Saturday, November 14, 2026
Manta Ray Field looked like a sand box in late August. Jerry Miller, MIA athletic director, said, "There’s something to be said for our athlete’s seeing their home field out the window as they walk the halls between classes."
The new turf field at Marco Island Academy looks and feels like real grass. The student athletes will also benefit by technology that keeps the surface cooler.
Crews are busy preparing the brand-new cool turf field at Manta Ray Field, marking the final phase of construction for the island’s public charter high school, Marco Island Academy.
"Steve and Barbara Slaggie gave $1 million to make the Manta Ray field possible,” said Jane Watt proudly. Watt is the founder of the school and it’s board president. "Their names are proudly displayed on the scoreboard.”
As a charter school, MIA depends on generous donors, of which there have been many. In addition to the turf, the stadium also includes a weight training facility.
“The field, locker rooms, concession, bleachers and Sports Performance Center,” a delighted Watt said, "will complete the final phase of the capital project and our campus will be done.”
The beautiful new facility will be the home field for the school’s boys and girls soccer programs, and lacrosse program. It will also benefit the school’s football program, though it’s not quite big enough to be used for Friday night games.
“I’m more that excited about it,” said Lew Montgomery, MIA head football coach. “It’s a complete game changer for us.”
The football team will be able to do everything but play games on the new field. They will continue to play their home games at Winterberry Field. Athletic director Jerry Miller appreciates the city’s cooperation with their facilities over the years.
"I would like to thank the city of Marco Island parks for providing us the facilities to establish and grow our programs,” Miller said. "MIA alumni and current students alike have a lot of fond memories at Winterberry field, it’s a great place to play. But we are really looking forward to hosting our upcoming boys and girls soccer season right here on campus. There’s something to be said for our athlete’s seeing their home field out the window as they walk the halls between classes. I hope a true home field helps bring an even greater sense of pride and commitment to our student athletes.”
For Watt, the final touches to her dream are coming true. She appreciates what the people of Marco Island have provided for their young people.
“I’m thankful for all the donors and friends,” Watt said, "who helped make this possible for our students.”
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