Hitting A Home Run With A Central

Florida VacationPresented by

Central Florida Visitors And Convention Bureauwww.VisitCentralFlorida.org

Experience A Central Florida Spring

• Spring is the perfect time to experience a Central Florida vacation.

• If you’re a baseball fan, take a trip and get a first hand glimpse at 15 Major League Baseball teams as they begin their Spring Training.

• Lakeland, located in Central Florida, turns into Tiger Town as the Detroit Tigers get out of the cold and step up to the plate in Central Florida.

• The Tigers aren’t the only game in town, however, sports fans can find a number of other things to do in Central Florida.

Why A Spring Training Game?

• Fans are able to watch practice sessions and may have an opportunity to get autographs from players!

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• Spring training games are ideal for families because they come with a smaller price tag, but still offer the same excitement as a regular season game.

• Spring games offer balmy Florida weather while providing access to 15 major league teams.

• The facilities are smaller, which means that every seat provides a great view of the action on the field.

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The Detroit Tigers Have A Tradition In Central Florida

• For the 47th consecutive season, the Detroit Tigers have taken the field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

• 2012 also marks the 76th season that the Tigers will conduct their spring training in Lakeland.

• This is the longest relationship between a team and host city.

• The Tigers kick off their season against the Atlanta Braves on March 4.

What Teams Can You Find In Central Florida?

• The Detroit Tigers aren’t the only team you’ll be able to see in Central Florida.

• On March 17, the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals play the Tigers.

• The American League East Champion New York Yankees play the Tigers on March 24.

• The National League East Champion Philadelphia Phillies will play on March 9 and March 25.

Florida’s Grapefruit League

• 15 Major League teams train in Florida and make up what’s known as Florida’s Grapefruit League.

• The New York Yankees play in Tampa, the Houston Astros play in Kissimmee and the Philadelphia Phillies play in Clearwater.

• With so many different teams playing in Florida, residents and visitors alike have the chance to take in some world-class baseball.

2012 RussMatt Baseball Central Florida Collegiate Invitational

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• The annual RussMatt Baseball Central Florida Collegiate Invitational keeps players and fans coming back year after year.

• This year, the event runs from February 18 - March 30 and more than 200 college teams will compete in all divisions.

• Two popular venues for games include a former major league spring training stadium and a state of the art sports complex.

Other Sports Themed Activities For A Central Florida Vacation• There are a number of other things to

enjoy in Central Florida, including parks, water sports, batting cages, golf courses and more.

• Off the Wall Adventures in Lakeland has a paintball field and batting cages, and offers kayaking, scuba diving and fishing.

• Other sports opportunities include catching an Orlando Magic game at the Amway Center or seeing the Tampa Bay Lightening at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

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About Central Florida Visitors And Convention Bureau

• VisitCentralFlorida.org is the go to source for current information on attractions, accommodations and events to consider when planning a Central Florida vacation.

• Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau’s new vacation guide features LEGOLAND® Florida and a host of other exciting, family-friendly activities.

• To order a copy of this new vacation planning guide, click on VisitCentralFlorida.org or email us at info@visitcentralflorida.org.