VIC enjoys Spring Training event
A deputy stands with a mother and daughter at the Visitor Information Center
The Tigers aren’t the only ones to enjoy Spring Training.
There were long lines and anxious visitors, but this crowd wasn’t trying to get into Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium – they were trying to get into the Central Florida Visitors Information Center.
The VIC’s annual Spring Training Kick-Off was held Feb. 16 and welcome more than 750 visitors, many who lined up hours before the VIC’s doors opened. The end result was the highest grossing event in VIC history, with 175 LEGOLAND Florida tickets as well as more than 150 Bok Tower Gardens tickets sold.
“Just like in baseball, this was a team effort,” said Senior Visitor Services Manager Justin Laferriere. “Not only did the staff here at the VIC do an outstanding job, but we had great partner participation, including the Detroit Tigers, Safari Wilderness Ranch, Bok Tower Gardens, Chick-fil-A, Captain Scott Taylor of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Magnolia Popcorn.”
Baseball themed games, a raffle for Tigers memorabilia and Spring Training tickets all helped complete the theme of the day. Additionally, the first 300 visitors received a free commemorative T-shirt.
“It was a good day for our local craft vendors as well,” said Laferriere. “All reported a good day in sales.”