligned from the rest of the seating sections. Once removed, the Tigers extended the existing seating further down the left field line and extended the rooftop along with it. This added a large amount of covered seats which will not only be enjoyed by those northerners who travel down to Florida to see the Tigers in March, but for those locals who are brave enough to take in a game during the hotter months of the minor league season. Some changes to the seating down the first base line were made as well, including the addition of a new party suite named the 34 Club. Other group party sections were added to the right field area, including the Pepsi Pavilion, the Hooters Dugout, and the Margaritaville Patio.
Behind the Margaritaville Patio in right field is the new location of the Tigers Administration building, along with the clubhouse and workout facilities. Between the two is a large walkway that is know as the Runway, a nod to the history of the facility as a flight training school for the US Army Air Corps. During games the runway is a great area to stand and watch the game while hanging out and talking with friends. Closer to center field, the Runway is where the kids will find all sorts of inflatables to keep them happy and occupied during games.
Another small but nice improvement to the stadium is the ability for guests to walk around the park without having to leave it. At the end of the runway in center field, there is now a bridge that connects the right field side to the left field lawn seating, running behind the batters eye in center. It’s great to have this connection as it allows guests to fully encircle the stadium. As for left field, the Tigers made some changes there by adding a bar at the top of the berm and relocating the score board from right field to left. The changes in left field seem to have reduced the amount of lawn seating available, but with the addition of new seating in other areas of the park, I don’t expect they will be short of seats especially for the minor league season.
As for the game on this night (April 5, 2018), it was opening night for the Lakeland Flying Tigers 2018 season. As the Tigers top Single A team, many of the organizations best prospects will be making a stop in Lakeland at some point this season. This includes young shortstop Isaac Paredes, who homered in his first at bat for the Flying Tigers tonight. Tomorrow, the Tigers 2017 first-round draft pick Alex Faedo is scheduled to make his professional debut after leading the Florida Gators to the college World Series last year. For fans, this is a great opportunity to catch a close glimpse at some of the young kids who are being counted on to lead the Tigers rebuilding efforts.
On this night however, the Tampa Tarpons (NY Yankees) got the best of the Flying Tigers by coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win the game 4-2.
GAME: Lakeland Flying Tigers (2) vs. Tampa Tarpons (4)
BOXSCORE: http://www.milb.com
Leave a reply