Sports Illustrated and Churchill Downs Unveil Club SI for Kentucky Derby

This collaboration brings together two iconic brands in the world of sports and entertainment.

Club SI: A New Luxury Experience

Set to open on the opening night of derby week, Club SI is located on the west side of the Paddock at Churchill Downs. This exclusive venue is designed to offer a unique, upscale experience leading up to the annual Run for the Roses on May 4. The interior of Club SI will feature iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers, past editorial features from the Kentucky Derby, and overlooks the Paddock Runway, providing guests with an exceptional behind-the-scenes view.

Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “As we approach the 150th Kentucky Derby, we are thrilled to partner with a brand as iconic as Sports Illustrated to offer guests an enhanced way to enjoy this incredible anniversary event. Sports Illustrated shares our goal of combining exciting sports moments with upscale entertainment, and Club SI will provide the perfect space to achieve this.”

Celebrity Ambassadors and Gourmet Offerings

Club SI will not only be a place of luxury dining but will also host celebrity ambassadors during the Kentucky Derby each year. Open during premium racing days, it will feature a Chef’s Table Buffet, providing guests with an array of gourmet dishes.

Michael Sherman, SVP Media Brands at Authentic Brands Group, expressed his honor in bringing Club SI to such a historically significant venue: “It is an honor to bring Club SI to Churchill Downs Racetrack, which has such a rich history that we’ve showcased through the pages of Sports Illustrated for decades. Club SI will celebrate iconic elements of the brand, while hosting celebrity talent and offering guests gourmet cuisine and cocktails, a unique vantage point of the new Paddock, and a once-in-a-lifetime horse racing experience for Derby 150.”

Our Comment on the Article

The partnership between Sports Illustrated and Churchill Downs to create Club SI is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports entertainment. This collaboration not only enhances the Kentucky Derby experience but also bridges the gap between traditional sports reporting and modern luxury entertainment.

Club SI, with its blend of historical homage and contemporary luxury, is poised to become a landmark destination, offering an unparalleled experience for horse racing enthusiasts and beyond. As these two iconic brands come together, they set a new benchmark in providing a holistic and immersive sports entertainment experience.