ORLANDO — Travel + Leisure Co., a leading leisure travel company, recently broke ground on a new Sports Illustrated Resorts destination in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, marking the brand’s first ground-up development in a collegiate market.

Set along the Black Warrior River, the resort will introduce a mixed-use destination designed to serve fans and visitors year-round, bringing a game day-inspired experience beyond the stadium while supporting the continued growth of one of the country’s most recognized college sports markets.

Located approximately one mile from University of Alabama, the planned resort will provide convenient access to campus, game days and downtown Tuscaloosa. The resort design will draw from the university’s athletic tradition, combining classic Southern architecture with sports-inspired design elements that reflect the region’s identity and heritage.

“With one of the most iconic programs in college sports and a fan base that defines game day culture, Tuscaloosa is a natural fit for Sports Illustrated Resorts,” said Geoff Richards, COO at Travel + Leisure Co. “This groundbreaking represents an important milestone as we expand into premier sports markets and create destinations where guests don’t just watch sports — they’re part of the experience.”

Expected to open in 2028, the Tuscaloosa resort will feature a six-story tower with 75 whole-ownership condominiums and a six-story tower with 86 vacation ownership units, connected by a central lobby. Owners and guests will have access to an exclusive owner’s lounge with stadium-style seating for immersive watch parties, a state-of-the-art fitness center and elevated pool deck amenities.

The development will include dynamic retail and public-facing gathering spaces, including indoor/outdoor bars, a game lounge, and a coffee bar, creating a year-round destination where fans and visitors can gather. Plans also include a broadcast booth, as well as a rooftop terrace event space.

The Tuscaloosa development will bring together residential, hospitality and social components in a destination designed to serve both visitors and the local community year-round. The property advances the expansion of Sports Illustrated Resorts, joining announced destinations in Baton Rouge, Nashville and Chicago. Together, these projects reflect the brand’s strategy to grow in high-demand sports and lifestyle markets while building a portfolio of immersive travel experiences rooted in sports, culture and community.

Sports Illustrated Resorts is operated by Travel + Leisure Co. under a license from Authentic Brands Group.

To learn more about Sports Illustrated Resorts, visit sportsillustratedresorts.com.