And honestly, we get asked about it all the time: What even is pickleball? Why is everyone so obsessed with it? And most importantly, where can you play pickleball in Venice and Sarasota?

This fast-growing sport has become the heartbeat of community life across Venice, Wellen Park, Sarasota, and beyond. It’s social, it’s outdoors, it’s fun for all ages, and it’s showing up in nearly every new-home neighborhood and park around the region.

Whether you’ve played before or are just hearing about it, pickleball has grown into more of a lifestyle than a sport. From public parks to private clubs and resort-style community courts, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay active and meet new people.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes pickleball so popular (why I love it, and why I think you will, too), why it’s perfect for Florida living, and where you can jump in to play right here on the Gulf Coast.

What is pickleball?

In simple terms, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table-tennis (ping‐pong), but with its own rules, court and pace.  

If you’ve played tennis, you’ll recognise a lot of the rhythm, but with pickleball you spend less time racing full-court and more time focusing on positioning, quick reflexes, placement and fun. The game is about control, accuracy, and keeping the play going until someone makes a mistake.

Here’s a quick comparison of the sports so you can see the similarities and differences at a glance:

• Like tennis: there’s a net, you hit a ball over it, there’s strategy of placement and rallying (it’s not about hitting the ball as hard as you can. Instead, it’s about where you hit it and how long you can keep the ball in play.)
• Like badminton: the court is smaller (doubles badminton court size is often used) and the net is usually lower in height.
• Like ping‐pong: the paddle (the bat or racquet) is solid (there’s no strings like Badminton racquets) and the ball is light and perforated.

Key features that make the game distinct:

• The ball used is a hard plastic, often perforated (a “wiffle‐type” ball) rather than a tennis ball.
• The paddles are solid faced (composite or wood) rather than strung racquets.
• There’s a “non-volley zone” (often called the “kitchen”) near the net, which is typically 7 ft on each side in outdoor court versions. If you’re standing in this zone, you cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air).
• The serve is underhand (in most standard rules) and the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying. 

So in short: if you know tennis, you’ll get the guts of pickleball quickly. Add in the smaller court, the paddle-and-ball twist, and that famous ‘kitchen’ rule, and you’ve got the unique flavor that makes pickleball what it is.

Where did Pickleball come from? 

In 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, two dads concocted a game one afternoon to keep their bored children busy. They borrowed badminton nets, ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball. That improv session ended up creating what we now know as pickleball. 

From there it grew. First through retirement communities, rec centres, parks, and now into full-blown nationwide popularity as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.. 

Over the decades it spread from the Pacific Northwest into other parts of the U.S., and beyond. We can thank the northern snowbirds for packing their paddles and bringing the game south with them.

In recent years the growth has been explosive: for example one survey notes that in 2024 participation in the U.S. reached about 19.8 million people — a jump of 45.8 % from the year before. It’s thought that this may have happened due to a combination of how inclusive the sport is, the lower barriers to entry, and how well-positioned it was as an outdoor, socially-distanced activity during the Covid pandemic.

How to play pickleball

Now that you know just how popular pickleball has become, maybe it’s starting to sound a little tempting? Or at least you’re curious what all the fuss is about? 

If so, you’re in the right place, because I’m a bit of a pickleball fanatic myself and love turning curious newcomers into fellow players. Here’s everything you need to know about how to play pickleball, pickleball rules, how to win at pickleball (because that’s the goal, right?), and why so many people are picking up a paddle and falling in love with the game.

Basic Rules of Pickleball

You already know the basics – smaller court, underhand serve, and that all-important “kitchen” zone where volleys aren’t allowed. Those simple rules keep the game friendly, balanced, and easy for beginners to jump in. But once you start playing a bit more, there are a few other pickleball rules and quirks worth knowing that can really help your game.

• In older versions of the game, if your serve hit the net and still landed in the correct service area, it was called a “let,” and you’d redo the serve.
  But not anymore. Now, if your serve hits the net and lands in, it’s a live ball. If it hits the net and lands out, it’s a fault. Simple as that. 
• Most beginners learn the “don’t volley in the kitchen” rule, but you should also remember that even if you’re outside the kitchen and hit an overhead shot that carries your momentum into the kitchen zone, that’s still a fault and the point goes to the other team, even if it’s an awesome shot. 
• Don’t forget that your feet matter more than your paddle. Your feet must stay behind the baseline during the serve. Even leaning too far and losing balance into the court counts as a fault. 
• Unlike tennis, there are no do-overs. If your serve is out, that’s it — the serve moves on. 
• In tournament or more organized play, players switch sides once one team reaches 6 points (in an 11-point game). This helps balance out things like sun glare or wind. 
• For a while, spin serves were the trend. It’s when players would flick or manipulate the ball before hitting it. As of 2023 rule updates, that’s mostly banned. You can still hit with spin from your paddle, but not by spinning the ball with your hand before serving.

