SUBJECT
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Approve a Marketing Partnership Agreement with the Detroit Tigers to extend the Tigers Spring Training agreement to continue training in Polk County for an additional seven years. ($1,960,000 expense from the Tourist Development Tax fund over a period of 7 years)
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DESCRIPTION
On October 26, 2023, the Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended the expenditure of Tourist Development Funds to partner with the Detroit Tigers to enhance the current marketing partnership with the Detroit Tigers to promote Polk County to Tigers fans throughout the regular season with a continued presence in Detroit at Comerica Park. The Tourism and Sports Marketing Division will spend $280,000 annually for the visibility in Detroit, one of Polk County’s top markets. This agreement will also extend the Tigers commitment to hold Spring Training in Lakeland/Polk County for an additional seven years, continuing the longest standing relationship between a Major League Baseball team and a spring training host community.
The Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended the expenditure of Tourist Development Funds to partner with the Detroit Tigers to extend their stay in Lakeland and to enhance the current Marketing Partnership with Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve a Marketing Partnership Agreement with the Detroit Tigers, which will extend their contract to train in Lakeland/Polk County for seven additional years (through 2044).
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Tourism Tax Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Kris Keprios
Sr. Tourism Sales and Marketing Manager
Tourism & Sports Marketing
863-551-4727
kris@visitcentralflorida.org