ADMI, Experiential Ventures Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group (ABG) on Friday unveiled plans to launch Sports Illustrated Resorts, which they described as premium lifestyle resort and entertainment destinations.
ABG is a brand development, marketing and entertainment company. It is the owner of the Sports Illustrated brand.
Prior to Friday’s announcement, the newest offshoot of the Sports Illustrated name had been SI Sportsbook, which recently launched in Colorado. The company says it plans to open more betting venues in additional states soon.
ADMI and Experiential Ventures Hospitality describe themselves as providers of experience-driven hospitality, themed entertainment, retail, and innovative technology in a live, work and play environment.
The parties said the christening of the Sports Illustrated Resorts sub-brand will be celebrated at The Party, Sports Illustrated’s annual Big Game event, on February 12 at Century Park in Los Angeles.
The first Sports Illustrated Resort property is expected to be unveiled in 2022 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Officials said the initial SI Resort will be located in Cap Cana, one of the largest resort developments in the Western Hemisphere. They said the property and adjacent area offer an array of activities, including golf, sportfishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, water sports, zip lining, biking, hiking and more.
They added plans are underway for the development of an interactive hotel and resort in Orlando as well as other destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii.
Each Sports Illustrated Resort reportedly will be designed to include a host of attractions, from live action sports and entertainment to dining, wellness and relaxation. The portfolio of properties is expected to include university locations, upscale golf destinations, chic beach clubs, eco-adventure lodges and large format resorts.
“The mission of Sports Illustrated Resorts is to provide a vibrant and interactive experience,” Joseph Cellura, Chairman of ADMI, and Christopher Schroeder, CEO of Experiential Ventures Hospitality, said in a joint statement. “People are looking for experiences that allow them to be more active and participatory, and Sports Illustrated Resorts will create the ultimate immersive experiences for guests through the various hospitality categories and destinations we plan to enter.”
Dan Dienst, Executive Vice Chairman of ABG, added: “We are excited to expand Sports Illustrated in such a thrilling and interactive way, engaging travelers, families and sports fans like never before. ADMI’s vision for Sports Illustrated Resorts is to create a portfolio of immersive lifestyle properties that will become go-to destinations for individuals and families seeking active vacation experiences.”
Sports Illustrated has grown from a weekly magazine to what it says is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events and original products. The print magazine now appears monthly, with news and stats on SI.com and social media. SI Tix is a fan ticketing platform for sports and entertainment events, and Sports Illustrated Studios creates long-form film, television and audio content.