Don’t worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. After a game or two, it all starts to feel natural.

How to Score in Pickleball

Pickleball scoring is a bit different from tennis, but once you get it, it makes sense. In recreational play, only the serving team can score points, and most games are played to 11 points (you have to win by at least two). Some competitive matches go to 15 or 21.

You win a point when your opponent fails to make a legal return. For example, if the ball bounces twice on their side, goes out of bounds, hits the net, or they commit a foul like volleying in the kitchen.

How to Win in Pickleball

Now that you understand pickleball scoring, the real fun begins as you decipher how to win in pickleball. 

Beginner Tip: it isn’t about brute force. Because the court is smaller and the ball doesn’t bounce as high, power shots won’t always save you.

Winning comes down to strategy, placement, and teamwork. Aim your shots where your opponents aren’t, focus on steady rallies, and use soft, controlled shots (called “dinks”) to keep your opponents moving and off balance. 

Pickleball rewards patience, communication, and positioning just as much as physical strength, which is one reason players of all ages love it.

Pickleball Strategy and Movement

While you’ll pick up a lot just by playing, it helps to understand the basics of pickleball strategy. Movement is key. Try to stay balanced, communicate with your partner, and move toward the net after your serve or return (without stepping into the kitchen).

Quick reflexes and smart positioning matter more than speed. Think of it as a friendly chess match on a court in the sense that every shot you make sets up the next move.

When I was first learning, my instructor always said, “Points are won at the kitchen line and lost in the backcourt.” I didn’t really get what he meant until I’d played a few games. Now it makes perfect sense.

You can almost think of it like holding your ground in a strategy game (I wanna say war strategy but let’s not get too competitive). Your goal is to hold the line. Ideally, you’re right up at the kitchen line, moving just a step or two side to side and then returning to your center. Quick reflexes are everything here.

Your job is to make your opponents move, throw them off balance, force them to back up or stretch for a shot, while you stay steady at the line. If you can hold your ground and keep them running around the court, you’ll have the upper hand. It’s much harder to win when you’re constantly chasing the ball in the backcourt.

In short, control the kitchen line, and you control the game. That’s really what pickleball comes down to: patience, positioning, and creating just enough pressure for the other side to make the mistake first.

What do people like about pickleball

Pickleball has really taken off in Southwest Florida (where older adults, active retirees and neighbourhood-amenity communities are common). One of the reasons for this is that the sport ticks all the right boxes: social, fun, low barrier, less running than tennis (because we’re having fun not getting Olympic ready, right?)

The smaller court means less strain on your knees, back, and other joints, but you’re still moving, reacting, and getting that satisfying sense of play. You don’t need to be an athlete to start, either; you can learn the basics quickly, join a game, chat with neighbors, and enjoy the morning sun or evening breeze.

The game offers a perfect mix of movement, friendly competition, social time and outdoor fun, without the steep learning curve or full-court wear and tear of tennis.

I know, I know… it sounds like I’m throwing a lot of shade at tennis, but once you’ve played pickleball, you’ll get it. I actually like tennis too, but it’s just that pickleball feels more approachable for those of us who aren’t built to challenge Serena Williams. 

And that’s part of the attraction for a lot of people. Families and mixed-age groups (yes, while many players are older, the sport is absolutely not limited to them) enjoy that it’s an activity that crosses generations, and keeps people connected, which is pretty rare these days. 

And I’ll admit, that’s partly what drew me in, too.

That, and the fact that it just looked like so much fun (more fun than running back and forth nonstop, which is what tennis always felt like to me growing up.) 

We had some friends here in Venice who loved playing, and I wanted to give it a try because it seemed like a great way to get outside, get a little exercise, and meet people.

I was nervous at first…  no one wants to be the “newbie”, so I signed up for a beginner class with other newcomers to learn the basics before jumping into open play. Honestly, I didn’t realize at the time just how much I’d end up loving it. Pickleball quickly became my favorite way to shake off the day’s to-do list, move my body, and have a laugh with good people.

Our little pickleball group now plays for the fun of it, with lots of jokes, cheering when someone hits an amazing shot, and plenty of laughter between points. It’s about connection rather than competition. And that’s what makes it so easy to fall in love with.

Where you can learn to play Pickleball in Venice, Florida. 

Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere, and if you’ve been wondering where to play pickleball, Venice Florida has plenty of options. In fact, you’ll find tons of great places to play pickleball in Sarasota, Wellen Park, and all around Southwest Florida, whether you’re a total beginner picking up a pickleball paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills. 

So if you’re ready to jump in (or jump back in), here are a few great places to learn, practice, and play Pickleball in Venice, FL. 

