LAKELAND, Fla. — With spring training games beginning this weekend, Lakeland is kicking off baseball season with the 79th annual Tiger BBQ on Thursday evening.
The tradition celebrates the Detroit Tigers, who have returned to Lakeland for spring training for the past 90 years. It's the longest relationship between a Major League team and its host city.
WATCH: Lakeland kicks off spring training with annual Tiger BBQ
The annual tradition began in 1946 when former Lakeland Mayor Jimmie Musso hosted the team in his backyard.
For lifelong Detroit Tigers fan Anne Lampert, being in Lakeland for spring training is a dream come true.
“So excited to be here to cheer our Tigers on. They’re going to have a great season,” said Lampert.
And the impact stretches far beyond the field. According to Visit Central Florida, spring training brings in $68 million for the local economy.
“The year-round impact that the Tigers organization has on Lakeland and Polk County because they have their minor league operations here and other year-round operations so it’s a huge economic boost for the city and for the county,” said Kris Keprios, Visit Central Florida Senior Tourism, Sales & Marketing Manager.
The fans come from all over the U.S and Canada.
“We’re really looking forward to it. We’re big fans of the Toronto Blue Jays and we want to cheer them on. Hopefully they can do it this year,” said Jerry Baan.
At the heart of it all is the Tiger BBQ. A spring training kickoff celebration, where fans get rare, up-close access while sharing a meal with players they usually only see on TV.
“The players, the front office, all the representatives from the Tigers are here. So it’s a chance for fans to see them and welcome them back,” Keprios said.
A few hours away, the Rays will also kick off spring training in Port Charlotte, hosting the Atlanta Braves at Charlotte Sports Park on Saturday.
Tampa Bay 28’s Kevin Lewis checked in on the team last week as the Rays held their first pitchers and catchers workout of the spring in Port Charlotte.
Due to multiple hurricanes that disrupted previous seasons, this is the first time in years the Rays will have a full preseason at their normal spring training home and a full regular season at Tropicana Field in the same year.
Thursday's Tiger BBQ starts at 6 p.m. at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and is open to the public. Fans can find tickets here.
Fans can also purchase preseason tickets for the Rays and the Detroit Tigers here.
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