Publix Sponsors Naming Rights to Florida Baseball Stadium

Publix Super Markets is supporting the City of Lakeland, the Detroit Tigers and the Lakeland Flying Tigers by sponsoring the naming rights of Tigertown field. The $3 million sponsorship is payable over the next 15 years. On Feb. 9, 2017—the first day of the 2017 Major League Baseball spring training season—the stadium will be renamed Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. The naming rights will continue through 2036.

“Lakeland is where our roots are, and we are proud of our long-standing relationship with the City of Lakeland and Tigertown,” says Brian West, Publix Lakeland media and community relations manager. “We are honored to have an opportunity to help keep America’s pastime alive and well in this great city.”

The Publix sponsorship will assist with the redesign and updates to the complex, which include: separate Major and Minor League clubhouses that will be constructed; improved and realigned seating areas, including additional shading; a 360-degree walk around layout to allow fans to be in constant view of the game; upgraded concession and new vending areas; expanded press box facilities in response to growing media interest with international players; a new artificial field surface in the Minor League complex; new team cafeteria equipment; and various improvements throughout the complex to assist in player development and rehabilitation.

“This is a great day and we are very excited to have Publix Super Markets as the naming sponsor for what will now be Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Publix Super Markets is synonymous with Lakeland and we can’t wait to see their name in the outfield,” says Mayor Howard Wiggs. “We have a dedicated team overseeing construction of the stadium and once the project is complete, we will have one of the finest Spring Training facilities in all of Major League Baseball.”

Bob Donahay, director of parks and recreation adds, “The construction and design team has been working day and night on the Tigertown complex so it will be ready for the opening day of Spring Training. The partnership with Publix Super Markets will allow us to complete the vision and we look forward to showcasing Lakeland’s very own field of dreams.”

Named in honor of the late Joker Marchant, a former Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director, Joker Marchant Stadium was used by the Detroit Tigers for Spring Training for the first time in 1966. 

"The Detroit Tigers thank Publix, the City of Lakeland, Polk County and the State of Florida for sharing our vision and commitment to provide a first-class entertainment experience and a point of destination for Tigers and all baseball fans to enjoy," says Duane McLean, Tigers' executive vice president of business operations. "The history both the Tigers and Publix have in Lakeland is historic and unique. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium will symbolize how deeply rooted and invested both the Tigers and Publix are within the Lakeland community for many years to come.”