IMG, ISG To Conduct Study On Financing For Kentucky Facilities

The Lexington Center Corporation BOD, with endorsement from the Univ. of Kentucky (UK), has authorized IMG College and affiliated company Int'l Stadia Group (ISG) to conduct a feasibility study to determine if the combined IMG/ISG entities can provide private financing for the design, construction and operation of three new or expanded athletics facilities in Lexington. The study will explore providing private financing for a new downtown arena to replace Rupp Arena, as well as determining opportunities for funding major renovations to Commonwealth Stadium. UK AD Mitch Barnhart said that ISG and HKS Architects will work with UK, the city and Lexington Center on the design of the facilities. ISG North and South America President Steve Moore said that the venture marks the first time IMG and ISG have explored the private financing model in the U.S. UK will be the first NCAA client of the joint IMG College/ISG venture (IMG).