Boyne Mountain Resort Announces Plans to Build Sports Complex

Boyne Mountain Resort today announced plans for a new sports complex, which will be located on land across from the resort’s M-75 entrance. The property, nearly 200 acres, was acquired in 2012. The complex is expected to offer six grass fields for sporting events and open in summer 2016.

Earlier this summer, Boyne Mountain built a single field on resort property serving as the home turf for Petoskey Lacrosse. 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.

The innovative move of combining quality fields with luxury lodging and resort amenities will make athletic events at Boyne Mountain unique from any other sports complex in the Midwest.

Plans are for teams throughout the Midwest to use the complex for training grounds and competitions. Initially, the complex will cater primarily to lacrosse events, but long-term plans are to add events for soccer and other field sports.

“Our new complex brings an emerging market that will revolutionize our summer business, as well as have a significant economic impact on the region,” said Ed Grice, Boyne Mountain Resort’s president and general manager.

Initial construction has begun on the sports complex site with only limited earthwork and leveling needed and the fields will be irrigated and seeded in the spring.

“The land is ideally suited for these fields,” Grice adds. “The plot was previously farmland and the slope drops only three inches from the front of the property to the back, with substantial expansion capacity for future growth.”

The complex will also offer restroom facilities and food and beverage concessions.

Boyne Mountain has already partnered with True Lacrosse based in Kentwood to host events in 2015 with an expanded schedule expected in 2016 when the complex opens. Brian Main, Boyne Mountain’s events and marketing manager with ties as one of the originators of Petoskey Lacrosse, is leading the partnership.

“True Lacrosse is a pioneer in creating events that balance athletic competition with leadership training,” said Main. “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.”

Lacrosse has been one of the fastest growing team sports in the country for more than a decade according to US Lacrosse, the national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse. In 2013, nearly 750,000 players participated in lacrosse on organized teams with more than half of the players competing at the youth level.

Petoskey Lacrosse director Wally Kidd said, “Boyne Mountain’s support to put in fields and work with Petoskey Lacrosse helps to build our programs and gives our sport credibility in the area. Regionally, and because it’s Boyne Mountain, we become the place where everyone wants to come and play. Statewide, Boyne Mountain will become the epicenter for lacrosse in northern Michigan.”

Boyne Mountain’s fields also offer another advantage says Kidd.

“With Boyne’s involvement in golf, they have the know-how to produce a higher quality natural grass field. We were just thrilled with our field conditions last summer, they were perfect.”

Kidd is the founder of Petoskey Lacrosse. A former goalkeeper at John Hopkins University, he played on two national championship teams and has led the Petoskey High School lacrosse team to become two-time consecutive league champions.

For more information on Boyne Mountain’s fields or new sports complex, please call 231.549.6896.

Located in Boyne Falls, Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort has been a favorite Midwest destination since 1948. The family-owned, four-season resort has earned TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence, been named among the Top 50 Best Places to Ski and Stay in North America by Conde Nast Traveler readers, recognized as a Top 10 Indoor Waterpark by Budget Travel and is a Spa Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite. Boyne Mountain offers 60 runs on 415 skiable acres, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark featuring The Big Couloir extreme body slide, Solace Spa, Zipline Adventures, two golf courses, disc golf, lift-serviced mountain biking, beach activities, kids programs, lodging, meeting and wedding facilities and real estate. Boyne Mountain is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.