A Premier Destination for Sports Events & Training

Famous for our sandy-white beaches, spectacular weather and a community rich in art and culture, that's not all Sarasota has to offer. If you're a traveling sports team, coach, competing athlete or event planner, our county has just about every sports venue under the sun in addition. 

Looking for state-of-the-art facilities to train at, somewhere to host your tournament or just a picturesque setting to practice? Sarasota County is where athletes come to play and stay. 

Why Choose Sarasota for Your Sports Event?

Sarasota County isn’t just a vacation destination—it’s somewhere to host sports games, tournaments, competitions and training camps. With well-built facilities, quality amenities, warm weather and a variety of accommodations, Sarasota is the perfect location to take things to the next level.

Beyond the courts and fields, Sarasota County’s vibrant dining scene, stunning beaches and numerous attractions provide the ideal backdrop for athletes and their families to relax and recharge.

Top Sports Venues in Sarasota County:

Whether you’re hosting a youth tournament, a professional training camp or a community competition, Sarasota County has the complex, park or facilities to meet your sports needs:

Baseball & Softball

Babe Ruth Park/Fairgrounds: A soccer field from the 1960s turned Babe Ruth League baseball field, this 40-acre specialized park today now holds four baseball fields, a concession stand, a passive play area and more. 

Twin Lakes Park: Known for its multipurpose fields and baseball/softball diamonds, this 123-acre park in Sarasota is a great training base for minor and major league games, practices and regional competitions. Some professional baseball games are even open to the public at no charge during Feb-Oct. Other sports fields and facilities available are soccer, basketball, football, racquetball, tennis, and more.

17th Street Regional Park Athletic Complex: This 96-acre park close to downtown Sarasota is undergoing a master-planned renovation to refresh its athletic facilities and fields. On track to be a must-book destination for tournaments and games, expect state-of-the-art women's collegiate softball fields, synthetic turf multipurpose fields, batting cage tunnels, a concession stand and food truck area. 

Bee Ridge Park: Looking for a no-frills community park to host your rec league? Current programming here includes co-ed adult softball and kickball, as well as sand volleyball courts. Two multi-purpose meeting rooms are also available to rent. 

Soccer & Multi-Sport Fields

Robert L Taylor Community Complex: Formerly known as “The Rec,” this complex is a hotspot for all recreation needs with a 44,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art facility featuring a fitness center, gymnasium, game room, pool, rental equipment, room rentals and much more. Its 13 acres of outdoor park space offer a fitness trail, a lit basketball court and a turf field for soccer, lacrosse and football. This is an ideal home for adult and youth leagues, tournaments, practices, drop-ins, clinics and more.

Englewood Sports Complex: With 136 acres of hosting grounds, this Englewood facility features outdoor amenities including eight little league fields, two senior softball fields and four soccer fields. Rent one of its meeting rooms or its multipurpose gymnasium to take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness room, exercise equipment, locker rooms and showers. 

Fruitville Park: This 23-acre neighborhood park plays host to numerous athletic opportunities such as soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, a fitness trail and more. Many local recreation leagues rent the fields out weekly here. 

Wellfield Park: With three football fields, three soccer fields, two softball fields, batting cages, disk golf, a croquet club field and more, this Venice venue's versatility and size accommodate a wide range of sports. 

Rowing & Paddle

Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy: One of the world’s premier rowing venues is located right here in Sarasota. This multi-use sports facility has hosted international rowing, SUP and dragon boat championships. It continues to become a standout event center and team training site for both the community and country. Its scenic lake is perfect for all water-based sports all year round. 

Swimming & Water Polo

Selby Aquatic Center: With its 50-meter Olympic-sized pool, this beautiful Sarasota center is equipped to host swimming and diving meets for both amateur and elite-level athletes. It is actually the very training grounds for our very own two-time Olympian swimmer. The Center also offers community Open Swim each day for adults 18 and over. 

Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex: This city park offers residents and visitors a 50-meter lap pool for practice or training and a 25-yard instructional pool. You can also find indoor basketball courts and tennis courts here.

Tennis & Pickleball

Englewood Sports Complex: With 136 acres of hosting grounds, this facility in Englewood is a hub for the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with two pickleball courts, as well as four tennis courts. Rent out one of its meeting rooms or its multipurpose gymnasium to take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness room, exercise equipment, locker rooms and showers. 

Payne Park Tennis Center: This staffed municipal facility is open to the general public to participate in tennis matches and practice for a small fee. Enjoy 12 Har-Tru courts right in the heart of downtown Sarasota's Payne Park. 

Highland Ridge Park: Best known as the city's pickleball hotspot, this North Port park is home to six pickleball courts, as well as tennis, racquetball, baseball and shuffleboard with equipment and facilities for rent. 

Pinebrook Park: Located adjacent to Wellfield Park, find two lighted tennis courts, pickleball, basketball and disc golf nestled around pine flatwoods in this quiet Venice park. 

Equestrian

Sarasota Polo Club: This iconic venue in Lakewood Ranch not only hosts weekly matches and special events during the season, but is also a Sarasota Polo School for students to take polo lessons in an enclosed arena before progressing to arena chukkers and then finally onto the grass. The Club also offers Playing Memberships to grow its base of members of all skill levels. Members enjoy polo programs, tournaments and social activities together. 

Fox Lea Farm:  Located in Venice, this privately owned equestrian center hosts national and international horse shows year-round, including hunter/jumper events and dressage competitions. With excellent facilities for rent and a welcoming community, it's ideal for organizations to host their own equestrian event. 

Bicycle Motorcross

Sarasota BMX Track: As the country's oldest continuously running BMX track (upgraded in 2026), this is the go-to spot for racers to perfect their skills and tracks. It continues to host a number of regional and national leagues, as well as worldwide competitions. 

Trap, Skeet, Archery & More

Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays: This premier facility in Nokomis offers a range of shooting options and recreation, including trap, skeet, sporting clays and five-stand. With well-maintained courses, challenging stations and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s perfect for shooters of all skill levels.

Knight Trail Park: Located in the same vicinity, find a park known for its pistol and rifle ranges. This outdoor facility also features excellent archery stations, making it a versatile destination for shooting sports.

Additional Benefits for Event Planners:

Lodging & Transportation: Sarasota County offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly meeting hotels, as well as convenient hotels with quick access to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The airport is also a perfect place to book car rentals or have local transportation services with larger charter vehicles to pick up/drop off your group.

Attractions & Dining: From unique downtown restaurants and local beer gardens to trendy cafes, bakeries and fast-casual chains to fuel your body with energy, Sarasota's food and drink scene is as eclectic as it is fun. Your group will also be pleased to discover a breadth of cultural hotspots, attractions, tours and great shopping. In between game time and training, there is plenty for athletes and attendees to enjoy off the court or field.

Plan Your Next Sports Event Here

Ready to host your team, tournament or training session on the Suncoast? Let Sarasota County’s facilities, exceptional weather and community vibe elevate your sports experience.

The Sports Team at Visit Sarasota County focused on sports tourism. Our team provides comprehensive assistance on venue selection, logistics and support to ensure your local, statewide, national or international event is a success.

Though this is not an exhaustive list of every sports center or park available for sport, you can explore more venues at sports.visitsarasota.com or email Pete Harvey, Director of Sports, at [email protected] to help nail down which location matches your specific needs.