Work starts on $150 million Sports Illustrated resort in Alabama

Construction is officially set to break ground this week on a highly anticipated $150 million riverfront destination in Tuscaloosa. The project, operating under the iconic Sports Illustrated banner, will soon transform the property located at 190 Rice Mine Road North.

A New Era for Tuscaloosa

First announced in 2023, the project is part of a broader vision to establish sports-themed lifestyle complexes in premier college towns with passionate fan bases. The development is a venture by Travel + Leisure, a company with a robust portfolio that includes Club Wyndham, WorldMark, RCI, and the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club.

Navigating Community Feedback

The path to development was not without hurdles. Following a larger-scale design proposal in 2024 that faced pushback from residents concerned about traffic, the plans underwent a significant overhaul. The approved resort plan now features buildings capped at six stories and approximately 12,000 square feet of dedicated retail and dining space.

What to Expect

Once complete, the resort will offer 161 total units and deliver an immersive, sports-themed experience for visitors. Similar to existing locations in Nashville and Chicago, the Tuscaloosa facility is expected to host events and concerts tied to the sporting calendar. Furthermore, the project serves as a sign of continued growth for the brand, which is also planning a separate Baton Rouge location featuring an investment by Shaquille O’Neal.

Economic Impact

According to project developers, the construction phase is projected to generate roughly 1,100 jobs, with another 120 permanent positions expected once the resort opens. Notably, the developers behind this venture did not request any incentive packages from the city of Tuscaloosa, marking a significant private investment for the region.