Week one at GaREAT/ReCreation

My first week has definitely been interesting in several different ways. My sponsor is currently working on a project called GaREAT. I'm going to assume none of you have heard of this, but it is in the process of being built. It is a giant sports complex in Geneva Ohio. They are building it with the concept of a Disney World for sports. So far the two buildings that are built include the world's largest indoor track, football field, 12 volleyball courts, indoor and outdoor soccer fields. Also all of these fields can double for lacrosse (girls or boys) baseball and soccer. The volleyball courts double as tennis courts as well. One thing that they included that I thought was really cool is the bating cages. These are not your everyday bating cages as the computers for them run about $75,000. The machines allow you to choose your pitcher (your favorite MLB player), the speed of the pitch, and what kind of pitch you want. It is virtual so you see the pitcher in front of you but then the ball comes out exactly at the angle they throw it you. The technology in these is absolutely amazing and I'm sure for anyone who plays baseball this is even more impressive. GaREAT is planning to make a somewhat IMG Academy style, in that they will have kids who board there and go to school part time and the other time they are training for their sport. The building that has not been built yet is going to be the natatorium coupled with a medical center and food court. The group plans to incorporate rehab for wounded soldiers, paraolympics, special olympics, and olympic trianing on an international level, while still catering to the ohio area. I think it is a great project, no pun intended, especially since all of the workers are from the geneva area and they try to keep as many things as possible local. They are providing a lot of jobs which is so important in this economy.
So far I have been traveling to GaREAT several times a week to observe in meetings and such. The other days I am at the office doing research on several of his projects which include the Rock N' Roll Marathon Series as well as IJGT (International Junior Golf Tour). Last week I was able to sit in a meeting at GaREAT where they discussed their marketing strategies, logo, and names for the academy. This was surprisingly interesting to me as I never knew exactly what the thought process was behind choosing these things.

Pictures of the facility
http://www.gareat.org/galleries/galleries.html