New details announced on $150 million Tuscaloosa Sports Illustrated resort

Construction is officially underway on a transformative $150 million riverfront development in Tuscaloosa. Developers have begun breaking ground on the new Sports Illustrated resort, a project first announced in 2023 that aims to deliver a high-energy, game day–inspired experience just a mile from the University of Alabama campus.

Resort Features and Amenities

The ambitious project is slated to open in 2028 and will serve as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. The resort architecture features two six-story towers joined by a central lobby: one tower will house 75 whole-ownership condominiums, while the second offers 86 vacation ownership units. Guests and owners will enjoy premium amenities, including an exclusive owner’s lounge complete with stadium-style seating for immersive game-day watch parties, a modern fitness center, and an elevated pool deck.

Beyond the accommodations, the development will serve as a vibrant public hub. Plans include a variety of indoor and outdoor bars, a dedicated game lounge, a coffee bar, a broadcast booth, and a rooftop terrace event space. Approximately 12,000 square feet has been designated for restaurant and retail use, providing ample space for gathering.

Development Context and Impact

Travel + Leisure Inc., which manages iconic brands such as Club Wyndham and Margaritaville Vacation Club, is leading the charge in Tuscaloosa. The company’s existing Sports Illustrated resorts in Nashville and Chicago have successfully integrated live concerts and special events into their programming, a model expected to be mirrored locally. Additionally, a new SI resort is currently planned for Baton Rouge, supported by an investment from Shaquille O’Neal.

The project is expected to be a major economic driver for the region, creating approximately 1,100 construction jobs and 120 permanent positions. While a larger scale design originally proposed in 2024 faced community opposition regarding traffic and density concerns, the approved resort plan has moved forward as the primary blueprint for this site.

For more information regarding the development and the brand's growing portfolio, visit the official Sports Illustrated Resorts website.