DraftKings looks to retail gains with Michigan Sports & Social launch
Sportsbook operator to open 10,400sq ft venue as Cordish Companies partnership bears fruit
DraftKings has confirmed its first sports-based venue and sportsbook, Sport & Social DraftKings, will open in Detroit, Michigan during the fall.
Providing an update on the retail development, the US sportsbook operator revealed the location of the 10,400sq ft space, situated in the metropolitan area of Detroit in a standalone building adjacent to the Somerset Collection South shopping mall complex.
It will include a DraftKings lounge, which can be hired for private parties and events, offering live music and entertainment including games such as skeeball, hoops, beer pong, foosball, shufflepuck and arcade games.
In respect of sports and sports betting, Sports & Social DraftKings will include a state-of-the-art 32ft LED media wall with gameday watch parties.
Patrons will also be able to access the DraftKings mobile sportsbook throughout the venue, which will also offer curated cocktails and special food and beverage-focused events throughout the week as well as a brunch experience on weekends.
Artist rendering of the venue
DraftKings director of retail sportsbooks, Michael Kibort Sr, welcomed the impending launch, with the venue likely to benefit from the start of the NFL season.
“We are thrilled to debut the first-ever Sports & Social DraftKings and offer customers in Michigan our innovative mobile sportsbook app with an exciting in-person experience,” he explained.
“Thanks to the strong support of Live! Hospitality & Entertainment, we believe we have created a premier dining, sports and entertainment destination for fans to enjoy,” Kibort Sr added.
The impending launch represents the first stage of DraftKings’ partnership with Sports & Social, a subsidiary of international real estate and hotels group The Cordish Companies. Interior design development firm ICRAVE are tasked with working with the pair in respect of venue development.
DraftKings has said the project aims 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 with more to follow.
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.