VIRGINIA BEACH — Regent University broke ground Friday on its latest — and most tangible — step toward a massive upgrade to its athletic facilities: a 31-acre sports complex that includes an arena, multi-use stadium, fitness center, outdoor track and baseball and softball stadiums.

Regent, a Christian school founded by Pat Robertson, has in the past two years made measured advances for its fledgling 11-sport athletic department, including pursuit of NCAA eligibility, introduction of a new mascot and varsity teams and conference affiliation.

The $50 million capital campaign to build the on-campus sports complex began last September, dubbed the “Royals Rise” campaign. On Friday, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, Regent Chancellor Gordon Robertson and Regent board chair Phil Walker were amon

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