Private lessons

Many neighborhood communities, especially newer developments, resort-style and amenity-rich ones, feature instructors or coaches who will come to your court or host small group sessions. A great way to learn the fundamentals and meet people. Make sure to ask your  real estate agent when viewing new homes, or the lifestyle co-ordinator if you already live in a community with a court. 

Local organisations & community classes

One of the best ways (I believe) to learn pickleball in Sarasota County is through local community programs like the Sarasota County Schools ACE (Adult and Community Enrichment) Program. 

This is actually where I first learned to play pickleball, and it turned out to be so much more than just a class! The ACE program offers beginner and multiple intermediate-level lessons taught by friendly, experienced instructors who really help you build confidence and have fun from day one.

Classes are usually held at local gyms or recreation centers, and they’re designed for real people, not professional athletes. You’ll learn the rules, basic techniques, and court etiquette, but you’ll also meet a great mix of locals from all over the area (not just living in the same community) who just want to get active and enjoy the game. In fact, some of my closest pickleball friends today are people I met in those ACE classes I took, and we still meet up to play every week! And they’ve introduced me to new pickleball friends too!

You can find upcoming class schedules and registration info on their website, or check your local community for similar programs. 

Clinics & group sessions

Another great option for learning or leveling up your game is joining one of the local pickleball clubs that offer both memberships and instructional clinics. For example, Dill Dinkers in Sarasota is a dedicated indoor pickleball facility where you can drop in for open play, join leagues, or sign up for skill-building clinics taught by certified instructors.

Where to play pickleball in Venice / Wellen Park / Sarasota area

Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere across Venice, Wellen Park, and Sarasota, and it’s easy to see why: the game fits perfectly into the laid-back, social Florida lifestyle. From public parks to neighborhood courts and private clubs, there’s always a place to grab your paddle and join in. 

Community Courts

Many new and established neighborhoods now have their own pickleball courts built right in, which is a major bonus for residents who want to play close to home. In most cases, these courts are open only to residents (and sometimes their guests) and are maintained through community fees or HOA dues. If you’re shopping for a new home, be sure to ask about pickleball amenities as they’re quickly becoming one of the most sought-after features in Southwest Florida communities.

Neighborhood and Local Parks

If you’re not in a neighbourhood with community pickleball courts, don’t worry — many Venice and Sarasota neighborhoods and local parks have free public pickleball courts open to everyone. Some of the most popular local spots include Downtown Venice’s Herscher Park,  Woodmere Park in Venice, and Laurel Park, just north of Venice. 

It’s easy to join a game or just show up to hit a few balls and get the feel for it. If you’ve been wondering, ‘Where can I find pickleball courts in Sarasota?’ the Sarasota County Parks website is the best, most up-to-date resource for every public court in the area.  

If you’re looking for casual matches, social drop-ins, or smaller local events, you’ll also want to check out the PlayTime Scheduler for Venice and Sarasota. It’s an easy online tool where local players post available games, meetups, and open play times at parks and clubs all over the region. It’s perfect for finding a last-minute match or connecting with other players nearby, no membership required.

Pickleball-clubs (membership model)

If you catch the bug and get serious about regular play, social events around the game, and meeting other players regularly, a club environment can be a good fit. 

One of the best known in the area is Dill Dinkers Sarasota, located on Tallevast Road. It’s an indoor facility offering memberships, open play sessions, and clinics for all levels. It’s a great option if you want to beat the heat or keep your game going year-round. 

Other local options include Sarasota Pickleball Club for leagues, events and skill sessions, and the GSI Institute which has a pickleball membership option within a larger fitness/wellness club.

In the Wellen Park area, the Boca Royale Golf and Country Club community has a separate racquet club that is open to the public to join! So you don’t need to live in the community to be a member of this pickleball club, but it is a huge perk for those who live there. They have fantastic facilities, equipment, pros offering classes and more. In fact, we helped a family recently purchase a home in Boca Royale specifically because they LOVED the pickleball club and wanted to be members so they could play everyday. 

Why Pickleball Matters for New Homes and Community Living in Southwest Florida

When you’re looking at a new home in Southwest Florida, seeing pickleball courts in the community isn’t just about having a sport to play, it’s about everything that comes with it. A court means connection. It’s morning matches under blue skies, meeting your neighbors, staying active without feeling like you’re “working out,” and building that easy Florida rhythm into your days.

For many people moving to this area pickleball has become a social anchor. It’s often the first way newcomers meet people and feel part of their new neighborhood. And developers have caught on. These days, you’ll see pickleball courts included right alongside fitness centers, walking trails, and resort-style pools in nearly every new or planned community from Venice to Sarasota to Wellen Park and beyond.

There’s a reason for that. Communities that offer active, social amenities like pickleball tend to have higher appeal and stronger resale value. They speak to what buyers are really after – a sense of lifestyle and belonging, not just square footage.

