Sarasota Paradise announces Premier Sports Campus as new home field
SARASOTA, Fla. —Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two team based in the Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area, recently announced Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch will be its new home field for the upcoming 2025 season, with the 2025 season beginning in mid-May and running through July. The Board of Manatee County Commissioners approved the agreement on Tuesday, Dec. 10 during its scheduled regular meeting.
Located in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Premier Sports Campus is a true haven for sports enthusiasts, athletes and spectators alike. With world-class facilities and a commitment to fostering a love for sports, the campus is the ultimate destination for sporting excellence.
The property is equipped with 23 FIFA regulation fields and a stadium with more than 3,000 seats. Each field is comprised of Celebration-seeded Bermuda grass, which has excellent wear tolerance and is the preferred surface for reducing player injuries.
Sarasota Paradise, led by CEO Marcus Walfridson, came to fruition when Walfridson, a devoted soccer entrepreneur from Sweden, fell in love with Sarasota and recognized the need for a local soccer team.
Since its launch in 2023, the pre-professional soccer team has seen much success, including being named New Organization of the Year by the USL in 2023, having its first player in the team’s history be drafted into the MLS, and being named division champions and attending playoffs in Asheville, North Carolina during its 2024 season.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Elliott Falcione and the Manatee County Board of Commissioners over the past year,” said Walfridson. “This partnership marks a vital step toward achieving our ultimate goal of playing professionally. We’re thrilled to join forces with the outstanding team at Premier Sports Campus, and we look forward to attracting more visitors to this incredible facility and the surrounding area.”
For more information, visit SarasotaParadise.us.
About Sarasota Paradise
Launched in 2023, Sarasota Paradise is a USL League Two team based in the Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area. The men’s pre-professional soccer team aims to bring high-level soccer to Sarasota and the surrounding community, with a commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for aspiring players.
Founded by Marcus Walfridson, Sarasota Paradise came to fruition when Walfridson, a devoted soccer entrepreneur from Sweden, fell in love with Sarasota and recognized the need for a local soccer team. Since then, the team has seen much success, including being named New Organization of the Year by the USL in 2023 and having its first player in the team’s history be drafted into the MLS.
To learn more, visit SarasotaParadise.us.
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