Cordish’s Sports & Social teams up with DraftKings Sportsbook

Last Thursday, DraftKings Sportsbook announced a new partnership agreement with Cordish Companies’ Sports & Social that will see the two firms set up co-branded sports bars in Michigan and Tennessee, subject to regulatory approval.

According to the partners, the facilities will provide sports fans in the two states with an opportunity to enjoy first-class dining and entertainment combined with a premier sports experience. The upscale venues will be designed by multi award-winning innovation and design company ICRAVE.

In a press release published on the operator’s website, DraftKings said that it is looking forward to advancing the in-person betting experience through its partnership with Sports & Social.

“Today, so much of sports betting is focused on the mobile-technology aspect, however the in-person experience is an integral layer that we look forward to advancing alongside Sports & Social’s premier dining and entertainment offerings,” said Ezra Kucharz, the Chief Business Officer at DraftKings.

“By aligning with one of the fastest-growing entertainment concepts in the country, 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.”

DraftKings Sportsbook, which is already operational in Michigan and Tennessee, hopes to boost its market share in the two states with the new strategic partnership.

Cordish ‘excited’ by DraftKings deal

The Principal of Cordish Companies, Reed Cordish, also had positive things to say about the new agreement.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“We are always looking forward 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 sports watching experience with sports betting all under one roof.”

Sports & Social is a concept by Cordish Companies’ Live! Dining and Entertainment. The brand operates upscale facilities where patrons can enjoy a complete food and beverage experience, social gaming, and sports watching.

The brand has a presence in several states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, and Tennessee.

Nashville and Detroit selected for initial rollout

In the statement issued by DraftKings, the operator revealed that the new project would kick off in Nashville and Detroit, although the exact locations are yet to be announced.

However, the concept still has to be approved by the regulatory authorities in both states before rollout can commence. In Tennessee, for example, operating physical sportsbooks is prohibited, hence the sports bars will not be allowed to run sports betting kiosks and tellers.