If you’re wanting to buy a home in a community with great courts and a super active pickleball scene, then here are a few of the most popular  pickleball communities to check out!

Brightmore at Wellen Park (Venice, FL – 55+ Community) has nine dedicated pickleball courts – including a stadium pickleball court where they plan to hold events and tournaments.

IslandWalk in Wellen Park – with 12 pickleball courts, this community is super active and often wins the championships for inter-community play around here!

Grand Palm (Wellen Park) – 8 pickleball courts and regular play almost every morning as well as tournaments.

Beachwalk by Manasota Key – 10 pickleball courts and a highly active community with regular play daily and tournaments too.

Wellen Park Golf & Country Club – 8 pickleball courts as well as a pro shop and on site pro who holds regular clinics and classes

Talon Preserve on Palmer Ranch (North Venice / Nokomis) – 8 pickleball courts with daily play and events to participate

The Meadows (Sarasota, FL) recently built eight brand-new pickleball courts

Why Homebuyers Want Community Pickleball Courts

Pickleball has surpassed the status of ‘amenity’ and has become part of what makes community life here in Southwest Florida feel alive. Those courts mean connection, movement, and neighbors who actually know each other. Whether it’s retirees keeping active, families playing together, or newcomers finding their circle, pickleball has become the core of many local neighborhoods. It’s a simple game that adds a whole lot of lifestyle. And really, isn’t that connection, fun, and vibrancy what we are striving for in our neighborhoods, communities, and lives? 

Smart Questions to Ask When Touring a Community

Now, we’re not suggesting that you pack up and move home to facilitate your new found pickleball addiction (though I would totally understand if you had that urge). But, if you’re touring homes anyway and pickleball is part of your wish list, go beyond just checking for a court. Ask these questions instead:

• How many courts are there, and are they dedicated pickleball courts or shared with tennis?
• Are there lights for evening play?
• Does the community offer clinics or social groups for beginners or regular players?
• Are there membership fees or open access for residents?
• How busy do the courts get, and is there a reservation system?

Getting started with Pickleball

If you’re ready to dip your paddle into the world of pickleball, it doesn’t take much to begin. Check out a local park or your community courts, borrow a paddle if you need to, and maybe sign up for a beginner class. Find drop-in games and meet other players nearby, and off you go. 

If you’re brand new to pickleball, my best advice is simple: stick with it. Like anything new, it takes a little practice before it starts to click, and the more often you play, the more fun it becomes. It’s tough to pick up a paddle only a few times a year and expect to improve, so try to make it a small but regular part of your week.

Even if you can only play once a week or every couple of weeks, keep at it. You’ll start to feel more comfortable on the court, get a better sense of the rhythm, and before long you’ll find yourself hooked.

If you can, find a small group of people to play with regularly, or join a class where you can learn alongside others. That consistency, and the friendships that come with it, really makes all the difference.

Most importantly, bring your fun attitude. Pickleball in Venice, Florida, and our gorgeous Gulf Coast neighborhoods isn’t just about the game. It’s about the laughter, the friendships, and those sunny mornings spent outside doing something you actually enjoy. It’s one of the simplest ways to plug into community life, stay active, and embrace everything the Florida lifestyle has to offer.

So whether you’re moving to the area, already calling it home, or just visiting for a taste of the good life,  grab a paddle, step on the court, and see what all the excitement’s about. Chances are, you’ll be hooked before your first game is over. I know I certainly was. 

The post Pickleball in Venice Florida: What It Is, How to Play or Learn To Play, and the Best Places to Play Locally appeared first on That Florida Life.

A few years ago Liz and I decided to move to Venice, Florida because we fell in love with the charming beach town and the lifestyle in Venice. Florida is a mecca for Spring Training on the East Coast, so I knew there were so many spring training teams in the area.  I was curious who the nearest team was to Venice.  We were driving down the road and I grabbed my phone to do a quick search. Imagine my excitement when I discovered that the nearest team to us is the Atlanta Braves – and they had just signed a 30-year deal and built a brand new facility a few miles from our house in the Wellen Park!

As if it couldn’t get any better. We found our dream town on the beach, and my Atlanta Braves were just down the road!

Baseball Spring Training in Florida (and the Grapefruit League)

Spring Training really is an event. Those with a passion for America’s Pasttime often travel down to Spring Training to support their favorite team. And with so many facilities clustered within a small area, it’s also a fun way to tour around different facilities, watching games and soaking up the warmth of the sun and laid-back vibe.

Spring Training in Florida is like a baseball vacation! 

