If you thought investing in sports (your NCAA bracket notwithstanding) was going away anytime soon, then take a look at this new project headed for Northwest Indiana.

 

By the end of March, ground is expected to be broken on a 15-acre lake that will be part of a $75 million sports resort project in Portage. The lake will have an island that will feature an adventure climbing tower and a cable wakeboard park. 

 

It’s part of a development triggered by interest from the National Rugby Football League. The complex is being considered, according to the Indianapolis Star, as the league’s NRFL Academy. 

 

But first it has to be built. And when it’s built, according to the report, the complex will have a movie theater, indoor water park and 150-room hotel. Plans also feature a campground for guests to stay.

 

In addition to the NRFL Academy, the project’s organizer, Catalyst Lifestyles, also is proposing a 17,000 square foot performance training center that will include a 60-yard, four-lane sprint track, cardio equipment, strength equipment, free weights and areas for specialized drills. Catalyst says it won’t be just for athletes—the complex will be available for first responders (fire, police, etc.), special needs athletes and the elderly for post-rehab care. 

 

In the original story about the complex, the Star says that the complex would first, though, “cater to the burgeoning youth sports movement.” Indiana has invested heavily in the youth sports market, with Grand Park in Westfield (just north of Indianapolis) expanding with plans to build two indoor sports venues on its 400-acre youth sports park. 

 

At the same time, plans for another recreational sports center in Fishers (northeast of Indy) featuring a 6,000 seat arena, 245,000 square foot fieldhouse and a 630-space parking garage, are stalled as Fishers tries to work out an incentive deal for investors. The Portage project, according to reports, is privately funded.