DraftKings to launch sports bars with Sports & Social partnership
Operator recruits ICRAVE to develop state-of-the-art sports bars concept in Nashville and Detroit in conjunction with The Cordish Companies subsidiary
DraftKings has agreed a strategic alliance with Sports & Social to develop several upscale retail sports bars, beginning with developments in Nashville and Detroit.
Sports & Social, a subsidiary of international real estate and hotels group The Cordish Companies, will work with the sports betting heavyweight in conjunction with interior design and development firm ICRAVE.
DraftKings has said the project “promises to fill a niche by providing an upscale, premier sports and entertainment experience” for both sports bettors and fans alike.
The Boston-based operator has initially committed to opening lounges in Nashville and Detroit but has revealed more sites will be confirmed over the next few months.
DraftKings chief business officer (CBO) Ezra Kucharz cited the potential for in-person experiences to grow DraftKings’ business, particularly following the reopening of much of the US following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Today, so much of sports betting is focused on the mobile-technology aspect, however the in-person experience is an integral layer that we look forward to advancing alongside Sports & Social’s premier dining and entertainment offerings,”Kucharz said.
“By aligning with one of the fastest-growing entertainment concepts in the country, we now have the opportunity to bring our world-class products to life by offering engaging, interactive, and fan-first destinations to skin-in-the-game customers,” the DraftKings CBO added.
Operating primarily in the dining and entertainment industries, Sports & Social gaming lounges feature state-of-the art audio/visual displays, menu items made from scratch, curated cocktails, and live entertainment.
DraftKings currently operates properties based near the entrances of professional sports stadia, as well as several casino resort destinations.
These include lounges in Atlanta, St Louis, Arlington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor.
The Cordish Companies’ principal, Reed Cordish, said he was “incredibly excited” to work with an industry leader like DraftKings on the new sports lounge property developments.
“We are always looking to create new and innovative experiences for our guests and this collaboration will allow us an exciting opportunity to do so, bringing an incredible premier sports-watching experience with sports betting all under one roof,” Cordish added.
DraftKings currently operates in 14 states with online and retail sportsbooks and has a host of sponsorship and betting partnerships with US sports teams and leagues, including the Boston Red Sox, which became the company’s newest betting partner earlier this month.