Major League Baseball Spring Training has been a tradition here in Florida for around 130 years!  And today it’s called the Grapefruit League.  Over the years, all but a handful of MLB teams have held their spring training’s in Florida. Currently, there are 15 teams that call Florida their spring home.  Here’s a quick list of the teams and their location:

• Atlanta Braves – North Port / Venice, Florida
• Baltimore Orioles – Sarasota
• Boston Red Sox – Fort Myers
• Detroit Tigers – Lakeland
• Houston Astros – West Palm Beach
• Miami Marlins – Jupiter
• Minnesota Twins – Fort Myers
• New York Mets – Port St. Lucie
• New York Yankees – Tampa
• Philadelphia Phillies – Clearwater
• Pittsburgh Pirates – Bradenton
• St. Louis Cardinals – Jupiter
• Tampa Bay Rays – Port Charlotte
• Toronto Blue Jays – Dunedin
• Washington Nationals – West Palm Beach

If you look on a map, there is a high concentration of teams in the southwest Florida area. Honestly, Venice is located in the heart of the Grapefruit League! So it’s a fantastic location to be able to travel around and experience Spring Training at a variety of different venues and watch different teams play each other. I enjoy taking baseball trips with my friends to professional stadiums, but many baseball fans make the trek down here to Spring Training and turn it into a vacation too.

As a local, I love that I live right in the center of Spring Training. And of course, Go Braves!

Where is the Braves Spring Training Location?

The Atlanta Braves used to have their Spring Training in Orlando. However, just a few years ago they built CoolToday Park, which is a new stadium between the towns of North Port and Venice, Florida in Sarasota County. It’s actually about 35 miles southwest of Sarasota itself. The stadium is actually in the heart of a master-planned community called Wellen Park.

The Wellen Park community is still in development but when completed, it will have more than 14 different neighborhoods, golf courses, and a downtown area with dining and shopping. There will also be a lake where people can rent kayaks and canoes to explore as well as a boardwalk and miles and miles of walking and biking trails.

Search Wellen Park Real Estate for Sale

Having the stadium in the heart of this area means that it will be easily accessible to both locals and visitors. In fact, those who live in the neighborhood will be able to walk and ride their bikes to the stadium…or even drive their golf cart! (now that’s the dream!!!)

CoolToday Park – Home of the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Facility

CoolToday Park opened in March 2019. The first game was played on March 24, 2019 with the Atlanta Braves going head-to-head against the Tampa Bay Rays in which the Braves came out on top 4-2. The land where the stadium stands was actually donated by Mattamy Homes, a private developer and one of the main developers within the Wellen Park community. And the Wellen Park developers also ran the construction and development of the stadium.

Interesting fact, the dimensions of the outfield actually mirror those of Truist Park, where the Braves play their home games in season!

Not only is CoolToday Park a new Spring Training facility, but it’s also one of the nicest. In fact, the stadium looks and feels more like an MLB stadium. First off, it’s quite large. CoolToday Park has 6,200 fixed seats but can accommodate up to 8,000 people overall. The stadium features a wide concourse that stretches 360 degrees all the way around the facility, making for some really great views.

You can also peek down into the bullpen to watch them practice. And there’s an area in the back of the stadium where you can look down at the players coming in and say hi – maybe even tossing down a ball for an autograph!

There are plenty of standing-room areas all the way around the field, with rails and ledges to lean on and large enough to act as a small table, which we actually quite like. They are perfect for perching up with something to eat or drink while watching the game from different angles as we move around the field. You’ll also find an upper level with additional seating as well as special event areas and lounges throughout.

Then there’s the berm, a grassy area beyond 3rd base where people can bring blankets and relax while watching the games — perfect for Spring Training! Just be sure to bring sunscreen, as it can get a bit hot out there.

The Atlanta Braves Spring Training Facility spans over 90 acres of land, so it’s quite a large area. It also includes 6 baseball practice fields as well as numerous other mixed-use fields.

Food and Drink in the Stadium

As you can expect, there is a lot of great food and drink to be had around the stadium. You’ll find the typical burgers and hot dogs, as well as stalls dedicated to seafood and chicken. There’s also the Salsa Supreme, where you can get some amazing tacos and “kitchen sink” nachos. There’s also the smokehouse where you’ll find tasty southern BBQ as well as a deli. And of course, there’s also a Chick-fil-A too.

But our absolute favorite is the Tomohawk Tiki Bar! Just past the 3rd baseline on the left on the concourse is a lovely outdoor seating and bar area where you can enjoy delicious food and some great drinks. The Tiki Bar is open during games, but also when the Braves are away or non-game days as well (read on below to learn more about the Tiki Bar during other times of the year).

Braves Spring Training Schedule

Spring Training typically begins around the mid-to-end of February and lasts until just before the regular season is set to begin. So typically there is around 4 weeks of Spring Training. Oftentimes, Spring Training coincides with Spring Break – which also adds to the appeal and makes it easier for fans to combine their vacations with some baseball fun.

