If you’ve spent any time around Nathan Benderson Park, you know it’s a destination for rowing. But a new project approved by Sarasota County commissioners is about to change the game entirely. The park will soon be home to a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports complex featuring eight hardwood basketball courts, a new boathouse, and additional event space.
The $10 million project, backed by state funding in Florida’s 2026-2027 budget, is scheduled to break ground this fall. Beyond the sports amenities, the building is designed as a storm-ready venue, meaning it can serve as a disaster recovery shelter for the community. Officials are aiming for completion in time for the 2028 World Rowing Championships, which will return to Sarasota and bring international attention to the region.
Bruce Patneaude from the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy says the facility will let the park host sports year round. Think basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, and dance. For locals, that means more opportunities for recreation, plus jobs during construction and a boost to sports tourism. What would you like to see hosted at the new complex?
