(e-mail us at: jnederveld@lakelandedc.com)

The frost may still linger on the diamond, but Spring Training 2010 is quickly approaching.

If you’ve never been to Central Florida during the springtime, you may not be acquainted with the phenomenon that is spring training.

Tampa gets the Yankees. Disney gets the Braves. We get the Tigers. And Orlando gets left out (Hah!). Well, except if you’d count the Braves.

In all, 12 or so of the biggest teams in baseball invade cities and towns all over central Florida. And on the North End of Lakeland, we have our very own, the Detroit Tigers. And on Saturday, spring training tickets go on sale at the stadium in Lakeland.

The Tigers play at Joker Marchant Stadium on Lakeland Hills Blvd. I’ve been to the stadium myself. It’s so modern that it looks like you could build something similar out of Legos. I like it.

This Saturday, according to a press release, fans can receive free popcorn, coffee and drinks from the concession stands at the stadium while waiting for tickets to go on sale on 10am. There will even be a sounvenir shop open from 9am to 3pm.

The ticket prices are very affordable for college students. The cheapest are around $8, with the most expensive being around $20.

You can visit the Tiger’s Web Site for information on seating, the schedule and prices.

( photo credit: HoustonSportsFan)