This year in 2022, the season was a bit delayed. We actually had tickets for opening weekend. They were planning a big event with concerts and all kinds of festivities. After they got things sorted out, the first game this year was held on Friday, March 18th.

As a result of the delay, they’ve packed a lot of games in – pretty much every all the way through April 5th. They currently have 18 games scheduled, 8 of them being here at home at CoolToday Park and the others spread out nearby here around Florida.

ATTEND A GAME WITH US! Watch Our Spring Training Video Below

Watching a Game! How to Buy Braves Spring Training Tickets

Ticket prices for games at CoolToday Park to watch the Atlanta Braves range in price quite a bit. You can pay as little as $15 to just get in the building and walk around with standing room areas or have a seat on the grass in the berm area. Prices go up from there to around $65 – depending on the game and the seats you choose. There are also season ticket packages available for those who want to attend as many games as they can!

The best place to find updated information about the Braves Spring Training Schedule is and to buy tickets directly is to visit their website. You can also go out to the stadium in person and buy tickets from their box office as well.

Braves Spring Training Hats, Clothes & Other Merchandise

As you can imagine, Spring Training is a great time to purchase some gear for the season. But this is also where you can find a number of specialty Atlanta Braves merchandise. Items such as flip flops, fans, tank tops, towels and more. They also have a wide variety of apparel such as hats, t-shirts, jackets and golf shirts, including some you can’t find anywhere else.

In fact, the Atlanta Braves have a unique logo for Spring Training (it’s their stylized “A” with palm trees flanking both sides). I love this logo, because it represents my team but in this tropical paradise we call home. Being a fan (and a bit of a shopper) I’m excited to see that they are getting more and more merchandise down here with this special Spring Training logo!

Watch Games Year-Round at The Tomahawk Tiki Bar

There are so many things that we enjoy about CoolToday Park and the Braves Spring Training stadium. But a real gem for us is the Tomohawk Tiki Bar! As mentioned above, this is a great place to grab some food and drink during a game. What we really love about it is that the Tiki Bar is open not just during games. It’s actually open almost every day year-round!

When it’s a nice day out, we’ll often go out to the Tiki Bar to grab lunch. We enjoy sitting outside to soak up the great weather, but also to look over the beautifully manicured green field. Even without a game being played, there’s still such a fun vibe about being in the baseball stadium!

They will also turn on the big screen and show sports news and highlights. And of course, if the Braves are playing you can watch it on the big screen right there. They’ll also turn on the sound so everyone can hear and enjoy the game. This is actually where we came to watch some of the World Series games too!

Another perk of the Tiki Bar is that on certain nights of the week they will have music as well as trivia too. So it’s a legit spot in town to hang out and grab dinner with a bit of baseball too.

Lastly, the food here is quite good. Liz loves their nachos but I’m a huge fan of the shrimp po’ boy sandwich. It is SO good!!!

Beyond Spring Training – Other Fun & Events at CoolToday Park

Even though Spring Training only lasts about a month or so, the CoolToday Park facility is used throughout the year for number of things. During the winter season, there is a weekly Farmers Market held here on Wednesdays. It’s a convenient place to grab some fresh fruits and veggies as well as some baked goods and prepared foods too.

They also have outdoor concerts out on the grassy event lawn, just outside the stadium. These are perfect to bring the family and kiddos to hang out and listen to some tunes under the perfect Florida night sky. Other festivals are held here too. For example, we attended a Grilled Cheese festival a few months back (that was a ton of fun!) and they also have 5k races and other local events too.

As the Wellen Park development continues to mature, we see the stadium area becoming even more integrated in the community with local events and activities.

READ MORE: Things to do in Venice, Florida

Enjoying the Atlanta Braves Spring Training in My New Home!

Atlanta holds fond memories for me. It’s my home and where I grew up. It’s where Liz and I met, and the old Turner Field in Atlanta is where she and I used to go to watch Braves games together when we were dating. Now that we live down here in Florida and I no longer live in Atlanta, I love that I can still feel the emotions surrounding my favorite baseball team right here just a few minutes from my beach home here in Venice.

As a baseball fan, I love that I can enjoy my tropical paradise year-round and also be in the center of baseball Spring Training and all the Grapefruit League teams around us. Actually, with so many teams so closeby, it’s a hard decision to figure out which games to go to and when. I can’t really fit it all in unless I stopped working, but this time of year is also my peak season as a realtor in Venice.

Perhaps I can combine the two by taking some clients out to a Spring Training game with me. Are you up for it?

Just let me know if you want to join me for a Spring Training game!

The post Let’s Play Ball! Atlanta Braves Spring Training in Florida at CoolToday Park appeared first on That Florida Life.

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What is Polo?

