Publix Super Markets, City of Lakeland and Detroit Tigers Hit a Grand Slam with New Sponsorship

03 Ago 2016, 00:00 AM EDT

LAKELAND, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Publix Super Markets is pleased to announce support of 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 — 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,” said 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,” said 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 & Recreation said, “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.”

“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,” said 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.”

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.

Publix is privately owned and operated by its more than 184,000
employees, with 2015 sales of $32.4 billion. Currently Publix has 1,122
stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North
Carolina. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best
Companies to Work For in America” for 19 consecutive years. In addition,
Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is
recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information,
visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com.

The City of Lakeland was incorporated January 1885 and has grown to
become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current
population over 100,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been
designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the U.S. Census
Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only
an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central
Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates
Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida
and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State over
110 years ago. To learn more about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net.

The Detroit Tigers, Inc., a charter member of the American League in
1901, have won four World Series and 11 American League pennants. The
team is owned by Michael Ilitch who purchased the ball club in 1992.
Michael and his wife, Marian, jointly own other companies in the food,
sports and entertainment industries include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue
Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia
Entertainment, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising
Program, Champion Foods, Uptown Entertainment and Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Marian Ilitch is the sole owner of MotorCity Casino Hotel. For more
information, visit www.tigers.com.

Contacts

Publix Super Markets
Brian West, 863-688-7407 ext. 63486