A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Spring Training History at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
For over 80 years, the Detroit Tigers have called Lakeland their winter home, making the relationship between the city and the team one of the longest-standing partnerships in Major League Baseball. The epicenter of this history is Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium (2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805). Renovated to offer state-of-the-art amenities while maintaining its historic charm, this stadium is a must-visit for any baseball fan in February and March. The "Tiger Town" complex isn't just a place to watch a game; it's an experience. From the berm seating in the outfield—perfect for groups who want to catch a homerun ball—to the luxury suites, it offers something for everyone.
However, Spring Training games draw thousands of fans from across the state, turning Lakeland Hills Boulevard into a parking lot. When you book a charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland, you skip the headache of coordinating a caravan of cars. Your driver can drop your group right at the main gate, allowing you to head straight for the merchandise store or the concession stands for a hot dog, while we handle the bus parking. We can also provide storage for your personal tailgating gear, gloves, and memorabilia in the undercarriage bays of our larger coaches.
Championship Events at the RP Funding Center
Located in the heart of downtown, the RP Funding Center (701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815) is a premier multi-purpose entertainment complex that serves as a battleground for various state-level and regional sports competitions. While it is famous for hosting concerts and conventions, sports fans know it as the home of the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Championships for basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading. The energy in the Jenkins Arena during a state final is electric, with thousands of students, parents, and scouts packing the stands.
If you are a school administrator or a booster club president organizing a trip to support your high school team at the state finals, a charter bus is the most efficient way to travel. We can transport the team in one bus with ample room for gear, while parents and cheerleaders travel in another. With our fleet, everyone arrives at the RP Funding Center together, ensuring no one misses the tip-off or the opening whistle. Plus, with onboard WiFi and power outlets, students can finish homework or stream hype music on the way to the venue.
Collegiate Athletics: Florida Southern College & Southeastern University
Lakeland is a college town with a serious competitive streak. Florida Southern College (111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801), located on the picturesque Lake Hollingsworth, boasts one of the most successful NCAA Division II athletic programs in the country—the Moccasins. With numerous national championships in baseball, basketball, and golf, catching a Mocs game is a highlight for local sports lovers. The campus itself, designed largely by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a landmark worth touring before the game begins.
Just a short drive away is Southeastern University (1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801), home of the Fire. Their football and baseball programs have rapidly gained national attention in the NAIA. Parking on college campuses can be notoriously difficult, especially on game days when students, faculty, and visitors compete for spots. A private shuttle bus from Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland eliminates this issue entirely. We can pick up your alumni group from a local restaurant or hotel and drop you off curbside at the stadium or arena. After the game, your driver will be waiting to take you to your next destination safely.
Cross Country and Outdoor Competitions at Holloway Park
For those who prefer their sports on the trails, Holloway Park (2402 Holloway Park Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801) is a crown jewel of Lakeland's outdoor scene. This urban nature preserve hosts some of the largest cross-country meets in the Southeast, drawing thousands of runners from high schools and colleges across the state. The terrain is challenging, and the scenery is beautiful, but the logistics of moving dozens of runners, tents, coolers, and medical kits can be daunting for coaches.
Our charter bus rentals are perfectly suited for cross-country and track teams visiting Holloway Park. The undercarriage luggage compartments on our 56-passenger motorcoaches offer massive storage capacity for team tents, folding chairs, and coolers filled with hydration drinks. Inside, athletes can rest their legs in reclining seats and enjoy the air conditioning before and after their races. We handle the driving through the unpaved or grassy parking areas often found at cross-country venues, ensuring your team gets as close to the starting line as possible.
Golf Outings in and Around Polk County
Central Florida is a golfer's paradise, and Lakeland is no exception. Whether you are planning a corporate tournament, a bachelor party, or a leisurely outing with friends, courses like Cleveland Heights Golf Course (2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803) or the exclusive Lone Palm Golf Club offer pristine greens and challenging fairways. For those willing to venture just a bit further south into Polk County, the world-renowned Streamsong Resort offers a bucket-list experience for serious golfers.