Polo is a sport that has been around for centuries and originated in Persia, in fact, it’s considered one of the oldest sports in the world (around 2,500 years old). It’s now enjoyed by people all across the globe. The game is played on horseback with two teams of four players each. The objective is to score goals by hitting a ball with a mallet through a goalpost.

Polo is a very physical and technical sport that requires a lot of skill, speed, and agility. But if climbing up on a horse to play is not your cup of tea, then don’t worry. You don’t have to be able to play polo to enjoy it. It’s definitely an exciting sport just to watch in person!

A Brief History of the Sport of Polo

The first recorded game of polo took place in 600 BC. The sport quickly spread to other parts of the world, and by the 1800s it had become very popular in England. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II is a big fan and has been playing since she was a child.

Today, polo is enjoyed by people all over the world. There are professional leagues in countries such as Argentina, Australia, India, and the United States. In Florida, one of the top places to watch (or play) polo is the Lakewood Ranch Polo Club in Sarasota.

READ MORE: Best Beaches in Sarasota You Must Visit

Polo – Basic Rules of the Game

Before we dive into attending a polo match at the Sarasota Polo Club, first let’s explain just a bit about the rules of the game.

• Polo is played on a 10-acre grassy field
• The field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide — which is about the size of 10 football fields!
• There are four players on each team
• The game is played on horseback
• The ball is hit with a mallet
• The object is to score goals by hitting the ball through a goalpost
• There are goalposts at each end of the field, which are 8 yards wide
• Teams score points by hitting the ball through the goalpost
• Teams change direction after each goal
• The game is divided into six periods called “chukkers” and each is 7 and a half minutes long
• Only penalties or injuries stop the play clock (there are no timeouts or substitutions allowed)
• Whichever team scores the most points by the end of the match wins

About the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch Florida

If you are in Florida, then the Sarasota Polo Club is a great place to watch (or learn how to play) the game of polo. The club is located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida and was founded in 1991. It has two regulation size fields and can accommodate up to 500 spectators. There is also a clubhouse where you can enjoy refreshments while watching the game.

The club dates back decades, but even before that, polo was played in the area around Sarasota by the cowboys and ranchers who used to challenge each other on horseback and the losing team buying drinks for the winners! 

The club holds polo matches during the season that are open to the public, as well as a number of fun themed matches too. For example, you could attend a match on Wild West Day, Kids Days, Holiday matches, Disco Party Days, and in the Spring they also have “sunset” polo happy hour matches!

They also have private event facilities that can be rented, and they also hold a number of public events and festivals throughout the year. Lastly, the club also has a school for those who want to learn how to play polo.

Watch Our Video About the Sarasota Polo Club!

Click below to watch our complete video on YouTube to see what it’s like attending a match here at the Sarasota Polo Club.

How to Attend a Polo Match in Lakewood Ranch, Florida

You don’t have to be a member of the club to watch a polo match. During the regular season, there are many public matches where everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the game! You can visit their website or Facebook page for more information on upcoming dates.

You do need to purchase tickets, either in advance online via their website or you can also buy tickets at the gate. 

Schedule: When are Polo Matches in Lakewood Ranch?

The club hosts several matches throughout the year, but mostly during the polo season from December through April. Most of the public matches are held on Sundays, but later in the Spring they also have Sunset Happy Hour polo matches during other days of the week.

You can find a schedule of upcoming matches on their website.

Polo Seating & Ticket Options

There are many types of tickets available for purchase. There is reserved in a variety of areas as well as general admission at different price points. One of the more popular ticket seating options are the tailgating spots! These are a lot of fun and can accommodate larger groups and have a big space to set up all your food, drink, and chairs under tents.

If you prefer to buy just a general admission ticket, this allows you to bring your own chairs and coolers so you can set up wherever you want on the grass in the spectator area with your own picnic. Or you can sit on the general admission bleachers they have available (for those who didn’t bring chairs). The general admission area is large and grassy toward the end of the field.

If you want to have a reserved area or a tailgating spot, be sure to buy your tickets in advance! They do sell out, and if you show up the day of the event then they might only have general admission spots left.

What to Bring to a Polo Match – An Outdoor Picnic & Party!

When attending any polo match, there are a few things you’ll want to bring with you: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water. The sun is intense in Florida, so it’s important to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

However, at the Sarasota Polo Club in particular the venue is set up so you can really enjoy yourself in more of a “tailgate party” kind of way. While you can reserve chairs, most people bring their own folding or camping chairs. They will also bring cooler filled with food and drink. Some will also bring grills to cook food and turn it into a full-day event.

Bring Some Games Too!

The gates open to spectators hours before the match begins. So prior to the start, people will be hanging out for hours eating and drinking and playing games. You’ll find people playing cornhole, tossing balls around and much more. We even saw kids running around and flying kites on the field before the match begun!

