DraftKings is getting into the sports bar business.
The digital sports entertainment and gaming company Thursday announced it’s reached a strategic relationship with Sports & Social to open upscale venues in the Detroit and Nashville markets, pending regulatory approval.
DraftKings Chief Business Officer Ezra Kucharz said in a statement that while so much of sports betting focuses on digital and online platforms, the new partnership reinforces the importance of promoting in-person experiences.
“By aligning with one of the fastest-growing entertainment concepts in the country,” Kucharz said, “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.”
Sports & Social is an upscale gaming parlor and social lounge featuring state-of-the-art audio and visual displays, made-from-scratch menus, and curated cocktails. A concept of Live! Dining & Entertainment, a division of The Cordish Companies, Sport & Social has locations near sports venues in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Arlington, Texas, and at Live! Casino Pittsburgh, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland.
“DraftKings is an industry leader in sports betting and entertainment, and we are incredibly excited to work with them to bring this new experience to life,” said Cordish Companies Principal Reed Cordish in a statement. “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 sport watching experience with sports betting all under one roof.”
The Sports & Social/DraftKings venues will be designed by ICRAVE, an international strategy, design, and development firm. More locations are expected to be announced in the coming months.
