Tuscaloosa Group Voices Opposition To Planned Sports Illustrated Resort

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A local group of business leaders on Tuesday issued a statement voicing concerns over the recently announced Sports Illustrated Resorts college town destination planned for Tuscaloosa.

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As Patch previously reported, the Sports Illustrated Resorts campus is slated to open at a location on Rice Mine Road in late 2025 and is expected to feature a full-service hotel, a vacation club, and residential condominiums.

The Alliance for Responsible Growth was started to oppose developer Stan Pate and his plans for the McFarland Mall property, but on Tuesday took aim at the planned Sports Illustrated Resort.

ARG says it is committed to supporting plans that grow the community the right way and fighting proposals that may have a negative impact.

ARG Chairman Steve Stephens said while the group appreciates the city and District 3 Councilor Norman Crow working for the district’s economy, the proposed development on Rice Mine Road goes against the responsible growth the group would like to see.

“We have grave concerns about what this development will do to traffic in an already congested area,” ARG Chairman Steve Stephens said. “We urge the greatest caution to this development of land so close to traditional neighborhoods in our city.”

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