The Detroit Tigers kicked off spring training by celebrating the re-opening of their annual Grapefruit League home stadium.

  • Facility re-named Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
  • $48 million in renovations include new clubhouse, scoreboard, seating
  • Tigers lost opening game to Baltimore Orioles, 2-0

Joker Marchant Stadium, now renamed Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, underwent $48 million in renovations this past offseason. A bronze statue of longtime Parks and Recreation Director Joker Marchant and Publix founder George Jenkins now sits outside the stadium.

Photo: Stephanie Claytor, staff
 
“It made me teary eyed is what it did," said Publix vice-chairman Barney Barnett. "It’s a great commemoration of two of the greatest people who have ever served our community."  
 
The stadium's upgrades include a new clubhouse, video scoreboard, more club seating, and more shaded seating.

Photo: Stephanie Claytor, staff
 
“The new grandstand down near third base, left field, they look great," said longtime fan Glenn Jacob. "When I first started coming down they were just wooden grandstand seats. These are nice. And they got a roof over them so it makes it a lot better."
 
“The field is gorgeous," said fan Dave Burnett. "I walked around the whole perimeter and it's just fantastic."
 
Prior to the game, the Tigers also commemorated their former owner, Mike Ilitch, affectionately known as "Mr. I," who died on Feb. 10. The words "Mr. I" are now painted onto the field, and the players wore "Mr. I" patches on their jerseys in his memory.
 
Detroit lost their opening day game to the Baltimore Orioles, 2-0.