SMR announces sports complex name, logo

Lakewood Ranch's new sports facility off State Road 70 finally as a name.

After soliciting suggestions for names and logos through a contest, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch unveiled Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch during a press conference March 21.

Summerfield resident Mercedes Movilla suggested the name; and graphic artist Michael Muscarella, of Sarasota, won the logo contest. Movilla received $1,000 for her suggestion, and Muscarella received $2,000.

"Lakewood Ranch is about two things: family/activities and economic development," SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen said. "All of this comes together at this facility."

Lakewood Ranch Director of Sports Tim Mulqueen agreed.

"We offer children and parents a unique opportunity to have everything at one place," he said. "Our club will offer all levels of soccer — from recreation to competitive."

In addition to the new name and logo, SMR officials announced recently the Clearwater Chargers as its anchor tenant. Also at the conference, SMR announced a new partnership with U.S. Men’s National Team, World Cups 2006/2010 and Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard, who will lead goalkeeper clinics and camps at the new facility.

“I am excited to develop a goalkeeper academy at the campus and to become a part of the soccer community here in Lakewood Ranch,” Howard said in a prepared statement. ”America’s future national team players are playing on youth fields across the country, and the Premier Sports Campus is the perfect facility for maximizing youth development.”  

The facility will feature 22 fields across 70 acres that can accommodate sports such as soccer, lacrosse and other amateur sports. The complex has another 70 acres for expansion, which likely will include fields for baseball and more, said SMR Director of Marketing and Public Relations Candice McElyea. The complex also will be able to host other large events such as concerts and festivals, she said.

Several government officials attended this morning's press conference, including Florida State Rep. Greg Steube; Manatee County commissioners John Chappie, Donna Hayes and Carol Whitmore; Manatee County School Board member Julie Aranibar; Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker; Manatee County Building Department Director John Barnott; Manatee County Sports Commissioner Joe Picket and more.

For complete coverage, pick up a copy of the March 24 edition of the East County Observer.