Attending a polo match in Sarasota really is a family event and fun for everyone on a beautiful day.

Spectator Attire: What to Wear to a Polo Match?

Polo matches are typically very formal events. Men should wear jackets and ties, while women should dress in skirts or dresses. However, if you’re not comfortable dressing up that much, there is no need to worry – many people attend polo matches in more casual attire.

Just be sure to avoid shorts and tank tops, as they’re not appropriate for this type of event.

Is There Food available at the Lakewood Ranch Polo Matches?

Yes, the Sarasota Polo Club has a concession stand where you can purchase food and drinks. There is also usually a barbecue grill set up near the concessions stand, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the game. However, as mentioned many people choose to bring their own food and drink and turn the day into more of a picnic event.

READ MORE: 20 of the Best Restaurants in Sarasota for Any Occasion

Can I Bring My Dog to a Match at the Lakewood Ranch Polo Club?

Yes! Well-behaved dogs are allowed at the public matches at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch. We actually brought our dog with us during our visit, and she really seemed to enjoy the experience too! She loves meeting other people (and dogs) and she was truly fascinated by the horses running up and down the field.

Just be very careful to watch your pet and keep them secure!

When we visited, there was one dog in particular that kept getting loose from his family. At one point, he ran out onto the field while they were playing and they had to blow an emergency whistle and stop the entire event while the owner ran out there to grab their dog.

Don’t be that person. Plus, it’s super dangerous!

READ MORE: Thinking of Moving to Lakewood Ranch? Everything You Need to Know

What to Expect at a Polo Match in Lakewood Ranch

When attending a polo match, you can expect to see some of the best players in the world competing. The games are fast-paced and exciting, and there is always plenty of action on the field. You can also expect to see some very impressive horsemanship – these horses are truly amazing athletes!

For most matches that are held on Sundays during the season, the doors will open at 10 am to spectators. That means you can come into the venue and set up your spot and have a few hours to hang out! That’s why it’s a fun option for those who enjoy a “tailgate party” because you have plenty of time to enjoy yourself before the match starts.

Before the match you can play some games, eat and drink, and walk around. Kids especially enjoy running around on the field and playing on the grass.

At some point, the horses and players will come out and begin to practice. So be sure to watch your step if you go onto the field after this time!

Half-time and Stomping Divots!

There is a halftime break after the 3rd chukker. And YES – this is when all the spectators are invited to come out onto the field and “stomp the divots.” This basically means that you help put the divot chunks of grass that get torn up by the horses back into the holes in the grass to help maintain the field. This is actually a fun tradition that dates way back in the sport.

However, be careful where you walk because during halftime there is bound to be some “steaming divots” (horse droppings) that you do not want to step in!

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Horses and Polo

Horses are an important part of the game of polo. Even though they are often called “ponies” they really are small horses. They provide speed and agility, and players must be very skilled in riding them. Horses used in polo are typically thoroughbreds often with race track experience and are some of the most athletic. They’re well-trained and able to handle the physical demands of the sport.

Players MUST change horses after each chukker, due to the physical demands on the horse during the period! So every team needs to bring at least 24 horses with them to a polo match. 

Who Can Play Polo?

Polo is a physically demanding sport, so not everyone can play. You need to be in good shape and have excellent horseback riding skills.

Want to Learn How to Play Polo in Sarasota?

The Sarasota Polo Club does have a school and provides lessons for those who want to learn how to play polo.

Other Polo Clubs in Florida, Besides Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota

If you are interested in watching or playing polo all around Florida, then there are several other polo clubs in Florida that you may want to check out. Here are a few of them:

• The Palm City Polo Club
• The Villages Polo Club
• Polo Club of Boca Raton
• The International Polo Club Palm Beach
• Hobe Sound Polo Club
• Ocala Polo Club
• Everglades Polo Club
• Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington
• Indian Mound Polo Club
• Cypress Polo Club
• Port Mayaca Polo Club

Enjoy This Family-Friendly Activity in Sarasota!

The Sarasota Polo Club is a great place to watch polo in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. There are many things to do in Sarasota throughout the year for all ages, but what we also love about it is that it is a family-friendly activity that’s perfect for a winter or spring sunny day! During the season and on a beautiful day, it is a wonderful way to spend time outside together with your family and friends — including children. So bring the whole family and make an entire day out of it. Bring some chairs, some games, food and drink and have a picnic outside and play together while waiting for the match to start.

READ MORE: Visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota

Are You Thinking of Moving to Sarasota?

If you are considering moving to the Sarasota area, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of lifestyle and real estate experts. We’re happy to share our knowledge of the area with you and help you out. Also, you may want to download our free Sarasota relocation guide here!

The post Feel the Excitement Watching Polo in Sarasota at Lakewood Ranch appeared first on That Florida Life.