Ranch announces first event for sports complex

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is making progress on its new sporting complex adjacent to the Lakewood Ranch Post Office.

The company on Wednesday announced it will host its first major sporting event April 30 through May 1.

Nearly 50 teams from across the state will head to the facility for the Florida Youth Soccer Association’s boys state cup.

“We could not be more excited about the FYSA coming to Lakewood Ranch,” said Tim Mulqueen, Lakewood Ranch director of sports. “Forty-eight teams of about 20 players per team, plus their friends and families will mean a huge influx of people into Sarasota & Manatee counties that weekend and promises to impact the local economy in a big way—and this is just the beginning.”

Candice McElyea, spokesperson for SMR, said the company is shooting for an April 1 completion date on the facility.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].