Sports in Lakeland is a Tradition.
Perhaps that's why so many accomplished athletes call Lakeland home. We proudly honor their accomplishments.
- Wayne Anderson, NASCAR
- Andy Bean, PGA Tour golfer.
- Desmond Clark, NFL Player: Chicago Bears
- Lance Davis, Major League baseball player: Cincinnati Reds
- Matt Diaz, Major League baseball player: Atlanta Braves
- Paul Edinger, NFL player: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears
- Justin Forsett, University of California-Berkeley running back
- Lee Janzen, PGA Tour golfer two time winner of the U.S. Open.
- Ray Lewis, NFL player: Baltimore Ravens. Super Bowl champion; 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year; Super Bowl MVP
- Rocco Mediate, PGA Tour golfer.
- Freddie Mitchell, NFL Player: Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs
- Joe Nemechek, NASCAR.
- Lance Niekro, Major League baseball player: San Francisco Giants
- Joe Niekro, Major League baseball player
- John Wesley "Boog" Powell, MLB player: Baltimore Orioles
- Andrew Reynolds, Professional skateboarder
- Rod Smart, NFL player: Carolina Panthers
- Keydrick Vincent, NFL player: Baltimore Ravens
- Lou Whitaker, Major League baseball player: Detroit Tigers
If sports play a role in your relocation plans, Lakeland has what you are looking for!
Lakelanders love their Baseball!
Perhaps that's why the Detroit Tigers has called Lakeland it's continuous spring training home longer than any other major league baseball team. The Tigers first came to Lakeland in the spring of 1934 and, except for a three year interruption during World War II, have been here ever since. Playing in Lakeland's own Joker Merchant Stadium since 1966, the newly renovated stadium has added dorms, training fields, and team clubhouses. Collectively known as Tigertown USA, Lakeland is proud of this Baseball campus and our very own Detroit Tigers.
The Lakeland Flying Tigers
are another staple of baseball in Lakeland. A Class A Advanced Minor Baseball Team, the Lakeland home team's recent adoption of the name "Flying Tigers" honors the history of the land upon which Joker Merchant Stadium rests which was once a Aeronautical School for American and British pilots during World War II. Home games are a fan favorite with reserved seats at only $5 per adult with free parking.
The Lakeland Thunderbolts,
an American Indoor Football Association Team, originated in Lakeland in 2005. Enjoying home games in our very own Lakeland Center, the Lakeland Thunderbolts are another home town favorite. The thunderbolts won the Southern Division title for the last two years. The talent on these team is evident by the selection of six players to join the American Indoor Football Association All Star Team. If football is your game, you will love our Thunderbolts.
High school and College teams are another area where Lakeland excels.
Lakeland High School, the oldest high school in Lakeland, is home to a football team that was ranked number one nationally by USA Today in 2005 and 2006. Lakeland's football team was state champions in 1986, 1996, 1999, and most recently in 2004, 2005, & 2006. The Lakeland Dreadnaught Football team also won National Titles in 2005 & 2006 and is currently your defending National Football Champion. Locally other high school sports are enjoyed as the Lakeland Center hosts the Florida High School Athletic Association Finals Tournament for Girl's Volleyball, Wrestling, and both Boys and Girls Basketball.
College sports action in Lakeland can be found on the campus of our very own Florida Southern College, home to 25 NCAA national championships, the second most titles among Division II institutions in the country. With championships in men's and women's golf, men's basketball, women's softball, and men's baseball, Florida Southern instills a tradition of winning. Southeastern University, another keystone in Lakeland and one of the fastest growing private schools in the nation, has excellent athletic programs winning three NCAA Division II national championships in 2004-2005.
You can see that sports is an integral part of Life in Lakeland. For more information about relocating to Lakeland, contact John Carter at (863) 529-7488 today!
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