MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 3, 2025) – East County residents and sports enthusiasts are invited to join Manatee County leaders for groundbreaking ceremonies at the new Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports North Campus Campus (16350 Rangeland Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch) on Thursday, January 30, 2025, beginning at 1 p.m.
The highly anticipated 44,000-square-foot facility will include a competition-sized swimming pool, therapy pool, locker rooms, restrooms and a geothermal yard. The state-of-the-art center also will offer 24 pickleball courts—including 14 covered courts—walking trails and parking for approximately 166 vehicles.
“This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing top-tier recreational facilities and programs for our community,” said Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann.
Established in 2011 in Lakewood Ranch, the Premier Sports Campus quickly gained recognition for its meticulously maintained fields and state-of-the-art facilities. Hosting a wide range of regional and national competitions the property has become a hub for sports tourism, drawing athletes, families and coaches from all over the world. That original 127-acre site purchased from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) in 2017 is now known as Premier Sports Campus South. The additional 111 acres the County purchased from SMR to the north, where the Athletic and Aquatic Center will be built, will go by the name of Premier Sports Campus North.
This continued attention to programming and facilities represents Manatee County’s pledge to enhance community assets and engagement. Residents and visitors can look forward to a bright future filled with new opportunities to play, compete and gather.
“We can’t wait to put a shovel in the ground,” said Manatee County Director of Sports and Leisure Services Molly White.
Construction is expected to take about a year and a half to complete, with the new facilities ready for play by late summer or fall of 2026.