Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch to Host Ranch Nite Wednesdays

Visitors to last season’s Market at Lakewood Ranch remember laid-back Wednesday nights at the Sarasota Polo Club – sharing food, fun, activities, and music as the sun went down. The Market moved to Sundays at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but the mid-week camaraderie will live on at weekly Ranch Nite Wednesdays, starting Jan. 8 at Sarasota Polo Club.

The “new” event will feature the familiar live music, with local acts by Independent Jones, kid’s playground and family-friendly lawn games, and outdoor picnic and table seating. There will be a food truck rally with a rotating lineup of trucks each week, featuring a mix of dinner and dessert options. New this year are libations available for purchase from the Sarasota Polo Club.

“I am really looking forward to hosting our ‘Ranch Nites’ this season with Lakewood Ranch Communities,” said James Miller, co-owner of the Sarasota Polo Club. “Lakewood Ranch is growing the food truck participation and ‘turning up the volume’ on the live music talent. We are developing some additional turf games to complement polo, beginning with a cornhole league, and we will have our Pavilion bar open for cocktails. This Wednesday evening program could be one of the most exciting additions to our season!”

MVP Sports and Social will host the highly anticipated first Lakewood Ranch-based cornhole league. Interest is phenomenal, according to MVP’s “commish,” and owner Chris McComas, who said more than 30 teams had already signed up weeks before play was to begin. “I’m hoping we get to 40 teams, which would make it completely sold out,” McComas said.

Not ready for organized play? There will also be free-play cornhole boards for those who want to enjoy the game but not commit to the league.

“Ranch Nites” is the definition of what our community is all about,” said Monaca Onstad, director of community relations for Lakewood Ranch. “I look forward to seeing everyone chill on the beautiful Polo grounds while truly enjoying why we call this magnificent place home.”

The free, mid-week celebrations kick off at 4 p.m. and last until around 8 p.m. (ending later for league play) through Feb. 26.

For more information about Ranch Nite Wednesdays visit lakewoodranch.com/event/ranch-nite-Wednesdays.