IMG Resort Communities
The Need
In the context of creating a unique, high-energy draw to Hemisphere’s largest brownfield redevelopment project, Lakeview Bluffs, Hemisphere approached IMG, the world’s leader in sports and entertainment management, with a novel development concept: Hemisphere intended to create the world’s first sports-oriented resort community and desired to enter into an exclusive license relationship with IMG.
The Vision
By utilizing large tracts of underutilized property located near major metropolitan areas and by borrowing “best practices” from IMG Academies and other luxury resorts, Hemisphere will build a new category of active resort/community for the $40 billion, underserved, active travel/lifestyle market. Hemisphere has secured an exclusive license and consulting arrangement with IMG to pursue this new development concept.
IMG Resort Academies
Each new development’s principal feature will be the IMG Resort Academies, focusing on world-class instruction in golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and other field sports. Programming also will focus on comprehensive health, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness, designed by leading medical experts. This complex will emulate the IMG Academies located in Bradenton, Florida, the world’s most successful multi-sport training institute for elite athletes, which has trained star athletes, including: Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Wimbledon Champion Maria Sharapova in tennis; Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Jeter in baseball; Mike Weir and Michelle Wie in golf; Kevin Garnett and Vince Carter in basketball; Freddy Adu and Christie Welchel in soccer; and the Australian and Chinese Women’s Olympic teams.
The Appeal
IMG Resort Academies will appeal to consumers by delivering:
- A fun, active, family-oriented environment
- Training for the recreational and the committed athlete
- An intriguing corporate meeting venue
The development concept also will provide:
- World-class instruction in offered endeavors including a culinary academy, art institute and other non-athletic recreational interests
- Exceptional service
- Outstanding sports, recreation and spa facilities
- A sophisticated, yet casual setting
- A constant flow of “special events” crafted by IMG, designed to maintain a high-energy atmosphere at the resort community year-round.
Hemisphere has launched a national search to identify well situated sites meeting our development criteria.
Lakeview Bluffs
