Sarasota County is a leading destination for sports tourism in Southwest Florida due to its tropical climate, wide array of facilities, and strong community engagement and support. Our destination boasts state-of-the-art sporting venues complemented by pristine beaches. Standing on the sidelines can mean everything from stadium seats at MLB spring training games to posh tailgating at polo matches to watching beach volleyball on the cool, white sand. VSC Sports team's efforts focus on expanding the event portfolio to include new sports and enhancing athletes’ and spectators’ experiences in Sarasota County to ensure return visits. 

The top sports in the county are rowing, baseball, swimming, and equestrian. However, the diversity of high-quality, flexible venues in the area makes every sport possible.

Sarasota County is situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It sits an hour south of Tampa and an hour and a half north of Fort Myers. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), one of the fastest-growing airports in the world, services 11 airlines and 53 nonstop destinations. 

Visit Sarasota County

Join Soccer Management Company (SMC) for the 9th annual Florida St. Paddy's Day Invitational, a premier youth soccer tournament set for March 12–14, 2027, at the world-class Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Designed for competitive U9–U19 boys’ and girls’ teams, this St. Patrick’s Day weekend event features 30+ pristine fields, easy highway access, and a vibrant atmosphere with vendors, athletic trainers, and priority scheduling for coaches with multiple teams. Enjoy included referee fees, 1st and 2nd place awards, and a high-energy competition experience at one of Florida’s top soccer complexes. Early registration is encouraged as spots fill quickly!

2027 Florida St. Paddy's Day Invitational

Soccer Management Company (SMC) is an all-inclusive youth soccer tournament operations company that brings world-class events to the soccer tournament market. We partner with events that are looking to increase participation and provide a better experience for their attendees.

Soccer Management Company

Soccer

The 17th Street Regional Park is part of the North County Athletic Facilities Master Plan and will encompass approximately 200 acres. The project includes the existing Miss Sarasota Softball complex, the current 17th Street Park, adjacent County utility property, and planned connections to nearby public areas such as Circus Hammock. Currently undergoing major renovations, the park is expected to reopen in late 2026 and be fully tournament-ready in early 2027.

Phase 1 Development

Upon completion, the renovated park will include:
- Eight (8) 220’ Collegiate Softball Fields, highlighted by a championship field with press box, berm seating, and shaded areas for spectators
- Four (4) synthetic turf multipurpose fields (part of Phase 1)
- Three (3) adult softball fields
- Eight (8) covered batting cage tunnels and warmup bullpens at each dugout
- Over 600 parking spaces to accommodate large tournaments
- Meeting and director rooms, ticket/check-in window, and umpire/staff changing facilities
- Dedicated food truck hookups to enhance fan and participant experiences

🌟 Future Destination for Sports Tourism

With its blend of premier softball complexes, flexible turf fields, and modern amenities, the 17th Street Regional Park is positioned to become one of the leading sports tournament venues in Florida. Its scale, quality, and connectivity to surrounding public spaces will not only serve local leagues but also attract regional, national, and international events, reinforcing Sarasota’s reputation as a top-tier sports destination.

2027 Florida St. Paddy's Day Invitational

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