The Gate Arty Blog - Sports Archive

Lakeland Strongman Contest - 2009

Thursday, June 04, 2009 - By Gate Arty

Downtown Lakeland will host its 2nd Annual Strongman Competition on Saturday June 6th. The event runs from 11 AM – 6 PM. The contest will include an event where competitors will pull a 45-foot long, 14-foot tall, 62,600 pound luxury Fun Bike Center Bus the farthest down Kentucky Ave. There will be special appearances by Miss Florida, Mrs. Florida, & Mojo Girls. The competition will be sponsored by local restaurant, The Chop Shop.  In addition to all the feats of strength, Tony Corbitt will be “speed painting.”

See you there!

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Heather's Hope Tiger Trot - 2009

Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - By Gate Arty

A new local non-profit organization will be holding its inaugural fund-raiser on Saturday June 6th at Joker Marchant Stadium. Heather’s Hope Tiger Trot promotes awareness and prevention of domestic abuse through education & community service.  The event is hosted by local baseball team, The Lakeland Flying Tigers. Activities will include a 5K run, Tigers baseball game, fireworks, teen dance, & other children’s activities.  The foundation preserves the memory of Heather Rimmer. Online registration at www.active.com.

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Walk for Autism - 2009

Thursday, April 02, 2009 - By Gate Arty

Put your walking shoes on the morning of Saturday April 11th, 2009 for a worthy cause. Picturesque Lake Hollingsworth will be the scenic backdrop of the sixth annual 5K “Walk for Autism.”  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on site. You may also register today at www.cfaii.org. See you there!

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Detriot Tigers BBQ - 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009 - By Gate Arty

Lakeland's spring training baseball season kicks off  Thursday, February 19th with the "Tiger BBQ." The menu for the barbeque consists of roast corn, shrimp, bbq ribs, char-broiled steaks, itilian sausage, & baked beans. The location will be at Joker Marchant Stadium & the gates will open at 6 p.m.The cost of admission will be $50 & children 12 & under can eat for $25.

See you there!

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Lakeland's USA International Speedway SOLD!

Monday, August 11, 2008 - By Gate Arty

Polk County's many avid NASCAR fans are mourning the loss of an important institution.The USA International Speedway, located at 3401 Old Polk City Road, has closed its doors after its final race On August 2nd and is now under new ownership. The site was previously owned by Bob Brooks, the founder of Hooters restaurants who died in July of 2006. The facility first opened in 1971 with a quarter-mile track under the name Lakeland Interstate Speedway. It was sold in 1995, and has operated as USA International Speedway since. The paved oval stock-car track is nationally renowned as a popular testing spot for NASCAR teams.

Higgenbotham Auctioneers held an Absolute Auction on August 9th where everything was up for sale. All things automotive were sold including equipment, cars, grandstands, pictures, compressors, transmissions, etc.  . . . .everything!

The 47-acre tract fronts on Interstate 4, and studies have shown that the North Lakeland site is said to have access to more than 8.5 million people within a 100-mile radius. The new owners are Rockefeller Group Development Corporation and they have acquired approximately113 acres (thus far) of the land off Interstate 4’s exit 38 in Lakeland. The Manhattan-based company hopes to attract a commercial tenant. Rockefeller has plans to build an industrial park on the site with more than 1 million square feet in distribution space. The park would be targeted at large-scale tenants. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2009.

The sale does not include Lakeland Motorsports Park located adjacent to USA International Speedway. That facility, which includes a drag strip and mudbogging pit, is owned by Roy Spiker of Lakeland. Business will continue as usual at that location.

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Strongman Championship

Monday, August 04, 2008 - By Gate Arty

Are you the strongest man in Central Florida? Well now is your chance to prove yourself toughguy! This Saturday August 9th in historic Downtown Lakeland, the Central Florida Strongman Championship begins at 11:00 a.m. on Kentucky Avenue. There are multiple divisions & multiple weight classes. The events include:

• Log Press
• Deadlifts
• Farmers Walk
• Yoke Walk
• Tire Flip

The entry fee is $50.00 and is open to Men & Women.  There will be awards for placing 1st, 2nd, & 3rd in any division. Come enjoy another fun event in Downtown Lakeland. See you there!

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