IMG Academy breaks ground on world-class, multi-sport complex
Campus expansion will feature state-of-the art stadium and new field venues
Bradenton, Fla. (April 17, 2013) – Today, in the company of student-athletes and their families, staff, alumni, professional athletes, sports performance partners, community leaders, and many more, IMG Academy broke ground on a world-class, multi-sport complex. A state-of-the-art stadium, opening in August 2013, marks the first phase of expansion. The stadium will feature: 5,000 seats with the ability to scale to 10,000; a professional-quality Bermuda grass surface with TV-ready lights; an 8-lane, 400m track and additional training areas for jumps and throws; a broadcast-ready press box with coach, press, radio rooms and hospitality suites; and a collegiate-style video board. A new, lighted stadium field for baseball will also open, paving the way for the addition of a baseball quadraplex that will rival any spring training facility.
The second phase will open in December 2013 and feature a 40,000-square foot fieldhouse with multiple locker rooms, meeting spaces, and offices. Phase Three will include a research and development facility for sports performance companies looking for a permanent research home on the IMG Academy campus, as well as the addition of new multi-sport field venues to bring the total of playing fields to more than 20, servicing soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and football.
“Over the last few years, we have made great strides in not only our integrated delivery of academics and athletics, but also our commitment to a rich campus life experience at IMG Academy,” said Greg Phillips, Vice President and Athletics Director. “Just a month before opening our new university-style residence hall, we are excited to break ground on our new multi-sport complex and stadium, which will soon serve as the competition home for five of our sports. Our student-athletes will have a new venue in which we can all proudly come together and share our love for competition.”
In addition to the impact on the student-athlete experience, the facility will have a significant impact on the newly-formed IMG Performance division of sports and entertainment giant, IMG Worldwide, which operates its headquarters on IMG Academy’s campus. Established in 2012, IMG Performance, among other initiatives, owns and manages more than 100 sporting events, many of which take place at IMG Academy and will now be staged in the new complex. They include: the IMG 7v7 National Championships; United Soccer League’s Super-Y and Super-20 North American Finals; the IMG National Baseball Classic; and the IMG Lacrosse Nationals. The new complex will also enable IMG Performance to attract a new level of national and international competition.
Additionally, prospective and existing sports performance partners will now have the opportunity to conduct their research and development efforts out of the new facility. Industry-leading companies like Gatorade, Under Armour, Motus Global, Prince and others, who already have a presence on the IMG Academy campus, will be able to expand their campus footprint, if they choose.
“We couldn’t be more excited for what our campus expansion signifies for our student-athletes and their families, our alumni, and our staff, as well as our extended family and the local community,” remarked Sam Zussman, Senior Vice President, IMG Worldwide and Managing Director, IMG Performance. “The new facility will also help enrich the offerings of our IMG Performance division, as it relates to the delivery of athletic and personal development services, the hosting of events, the advancement of performance research and development, and the design of new training products and services.”
For more information about IMG Academy, visit imgacademy.com. For more information about IMG Performance, visit imgperformance.com.
Contact: Kim Berard, IMG Performance, kim.berard@imgworld.com, 941-447-1316
About IMG Academy
IIMG Academy is the world-leading provider of academic, athletic and personal development programs. With expert instruction, a proven training methodology, professional-grade facilities and a challenging and motivating learning environment that brings together individuals of all ages and backgrounds, IMG Academy provides the ultimate foundation for future success.
The Bradenton, Fla.-based campus annually attracts nearly 200,000 athletes, coaches, event participants and spectators from 100 countries. IMG Academy offers sports camps and academy programs, in addition to training programs for adult, collegiate and professional athletes, as well as teams and leagues. IMG Academy is also the host venue for countless international amateur and professional sporting events.
IMG Academy (imgacademy.com) is housed within the IMG Performance (imgperformance.com) division of IMG Worldwide (imgworld.com).
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