SPORTS ILLUSTRATED CLUBHOUSE IS COMING TO VANCOUVER ON AUGUST 14
Vancouver, BC, August 14, 2023 - Sports Illustrated (SI) announces the opening of its first ever Sports Illustrated Clubhouse experience. The brand new premium hospitality concept, which is part of the newly formed Sports Illustrated Restaurant Group, will be located in Vancouver, British Columbia, on one of Canada’s largest university campuses, The University of British Columbia (UBC). SI Clubhouse is made possible through a partnership between Canada’s Define Group and Sports Illustrated.
“We are pleased to partner with Sports Illustrated to continue the iconic brand’s expansion in Canada through the creation of Sports Illustrated Restaurant Group. Our first concept, Sports Illustrated Clubhouse in Vancouver, will be our flagship location, and we have already been overwhelmed with the positive response from the community,” says Christian Bullock and Shaun Anderson of Canada’s Define Group, which includes hospitality favourites such as OEB Breakfast Co. and Blowers & Grafton.
“We chose UBC’s Vancouver campus as home for the first Sports Illustrated Clubhouse because of its tight-knit and active community. Sports Illustrated has always had the power to bring people together through compelling storytelling, and the SI Clubhouse, located in the heart of Wesbrook Village, aims to embody that spirit for years to come. Whether it's a cozy weekend dinner for families, or friends catching-up over a couple of pints in our bar, everyone is welcome inside SI Clubhouse.”
The 4,600 square foot space features a dining room, lounge, wrap around bar, and a patio open to the central courtyard. There is also a private entertainment room, which will serve to host faculty, students and those looking for a technology-enabled space for a variety of activations. The interior, quarterbacked by a stunning state-of-the-art audio and visual display above the bar, features more than 27 LED screens and 12 TVs throughout, created in-partnership with Samsung. SI Clubhouse is designed by Arizona’s design agency Hale Collective, who works exclusively with the Arizona Cardinals.
SI Clubhouse has hired industry veteran, James Minhinnick, to lead restaurant operations. Minhinnick has been part of the UBC community for more than 10 years, and is a familiar and welcome face to many on campus.
The kitchen, led by executive chef Cameron McGowan, will feature elevated West Coast cuisine, including a variety of starters, mains, and desserts. The beverage program includes beer and cider with more than 30 on tap, specially crafted cocktails, an array of non-alcoholic options, and a curated wine list.
“We are thrilled to expand Sports Illustrated further into the hospitality sector with our first premium restaurant concept, Sports Illustrated Clubhouse,” says Michael Sherman, Senior Vice President, Media Brands at Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Sports Illustrated brand. “Define Group is one of Canada’s preeminent hospitality groups. They share in our vision of creating a place that delivers an immersive food and beverage experience, complemented by unparalleled sports viewing in a technology-enabled dining environment.”
SI Clubhouse opens on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 3340 Shrum Lane, with a grand opening date to-be-announced.
To learn more about SI Clubhouse, please visit www.sportsillustratedeats.com or @SI_Clubhouse on Instagram.
About Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. At the intersection of sports, lifestyle and entertainment, Sports Illustrated is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media arm brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles and up-to-date news on SI.com, across social media platforms and through the monthly print magazine. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through SI Tickets, a fan-first ticketing platform, SI Sportsbook, a digital sports betting platform, SI Studios, the brand’s home for film, TV, and long form audio adaptations of SI’s thought-provoking storytelling, and more. SI brings its unique and authentic perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations including The Sportsperson of the Year Awards, “The Party”, SI Swimsuit Launch Weekend and the SI Circuit Series.For more information, visit SI.com.Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook.
About Define Group
Founded in 2016, Define Group is one of Canada’s most transformative hospitality groups, with a portfolio of more than 10 restaurant brands under its umbrella. The company is headquartered in Western Canada, and is focused on driving, growing, and magnifying brand verticals across the country through strategic business operations, savvy marketing, unique experiences, and stellar team building.Define Group’s current roster includes OEB Breakfast Co., Pacific Poke, Community Taps + Pizza, Blowers & Grafton, KOD, Little Donkey, Chica's Chicken, El Cortez Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, and Mutts Cantina.For more information, visit www.definegroup.ca.
