Manatee County to Build 24 New Pickleball Courts: Manatee County will begin construction on the Athletic and Aquatic Center at Premier Sports Campus North by late January or early February. The long-anticipated project has been in the works for seven years.
The original 127-acre campus, purchased in 2017 from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, is now called Premier Sports Campus South. The additional 111 acres to the north, acquired from SMR, has been renamed Premier Sports Campus North and will house the new facility.
New Developments at Premier Sports Campus North
On December 12, commissioners approved a contract with Tandem Construction, setting a maximum cost of $44,228,316.60. The project is expected to take 567 days, with completion slated for summer 2026.
“We can’t wait to put a shovel in the ground,” (Molly White),
Manatee County’s director of Sports and Leisure Services.
The facility will feature 24 pickleball courts, including 14 shaded ones, aimed at both residents and tournament organizers.
“We’re going to cater to the residents first,”(Elliott Falcione),
executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The north campus, funded by an infrastructure sales tax and builder-paid impact fees, is designated as a community venue. Its economic impact is estimated at $12 million annually, compared to $40–$45 million generated by the south campus from soccer and lacrosse.
East County swim clubs, which previously traveled to Sarasota for meets, will benefit from new swim lanes and exercise spaces. However, plans for a third 25-meter pool were scrapped to stay within the $39 million budget.
Improvements Underway at Premier Sports Campus South
Construction at Premier Sports Campus South will wrap up by the end of December. Additions include two synthetic turf fields and two 2,500-square-foot locker rooms.
A 6,500-square-foot event tent, paid for with $1,126,405 from tourism taxes, was removed from the plan due to changes in state building codes.
“The codes are always being reevaluated,” (Elliott Falcione),
referencing Florida’s frequent hurricanes.
The tent’s concrete pad, costing $320,000, is ready for restrooms and temporary event setups. Future possibilities include building a one-story block structure on the pad.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Falcione emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with community needs.
“If we can stimulate the economy while, at the same time, enhancing the quality of life for the residents who live here, then I’ve met my objective as a tourism director,” (Elliott Falcione).
Construction updates will be available via a job-site camera, allowing residents to follow progress in real-time.
Monetizing the specialized tent is also a priority, with Falcione exploring public-private partnerships.
“We pride ourselves on creativity,” (Elliott Falcione).
As construction progresses, both campuses are expected to enhance Manatee County’s reputation as a sports destination while providing significant benefits to residents.
News in Brief: Manatee County to Build 24 New Pickleball Courts
Manatee County will begin construction on the Athletic and Aquatic Center at Premier Sports Campus North by late January or early February 2025. The project, costing $44.2 million, will feature 24 pickleball courts and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. The facility aims to enhance community recreational options and is projected to have an annual economic impact of $12 million. Construction updates will be available via a job-site camera.
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