Girls in Indiana and around the country received a vote of confidence Sept. 19 when state, regional and local leaders announced a significant investment in their future. The Marvella sports complex will offer facilities for girls sports at Fair Oaks Farms in Newton County.
The $38.8 million first phase of the project will include a 300,000-square-foot facility with 16 courts and fields.
“The Marvella facilities will create a destination that will attract athletes from all over the country,” said said Heather Ennis, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, in a press release.
The development includes $4.5 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 funding.
“Right now, Indiana is riding a wave of momentum in women’s sports,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “It’s important we don’t take our foot off the gas and that we continue to tap into our state’s strength in sports. This is a project to keep your eyes on, and I’m certainly excited to see the impact of this facility on our communities and future leaders, our state and our leading sports ecosystem.”
Plans are for three phases of the project, which will include a health and wellness center, museum, championship arena and 12 outdoor fields. The first phase of the 100-acre campus is expected to get underway later this fall after financing and agreements are finalized. Officials expect it to be completed by spring 2026.
A combination of public and private funding is making the development possible. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. also is providing tax credits for the redevelopment of the land up to $4 million, as is Newton County.
Allison Barber, incoming chair of the Marvella Foundation, said founder and President Glenn Tilley spearheaded the initiative.
“Glenn’s foresight and vision to launch the country’s first girls sports and leadership campus provides us the opportunity to honor the state of Indiana as the birthplace of Title IX, and most importantly, for Indiana to lead the country through sports to develop confident, healthy female leaders for the future,” Barber said.
Barber plans to leave post as president and COO of the Indiana Fever at the end of the season to lead the nonprofit part of the project.
“Marvella is more than just a sports complex; it’s a powerful statement about equity and opportunity,” she said. “We are creating a space where athletes can thrive and be inspired, not only through competition but also through leadership and wellness programs that empower them to achieve their fullest potential. This is a tribute to the legacy of Title IX and a commitment to the future of girls in sports.”
The foundation is partnering with the Jasper Newton Foundation, Sagamore Institute and Billie Jean King Enterprises to provide scholarships and programming to low-income athletes.
