Resort planned for after 2026
Tennessee – Sports Illustrated resorts, a resort vacation you never knew you wanted, claims they are “the ultimate destination for active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts.” According to reports, the resort has announced they will be opening that experience in Sevier County.
“Sports Illustrated Resorts aims to provide a vibrant, exciting and interactive experience that celebrates the legacy of athletic achievements,” according to siresorts.com.
Smoky Mountain News reported Kituwah LLC, a tribal organization wholly owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed the $324 million deal in Oct. with Sports Ilustrated. They will look to control and invest in the resorts.
The resort offers three categories: Beach and Resort, Experiences and onCampus. OE experiences is the co-developer for what is known as the 407 in Sevier County. The 407: Gateway to adventure property already features Buc-ee’s and will soon feature Cherokee Theme Park alongside Interstate 40 at exit 407.
Sports Illustrated Resorts are being planned near universities (onCampus) to “reflect a school’s heritage and pay tribute to the players, coaches and fans that continue to keep the spirit alive,” according to the resorts’ website.
According to the Knoxville New Sentinel, OE Experiences CEO Matthew Cross says Tennessee has a “Tremendous athletic legacy.”
“We obviously have a tremendous athletic legacy in Tennessee − a lot of incredible athletes,” Cross told Knox News. “I think we can tie into a lot of the wellness, active lifestyle trends. … We have green space, we have blue line streams, we have some really neat ravines and some undulating terrain. All of that can be used by that kind of resort really effectively.”
The resort is planned for after 2026.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.
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