While you can watch all of the high school sports’ playoffs online through the NFHS Network’s web-based streaming service, it’s tough to beat the atmosphere of a live event and that option is available. Here’s what you need to know this year:
BASEBALL
District tournaments will begin April 26 and run through April 30. Hosting sites had yet to be determined at press time, so if you’re keeping an eye out remember that Durant plays in Class 7A-District 8 while Plant City and Strawberry Crest are both in Class 6A-District 8. At least one team — the Raiders — expects local district tourney play on April 27 and 30, per the schedule listed on MaxPreps. Tickets will cost $6 per day.
Regional quarterfinals for 6A (including Plant City and Crest) and 7A (including Durant) teams will be held May 7 with semifinals to follow on May 12 and finals on May 15. Admission is $7 per day with hosting sites to be determined by prior game results and seeding.
The state championship series schedule had yet to be determined at press time, but two date windows were set: May 19-22 and May 24-26. As usual, CenturyLink Sports Complex – Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers will host all of the semifinal and championship game action. Tickets are $9 per day if purchased in advance and $12 at the gate. Parking is $10 per vehicle.
SOFTBALL
District tournaments will begin April 26 and run through April 30. Hosting sites had yet to be determined at press time. All three Plant City-area teams play in Class 6A-District 5, which should make planning much easier if you have several rooting interests. Tickets are $6 per day.
Regional quarterfinals for 6A teams will be held May 5 and 6 with semifinals to follow on May 11 and finals on May 14. Admission is $7 per day with hosting sites to be determined by prior game results and seeding.
The state championship series schedule had yet to be determined at press time, but the games will take place at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont from May 18-22. Tickets are $9 per day if purchased in advance and $12 at the gate. Parking costs were not listed at press time.
FLAG FOOTBALL
The Class 2A-District 6 tournament (featuring all three local schools) starts with quarterfinal games on April 20, semifinals on April 21 and finals on April 22, per MaxPreps. Tickets will cost $6 per day. Host schools will be determined by seeding at the season’s end.
Regional semifinals will be held April 28 and championship finals on May 3. Admission is $7 per day with hosting sites to be determined by prior game results and seeding.
The state championship series will be hosted at Jacksonville-Mandarin High School with semifinals on May 7 and finals on May 8. Tickets are $8 per day if purchased in advance. Parking costs were not listed at press time.
TRACK AND FIELD
The Class 4A-District 7 championships, in which all three local boys and girls teams will compete, will be held April 20 at Newsome High School. Admission is $6 per person.
The Region 2 championships will also be held nearby at George Jenkins High School on May 1. Admission is $7 per person.
The Class 4A state championships will be held May 8 at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. A complete schedule of events is viewable online at fhsaa.com/sports/2021/4/1/TRACK_Event%20Schedule.aspx, though all of the action starts at 4 p.m. and ends shortly after 9:20 p.m., with team awards to be handed out at 9:50 p.m. Admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Both fees cover the cost of parking and all attendees are asked to use Parking Lot 18.
TENNIS
The Class 4A-District 6 championships, in which Plant City and Strawberry Crest will compete, will be held at the Winter Haven City Courts with matches starting at 3 p.m. on April 12 and 15. Admission is free.
The Region 3 semifinal and championship sites had yet to be determined at press time, but they are scheduled for April 20 and 22, respectively. Admission is free.
The Class 4A state championships will be held at Sanlando Park in Seminole County from April 28-30, with matches starting at 8 a.m.