Tuscaloosa’s new $150 million riverfront resort: what to expect when it opens in 2028

Plans for a flashy riverfront resort in Tuscaloosa are finally taking shape. Developers broke ground this month on a $150 million complex that promises a sports-heavy experience just a short walk from the University of Alabama. The project isn’t just another hotel—it’s a full mini-neighborhood with condos, timeshares, and spaces built for big game days. While the first blueprints were scaled back after neighborhood pushback, the final version still packs in plenty of extras like bars, a fitness deck, and a rooftop event space. The resort will have two six-story towers with different living options. One side offers 75 full-ownership condos, while the other has 86 vacation units. Both towers share a lobby, but the real draw might be the owner’s lounge, designed like a stadium with seats for watching games. A rooftop pool deck and fitness center round out the amenities, giving guests a spot to relax after cheering on their teams.Food and drinks will be everywhere. The plan includes indoor and outdoor bars, a game lounge, and even a coffee bar. There’s also a broadcast booth for live coverage and a retail area for shopping. The goal seems to be turning the resort into a go-to spot for fans, not just a place to sleep. This isn’t the first Sports Illustrated-branded resort. Similar spots in Chicago and Nashville already host concerts and events tied to local sports scenes. A fourth location in Baton Rouge is in the works, backed by a well-known investor. The Tuscaloosa project is expected to bring jobs—about 1, 100 temporary construction roles and 120 permanent positions—but not everyone is happy. Earlier plans for a bigger hotel and more towers faced complaints about traffic and crowding on nearby roads. The approved version cuts down on some of those concerns. Instead of a large hotel, the resort focuses on condos and timeshares with just 12, 000 square feet of shops and restaurants. It’s a smaller footprint, but still packed with activities meant to keep visitors entertained for days.