Our First Look at the Joker Marchant Stadium Renovations
We finally had our first look at the new renovations around Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, the spring training home of our beloved Detroit Tigers. Last year, Publix (the grocery store chain) agreed to pay $3 million over 15 years for naming rights to the stadium, so we expect to see the “Publix Field” moniker stick around for a while, for better or worse.
The stadium had a number of updates we were excited to check out, though in January we had heard that crews were working around the clock to finish. If the City of Lakeland needed any extra motivation to finish on time, the contract with the team stated it would cost the city $200,000 for every missed game if the facility wasn’t ready. Ouch. Everything was ready to go by the first home game.
Updates we love:
360 Degree Walkable Concourse
Joker Marchant finally, FINALLY, has a 360-degree concourse. This was the best upgrade, in our opinion, and long overdue. Fans are now able to walk around the entire ballpark and watch the game from anywhere in the outfield. Thanks to the addition of The Runway, connecting the first base concourse and the berm, there are abundant standing room options throughout the outfield, including a drink rail overlooking both bullpens, and adirondack chairs for those fans lucky enough to snag one.
More Women’s Restrooms
This one won’t get talked about as much, so it’s worth mentioning here. The number of women’s restroom toilets has increased by 50% – there used to be 48 and now there are 72. For the ladies who actually enjoy watching baseball, this means no more missing an entire inning while standing in the bathroom line.
The Scoreboard
A new state-of-the-art HD videoboard and scoreboard was added. It’s one of the biggest in spring training at nearly 1,200 square feet. It’s out on the left field berm and it’s a huge improvement from the [sad excuse of a] scoreboard previously found in right field.
Other updates:
More Shaded Seating
One of the biggest drawbacks to Joker Marchant prior to the renovations was the number of seats in full sun, especially for all of the northerners visiting toward the end of winter. Despite slathering on the sunscreen and wearing a hat, we’ve been sunburned sitting here before. The stadium has increased the number of covered seats from approximately 1,200 to over 2,000. Sections 211-216 all used to be in full sun. Not anymore! Some of those seats also used to be bleachers. Not anymore! These sections offer real box seats now. For some reason, very few of these tickets were booked during our trip, so keep this in mind if you’re planning a visit. The sun will be behind you and you’ll be in the shade.
Kids Playground
Joker Marchant actually has two playground areas now; one in left field near the berm, featuring a Flying Tigers bounce house and other inflatables, while the other is behind first base, featuring permanent play structures. A good way to keep younger fans entertained throughout the game.
Player Facilities
Several behind the scenes renovations took place which we obviously did not see. The Tigers players received a new and improved clubhouse and a state-of-the-art, 7,000 square foot weight room, as well as new rehabilitation facilities which will allow Lakeland to offer year-round rehab options for all major and minor league players.
Updates we embraced with less enthusiasm:
Autograph Alley
Joker Marchant did away with autograph alley along the first base seats. While we’re not autograph-getters, we always liked standing in that area to watch batting practice and to see the players interact with the little kids begging for signatures (and grown men begging for signatures like little kids). Expect to see the entire first base corner cluttered with picnic areas now, including the Pepsi Pavilion (all you can eat food, non-alcoholic beverages, and early admission to Tigers batting practice) and the Hooters Dugout.
Pavilions and Picnic Areas
The number of picnic areas, premium and group seating, and other “special tickets only” areas around the first base side of the stadium is excessive. Joker Marchant now has: (1) the Pepsi Pavilion (2) the Hooters Dugout (3) the ‘34 Club (4) an On Deck Suite and (5) several regular suites. During the games we saw, these areas were severely underutilized (i.e. very few to no people using them). Given the same locations at other parks, these areas would be filled with people, either standing or sitting. These elitist seating areas make the ballpark feel less inviting.
Administrative Offices
Additionally, there are brand new administrative offices found near the Runway in right field. These detract from the ballpark atmosphere. We would have liked to see more permanent concessions stands, additional merchandise areas, or just about anything else related to a baseball stadium besides offices.
All in all, we liked seeing the new updates and we’re glad to see investments made in the stadium. Lakeland, FL is the perfect distance between Orlando and Tampa. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium truly does feel like the Florida home of the Detroit Tigers, and it’s a place we look forward to visiting every March. See you in 2018, Lakeland.
