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February 2026 Luncheon - From the Field to the Community: How Professional Sports Shape Our Region

February 18, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)

Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

Professional sports teams offer far more than competition on the field – they are powerful economic engines, community builders, and catalysts for regional growth. At this month's luncheon, hear from executives of the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Sarasota Paradise as they come together for an insightful discussion on why our region became home to their teams, how they actively invest in and give back to the community, the strategies behind building loyal, passionate fan bases, and their vision for the future of professional sports in our region. Moderated by Stu Henderson of Fawley Bryant Architecture, this timely conversation will explore the lasting business and community impact of professional sports in Lakewood Ranch and beyond.

Moderator

Stu Henderson, Partner - Fawley Bryant Architecture

As the visionary behind Fawley Bryant Architecture (FBA), Stu Henderson is the designer of many iconic local structures, bringing ideas to life through a balance of creativity and pragmatism. Architect by trade, Stu is equally driven by an interest in people and how they experience the built environment — how space shapes interaction, movement, and connection. Deeply engaged in the community, he served as the 2025 Chairman of the Board for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Manatee’s 2019 class. Prior to joining FBA, Stu was a professor at Mercyhurst University for seven years in Erie, PA, and graduated from The University of Cincinnati’s School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning.

Under Stu’s direction, FBA designs facilities that shape performance. His portfolio includes large-scale sports projects such as IMG Academy, Premier Sports Campus, LECOM Park, and CoolToday Park, with current work including the Baltimore Orioles Player Development Center, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium Renovations, and the Athletics & Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North.

At Fawley Bryant, performance extends beyond athletics. It is about creating environments where people can do their best work, learn, lead, and connect. From stadiums and schools to civic spaces and workplaces, we focus on how thoughtful design influences human potential. When the space performs, so do the people in it.

FBA designs spaces that cultivate connection, elevate experience, and enhance everyday life. Grounded in service, creativity, and purpose, we build lasting partnerships and stronger communities. At Fawley Bryant, great design isn’t just seen — it’s felt.

Speakers

Trevor Markham, Director of Grounds and Operations - Baltimore Orioles










Marcus Walfridson, Founder and CEO - Sarasota Paradise

Marcus Walfridson is a sports entrepreneur and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sarasota Paradise, the first professional soccer club in the Sarasota–Manatee region, competing in USL League One. He leads the club’s vision, strategy, and long-term development as it prepares for its inaugural professional season in 2026.

Originally from Sweden, Walfridson’s career in football began as a player before an injury redirected him toward coaching and leadership. Over more than a decade, he built experience across Europe, coaching at the professional level in Sweden and Norway, including guiding a club to the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals.

After relocating to the United States, Walfridson identified an opportunity to build a sustainable, community-driven professional club in Sarasota. That vision became Sarasota Paradise—an organization designed for long-term growth, player development, and regional identity. He is also the author of Lessons From The Beautiful Game, sharing insights on leadership, development, and the broader impact of sport.

Craig Warzecha, General Manager - Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders

Craig Warzecha joined the Pirates and Marauders in 2015. As General Manager, he oversees sales & marketing efforts for Pirates Spring Training and the Marauders while also playing an integral role in the daily operations of LECOM Park. A native of South Amboy, NJ, Warzecha moved to Florida to attend the University of Tampa. His career in baseball has included stints with the Lakewood Blue Claws, Minor League Baseball headquarters in St. Petersburg, and the Philadelphia Phillies and Clearwater Threshers. Craig graduated from Leadership Manatee in 2017 and is the past-chairman of the Manatee Young Professionals. Currently, Craig is on the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Downtown Redevelopment Committee. He also serves on the boards of Realize Bradenton, CareerSource Suncoast, Bishop Museum of Science & Nature and Bradenton Area EDC.



Time

Check-in & Networking 11:30am to 12:00pm Program begins at 12:00pm

Pricing

$50 for Members // $60 for Non-Members

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Contact Information

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
Name: Janeth Gonzalez
Phone: (941) 757-1664
Email: janethgonzalez@lwrba.org
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