Premier's growth continues despite possible sale

Considering the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch has been put up for sale by its owner, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, it might come as a surprise that its programs continue to grow.

But they do. Last week, was a great example.

On Oct. 25, the Tampa Bay Lightning held a press conference announcing the construction of a street hockey rink at Premier as part of its "Build the Thunder" initiative. In doing so, the Lightning also announced a three-year extension of its partnership with SMR.

Then, Oct. 28-29, Premier hosted its second-annual IVP (International Visibility Program) World Cup Qualifier. The tournament, presented by Portuguese soccer legend Luis Figo, brought 39 youth soccer clubs, ages U9-U18, to Lakewood Ranch from across the United States and even other countries for a chance to earn a spot in the IVP World Cup in Portugal in 2018.

Meanwhile, it isn't clear who will be running the place in 2018.

Manatee County has first choice as it was offered the 126.9-acre campus plus another 36 acres adjacent to the north side of the campus in June for the cost of land improvements, which is $5.2 million. The additional parcel would become an aquatics facility.

A decision by the county is expected by Dec. 15.

Meanwhile, I asked Premier’s director of sports, Antonio Saviano, why the park has continued to make big moves with its future ownership uncertain.

“It’s a tough question,” Saviano said of how to operate under the current circumstances. “I think even if the county takes it (Premier) over, they’ll continue to honor these events (and partnerships). It’s just good for the area.”

Saviano said Manatee County’s ownership could be helpful in terms of building the youth sports scene in the area. That goes along with what SMR Vice President of Marketing Laura Cole said in June. SMR can only put so much money into Premier. For the facilities to maintain elite status, and add even more facilities in the future, county ownership might be the best option.

At this point, though, Saviano said he has no idea if the deal with get done, so for him, it's business as a usual.

Personally, I hope the county invests in the property and keeps Premier on its upward trajectory. The area has no aquatics complex that can compete with Potter Park in Sarasota and building a state-of-the-art one, and starting a club team, would be a fantastic way to keep the area’s best swimmers at home instead of losing them to Sarasota club teams.

The Figo tournament continues to bring tourist dollars to the area, and Saviano hinted that next year’s event might add another superstar's sponsorship, possibly one that the younger generations have revered. Saviano wouldn't offer any names.

The street hockey rink looks like it could be a boon to the area. The rink’s popularity will increase once the Lightning adds street hockey teams and leagues to the area, as they promised to do during their press conference.

Premier seems all set for success. Let's home the county takes over, and keeps all the present deals intact.