Sports
Sarasota County is a sports lover’s paradise, offering a diverse array of athletic activities against a backdrop of 255 sunny days a year. Sarasota County caters to a wide range of sporting interests. State-of-the-art facilities and expansive parks make it a premier destination for sports enthusiasts of all kinds.
Over 60 World-Class Golf Courses and Much More
Golf in America began right here in Sarasota County in 1886. Today, more than 60 courses dot the area and all with their own unique layouts. And that’s just the beginning. With an average of 255 sunny days a year, Sarasota County is a prime location for professional and amateur athletes who need good weather for their pursuits. Thousands of residents and visitors compete in road runs, triathlons and marathons. Organized youth leagues throughout the county teach the fundamentals of virtually any sport you can name. These are a few of the unique sporting clubs and events in Sarasota County.
Ed Smith Stadium
There’s nothing like baseball in the Spring. Since 2010, Ed Smith Stadium has been the spring training home for the Baltimore Orioles.
CoolToday Park
In Spring 2019, The Atlanta Braves move into the newest Spring Training Stadium in the country, CoolToday Park. This state of the art facility will not only host the Braves Spring Training, but acts as their base of operations for player development.
Polo
The Sarasota Polo Club is 130 acres of perfectly manicured grounds with seven world-class polo fields and a regulation-size arena. Every Sunday afternoon, the public is welcome to bring out their picnic baskets and enjoy the thrill of the “fastest game on four feet.”
Powerboating
Sarasota County is home of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival a week-long event surrounding the Fourth of July.
BMX
The Sarasota County BMX Track, established in 1974, is the oldest continuously running BMX track in America. It has hosted countless state, regional and national races. A cornerstone of Florida BMX racing, Sarasota BMX has worked with the former National Bicycle League, the current Sunshine State Association and USA BMX.
Rowing
Sarasota County also is becoming one of the premier rowing destinations in North America. The beautiful Nathan Benderson Park attracts thousands of rowing enthusiasts from around the world including hosting the 2017 World Rowing Championships.
Selby Aquatic Center
Home of the Sarasota Sharks swim team, the Selby Aquatic Center consists of a 50 meter olympic size pool and seasonal water park. Sarasota County hosted the 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Finals at the Selby Aquatic Center and the Sarasota Polo Club.
Eco-tourism
Expansive state parks for biking, kayaking and hiking.
Invest in Sarasota County
The EDC of Sarasota County diversifies our local economy and helps create jobs for Floridians. Investing in the EDC empowers us to grow our economy and attract more business to our region.
