Storyland Studios, the three-dimensional storytelling firm, has announced it has been selected to design and master plan Sports Illustrated Hotels and Resorts, a new immersive accommodation project. The scheme is planned to roll out in numerous locations, beginning as early as next year.
The new destinations will feature engaging and entertaining attractions for visitors of all demographics. Formed of experience-design experts and themed attraction veterans, the professionals at Storyland will lend the company’s three-dimensional storytelling approach to the project.
Storyland Studios‘ chief strategy officer and head of global clients, Ben Thompson, says: “Storyland is thrilled to begin the design and master planning processes for the global family of Sports Illustrated resorts. Our incredibly talented and diverse team of artists and artisans is well-equipped to deliver unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.”
Cultural impact
Sports Illustrated has been one of the most trusted and impactful media outlets for sports coverage since it debuted in 1954. The publication’s combination of in-depth journalism and powerful photography has made it a centrepiece of American sports culture for nearly seven decades.
Chief innovation officer Matt Ferguson adds: “To appear in Sports Illustrated is one of the greatest and most recognisable honours in popular culture. It is truly one of the most coveted pieces of real estate in sports media.”
The publication reaches more than 70 million consumers each year, providing a unique position to expand its impact beyond traditional media into real-life experiences.
Mel McGowan, Storyland Studios’ founder and chief creative officer, will lead the project. He previously spent a decade at the Walt Disney Company, where he applied his skills in a range of master planning and design projects.
McGowan comments: “We are honoured to be a part of bringing our team’s concepts for this resort to life.
“Sports Illustrated is known worldwide for its enduring influence in the sports world. Transforming the brand from page to themed environment, then inviting sports enthusiasts, families, and adults of all ages to immerse themselves in that space, is going to be an incredibly exciting journey.”
Celebrating sporting icons
One of numerous Sports Illustrated Resorts in the works, the Orlando location will feature active, participatory visitor attractions, as well as high-quality dining, lifestyle and wellness experiences. The resort will celebrate the most iconic personalities and moments in sports history, in an environment surrounded by direct, high-energy participation spaces.
Storyland plans to develop and launch further premium Sports Illustrated resort destinations in partnership with Experiential Ventures Hospitality LLC and ADMI Inc.
The first location is expected to be in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with a scheduled unveiling in 2023, followed by the Orlando resort. Other possible locations in the US, including Hawaii, are under consideration.
Storyland recently celebrated a successful return to IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, where the company provided more details on its Ubisoft project, set to debut in Studios Occitanie, France.
