LAKELAND, Fla. _ Judging by the unprecedented number of people I have seen at Tigertown the past two days, more folks than ever will be turning out to watch the Tigers get into shape for the 2008 season.

If you are one of thousands planning to make the trip south, here are a few things you need to know:
1. Formal workouts for pitchers and catchers begin on Friday. The first full-squad workout will be Feb. 20. Until the exhibition games begin on Feb. 26, the daily practice sessions will take place at the Tigertown minor league complex, across the old airport runway from Marchant Stadium.
2. Plan to arrive early. The players take the field about 10 a.m. Workouts generally last until noon or 1 p.m. Don’t show up in the late afternoon (as many fans do) and expect to see your favorites.
Admission is free and there are some small bleachers set up near the practice fields. There are also plenty of autograph and photo opportunities as the players walk from the major league clubhouse to the minor league fields.
3. Once the exhibition games begin, things become more structured although there are usually some players working out at Tigertown even when the Tigers are on the road.
4. If you are feeling really adventurous, the Tigers will conduct a tryout camp at Marchant Stadium on March 4.
No pre-registration or participation fee is required, although you must be at least 18.
Don’t get your hopes up, but if nothing else, it would be a chance to play on the same field where the Tigers do during spring training.
See you soon!