IMG Details Plans for Stadium and Complex

IMG Academy is growing in Manatee County.

The academy for elite athletes worldwide is undergoing a 100-acre expansion that will include a new multi-sport complex with a stadium that will open in August 2013, according to The Bradenton Herald.

The expansion shows that IMG is evolving into a venue for major competition as well as the training ground for professional and young, talented athletes.

The stadium will feature:

• 5,000 seats with the ability to scale to 10,000;
• a professional-quality Bermuda grass surface;
• TV-ready lights;
• 8-lane, 400m track;
• Additional training areas for jumps and throws;
• Broadcast-ready press box with coach, press, radio rooms and hospitality suites;
• Collegiate-style video board.

A new, lighted stadium field for baseball is also planned. The second phase will open in December 2013 and feature a 40,000-square-foot fieldhouse with multiple locker rooms, meeting spaces, and offices.

IMG also detailed a third phase with a research and development facility for sports performance companies, as well as the addition of new multi-sport field venues to bring the total of playing fields to more than 20.

Get the Bradenton Herald delivered to your email for free.