The rivalry between the Tigers and White Sox has recently come to true form (as in the case of 2012 when both The Sox and The Tigers were competing for the division crown) and mirrors the age-old "Chicago vs. Detroit" rivalry. There are few better games to attend at Comerica Park than a White Sox-Tigers game, so make sure to get tickets when the Tigers are in town.
Both the Tigers and Indians were originally part of the old AL East before moving to AL Central meaning you’ll be in for a good one when these two clash. The Tigers and Indians have a longstanding rivalry, and the two cities are separated less than 170 miles, so you’ll find lots of fans of both teams at these contests.
The Tigers and Blue Jays went head to head for the AL East crown in the 1980s and 1990s, and the geographic proximity of the two clubs leads to mixed crowds when the two meet. Don’t miss it when the Blue Jays come to town as you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Tigers-Blue Jays game.
The Minnesota Twins have been a thorn in the Tigers side for many years. The underdog Twins upset the Tigers in the 1987 ALCS and won the one game playoff between the two in 2009 helping to make them one of the most hated teams among the Tigers faithful.
Detroit Tigers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
You’ll want to make your trip to Lakeland for Tigers spring training early in the season as it offers you the best opportunity to get up close to your favorite Tigers players. Practices in TigerTown are open to the public leading up to the start of the spring training schedule, so get here early to see your favorite players warm up for the season.
If for some reason you can’t make it before the games start, then take advantage of the BP Pass option, which allows you inside Joker Marchant Stadium to see the Tigers take batting practice before the game. When attending a game at Comerica Park, you never get to see the Tigers take batting practice making this a can’t-miss opportunity for die-hard Tigers fans.
Additionally, you’ll want to spend some time in the parking lots outside the ballpark before the game talking and carousing with fellow Tigers fans. The fans here at spring training live and die with this team and are more than happy to talk ball and party before the game.
There is a lot to see and do before Tigers spring training games at Joker Marchant Stadium, so arrive early and make the most out of your trip to Lakeland.
When attending spring training in Lakeland, Florida, you’ll want to make sure to check out the Tigers’ TigerTown Complex. The TigerTown Complex is home to the Tigers’ practice fields and presents an excellent opportunity for you to see your favorite players warm up. Practices typically start around 9:30 am, but you’ll need a BP Pass if you want to watch the Tigers take batting practice before the game. Another downside to the Tigers practice rules is that after spring training games start, you won’t be allowed to enter TigerTown. However, you’ll be able to watch the action on Al Kaline Field, Field 2, and Field 3 from behind the outfield fences.
Take a walk around the outside of Joker Marchant Stadium to see all the Tigers signage. The signage is a nice touch and lets everyone know that Joker Marchant Stadium is the home of the Detroit Tigers.
General ParkingIf you want to park close to Joker Marchant Stadium, then you’ll want to park in the General Parking Lot outside the ballpark for $10.
Premium ParkingThose of you who don’t mind paying a bit more to park closer to the stadium will want to reserve a spot in the Premium Parking Lot, which is located along Kaline Drive.
Church Parking LotsNearby churches Christ Lutheran Church and Peak Worship Church offer $5 parking. Parking in one of these two lots allows you to avoid the congestion closer to the ballpark, and you can even buy some hotdogs from a concession stand at the Christ Lutheran Church.
Detroit Tigers Stadium Guide
In Game
Tigers fans will have an incredible time attending a spring training game at the newly remodeled Joker Marchant Stadium. The ballpark boasts many new amenities that both diehard and casual fans will enjoy when taking in a game here including The Runway, Kids Playground, and Berm Bar. The remodel has brought new life to the old ballpark and will make Joker Marchant Stadium a place that Tigers fans will bring their families for generations to come.
Diehard fans will also love the opportunity to catch their favorite players before the game and get their autographs. When attending a Tigers spring training game, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get autographs as the players make their way to and from the field to the clubhouse down the right-field line.
Tigers spring training games are also an excellent place for you and your family and friends to gather for a group event. The recent renovation has added a variety of group seating options including the Pepsi Pavilion, Hooters Dugout, and Margaritaville among others. No matter how big or small your group is you’ll find the perfect group option for you.
Whether it’s your first trip to Lakeland for Tigers spring training or you’re 50th, there is always something new for you to enjoy when watching the Tigers get ready for the season.
The best place to get an autograph from your favorite Tigers players is along the right field line between the clubhouse and the Tigers dugout. If for some reason you can’t get close to the field in one of these sections, you’ll also have the opportunity to get close to Tigers players outside of the ballpark near the right-field corner.
The D Shop behind home plate is the largest Tigers team store in Joker Marchant Stadium and the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your trip to spring training. You’ll find all kinds of Tigers merchandise here, so stop by and check it out during your visit.
The Runway connects the berm and first base concourse and also is an excellent place to grab a drink. Here you’ll find a 360-degree view of the action on the field as well as drink rails, beach chairs, unique food and drinks, a view of the bullpen, and displays showcasing the history of TigerTown.
Those of you who are taking the kids to the game will want to check out the playground adjacent to the berm. The playground features inflatables, a whiffle ball field, and other kids games, so stop by and enjoy the fun during the game.
The On Deck Suite lets you feel like you’re watching the game in your living room thanks to its comfortable seating, all-inclusive buffet, and HD TVs. The suite is perfect for groups of 48 to 60, so reserve it for your visit to Joker Marchant Stadium this spring.
If you’re looking to grab a drink during the game, then head on over to the Berm Bar. The Berm Bar in left field features drink rails, 360-degree bar seating, picnic tables, and most importantly a wide selection of drinks.
The Pepsi Pavilion is a great place to hold a group event for 30 to 200 people. Here you’ll find it easy to socialize with everyone in your party thanks to the wide variety of seating options including fixed seats, picnic tables, and drink rails.
The Hooters Dugout is an excellent place to watch the game if you want to get close to the players. This premium seating area is perfect for groups of 20 to 40 and puts you right next to the dugout and the field.
Watch a Tigers spring training game in style from The 34 Club. The 34 Club is located above sections 200 and 201 and offers an upscale experience that pays tribute to the Tigers time in Lakeland as well as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
If you are looking for a nice place to go with great food at reasonable prices, ice cold beer and friendly faces, then Champs Family Sports Bar is the place for you.
At Smokey Bones, we specialize in three things: good food, good drinks, and good times. We are a bar and fire grill, but not necessarily in that order.
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