Transporting golf clubs in standard vehicles or rideshares is a hassle and often risks damaging expensive equipment. When you rent a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland, you get dedicated storage space for your clubs. Your group can enjoy a few drinks at the clubhouse after the 18th hole without worrying about who will drive home. We serve as your designated driver, ensuring your golf outing remains fun, safe, and relaxing from tee time to the final putt.
Day Trips to Tampa and Orlando Sports Venues
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Lakeland is its strategic location. You are less than an hour away from some of the biggest professional sports stages in the world. Many of our clients use Lakeland as a central hub to launch day trips to Tampa or Orlando games. Why deal with the notorious I-4 traffic on your own when you can ride in luxury?
- Raymond James Stadium (Tampa): Home of the Buccaneers. We can get your fan club to the tailgate lots early.
- Amalie Arena (Tampa): Catch the Lightning on the ice. Drop-off near Thunder Alley makes access easy.
- Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg): See the Rays play ball without the stress of crossing the bridges.
- Camping World Stadium & Kia Center (Orlando): Whether it's a bowl game or the Orlando Magic, we have you covered.
- Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando): Ideal for soccer fans cheering on Orlando City SC.
By booking a charter bus from Lakeland, you can split the cost of travel among your group, often making it cheaper than paying for gas and parking for multiple cars. Plus, the camaraderie built on the bus ride over—chanting fight songs, watching highlights on the onboard TVs, and strategizing for the tailgate—is an experience you just can't get in a carpool.
Post-Game Celebrations: Dining and Nightlife
The game might end at the final buzzer, but the fun doesn't have to stop there. Lakeland's dining and nightlife scene has exploded in recent years, offering fantastic spots for teams to grab a post-game meal or for fans to celebrate a big win. The Joinery (640 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801) is a modern food hall situated on Lake Mirror, offering everything from burgers to craft beer, making it perfect for groups with diverse tastes. For a more pub-like atmosphere, Cob & Pen (1221 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803) offers a vintage vibe with excellent food and drinks.
Trying to coordinate a reservation and arrival time for 30 people at a restaurant can be chaotic if everyone is driving separately. With Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland, we can drop your entire group off at the front door of your chosen restaurant. If you are planning a bar crawl through downtown Lakeland, your bus can act as a shuttle, waiting for you at designated points so you never have to walk far or wait for a rideshare. Enjoy the local flavor of Lakeland responsibly while we handle the keys.
Book Your Winning Ride with Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland
Don't let transportation logistics bench your plans for an amazing sports outing. Whether you are a coach managing a varsity team, a bride planning a groom's golf outing, or a fan club president organizing a trip to Spring Training, Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland has the experience and the fleet to make it happen. We offer transparent pricing, 24/7 customer support, and vehicles tailored to your specific needs.
Our reservation specialists are ready to help you build the perfect itinerary. We can customize your pick-up and drop-off schedules, ensure you have the right amenities on board, and get you the best price for your group. Score a touchdown with your group travel plans today.
Call us now at 863-213-3575 to get a free, no-obligation quote for your Lakeland charter bus rental!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeland Sports Transportation
Is there enough room for all our tailgating gear?
Absolutely! If you book a full-size 56-passenger charter bus, you will have access to spacious undercarriage luggage bays. These compartments are perfect for storing coolers, folding chairs, small grills, tents, and cornhole boards. If you are renting a smaller minibus, storage space is more limited, usually restricted to overhead bins. Be sure to tell your reservation specialist exactly what you plan to bring so we can match you with the right bus size.
Do you provide transportation for away games outside of Florida?
Yes, Charter Bus Rental Company Lakeland is equipped to handle long-distance travel. If your Lakeland-based team is competing in a tournament in Georgia, Alabama, or anywhere else in the country, we can take you there. Our buses are designed for long-haul comfort with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For multi-day trips, you will be responsible for providing a hotel room for your driver to ensure they get the required rest for safety regulations.
How far in advance should we book our bus for Spring Training?
Spring Training is one of the busiest times of year for transportation in Lakeland and Central Florida. We highly recommend booking your charter bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability and to lock in the best rates. February and March dates fill up very quickly due to the influx of tourists and fans. However, if you have a last-minute need, give us a call at 863-213-3575, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Bus types Available in Lakeland
We’re available everyday from 7am to midnight!
