Groundbreaking of $150M Sports Illustrated Resort in Alabama by Travel + Leisure Co.
Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL) has officially commenced the construction of a new Sports Illustrated Resorts destination in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This marks the brand’s inaugural venture in a collegiate market, indicating a daring expansion into the fervent culture of college sports in America.
The $150 million mixed-use resort, positioned approximately one mile from the University of Alabama and along the picturesque Black Warrior River, is slated to open its doors in 2028. The development will comprise two six-story towers — one accommodating 75 whole-ownership condominiums and the other 86 vacation ownership units — unified by a central lobby.
Guests and owners will have access to an array of amenities including an exclusive owner’s lounge with stadium-style seating for watch parties, a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop event spaces, bars, lounges, retail outlets, and a broadcast booth. The resort’s design is inspired by the University of Alabama’s legendary athletic tradition, merging classic Southern architecture with sports-themed décor.
The Tuscaloosa project is the latest addition to the previously announced Sports Illustrated Resorts destinations in Baton Rouge, Nashville, and Chicago, as the brand assertively expands into high-demand sports and lifestyle markets. Sports Illustrated Resorts is operated by Travel + Leisure Co. under a license from Authentic Brands Group.
The construction and long-term operations of the resort are anticipated to generate hundreds of jobs and significantly augment tourism revenue in the Tuscaloosa region.