Detroit Tigers approved for new $33 million dormitory, extend Lakeland contract through 2044
A new dormitory is coming to TigerTown.
The Detroit Tigers received unanimous approval from the Lakeland City Commission on Monday to build a $33 million dormitory facility, which includes a cafeteria and recreation hall, at the team's spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida.
The new dormitory will replace Fetzer Hall, originally built in 1967 and located southeast of Joker Marchant Stadium.
"Creating a first-class player experience is one of our top organizational goals, and the new dormitory project is an impactful step in that direction," Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said in a statement. "I'd like to thank the city of Lakeland and Polk County for their continued partnership."
The Tigers also agreed to extend their spring training agreement with Lakeland by seven years. The new lease term is set to expire Dec. 31, 2044.
Lakeland has been home to the Tigers since 1934.
"I am impressed with the connection between Lakeland and the Tigers and the tremendous fans that make up TigerTown," Harris said. "As our team continues improving on the field and playing competitive, winning baseball, the fans and officials in Central Florida should feel like these are shared successes."
The city of Lakeland will pay $4 million for the new dorm, and the Tigers will pay an initial contribution of $4 million. The city will finance the remaining cost of the construction — an amount not to exceed $25 million — through bonds or another borrowing mechanism. The Tigers will be responsible for repaying any debt taken on by the city through additional rent payments.
Currently, the Tigers pay $300,000 annually in rent with an extra $274,448 as a management services fee.
"The new dormitory is a continuation of our recent efforts in the development of major structural upgrades throughout the complex including Joker Marchant Stadium, new playing fields and fan experience enhancements," Bob Donahay, Lakeland director of parks, recreation and cultural arts, said in a statement. "We plan to share renderings and timeline of the dormitory project at some point in the future."
Shawn Sherrouse, the city manager, said the Tigers drive more than $55 million in economic benefits to the Lakeland community.
The Tigers will have exclusive naming rights to the facility, with the city receiving 25% of the naming rights revenue and the Tigers receiving the remaining 75% of the revenue. The city will put its 25% share toward improvements at the spring training facility, and the Tigers will match the contribution.
"The new dormitory project complements the other first-class facilities at the TigerTown complex, further solidifying Lakeland as an integral location for year-round player development and big-league injury rehabilitation," Sherrouse said in a statement. "From the time players are drafted to their journey to the Major Leagues, we're proud to be the second home for one of baseball's historic franchises."
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers getting new $33 million dorm at Lakeland facility
