Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls will open a new sports complex in summer 2016, officials from the four-season resort announced today.
“Our new complex brings an emerging market that will revolutionize our summer business, as well as have a significant economic impact on the region,” says Ed Grice, Boyne Mountain Resort’s president and general manager.
Grice says he expect teams throughout the Midwest to use the complex — located on nearly 200 acres across from the resort’s M-75 entrance — for training grounds and competitions. Initially, he says the complex will cater primarily to lacrosse events, but long-term plans are to add events for soccer and other field sports.
Earlier this summer, Boyne Mountain built a single field on resort property, which serves as the home turf for the nearby Petoskey High School lacrosse team. The resort plans to add two additional fields as early as spring 2015 to cater to events and tournaments while the sports complex is being constructed. The two phases of development will create up to nine individual fields in addition to food and beverage concessions.
The Charlevoix County resort has already partnered with Kentwood-based True Lacrosse to host events in 2015 with an expanded schedule expected in 2016 when the complex opens.
“True Lacrosse is a pioneer in creating events that balance athletic competition with leadership training,” said Brian Main, Boyne Mountain’s events and marketing manager. “Together we are creating a place where student athletes can gain the tools to be successful in their chosen sport, and in life after graduation.”
Initial construction has begun on the sports complex site with only limited earthwork and leveling needed. The fields will be irrigated and seeded in the spring, Grice says.
“The land is ideally suited for these fields,” he says.
