Sports Illustrated Returns to Super Bowl Weekend With Saturday Night Party in Atlanta (Exclusive)
SI teams up with Talent Resources Sports to host party on Feb. 2
Debbie Emery | December 21, 2018 @ 7:40 AM
Last Updated: December 21, 2018 @ 8:25 AM
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We don’t yet know who will be playing in Super Bowl LIII — will young guns like the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs make the next step, or will veterans such as Philip Rivers and Tom Brady show their experience?
While the teams are still a mystery, the weekend’s entertainment schedule is beginning to shape up when Sports Illustrated announced Friday that it will be returning the Super Bowl scene to host a party in Atlanta.
Teaming up with Talent Resources Sports, SI is launching a Saturday night takeover at the College Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 2, 2019, ahead of the big game the following afternoon.
It will mark the first time Sports Illustrated has hosted a Super Bowl party since 2016, the night before the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers in SB50 in Santa Clara, California.
“We are excited to be returning to the Super Bowl party scene. To be able to bring SI’s unique brand back to the festivities with Talent Resources Sports, an event producer that has been so ingrained in the Super Bowl for years, will allow fans to celebrate the weekend in whole new way,” Sports Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Stone said.
“Providing an out-of-the-box experience for our network of athletes, celebrities and influencers, remains our priority. We look forward to taking our collective formula to a scale that has not been reached before,” David Spencer, co-founder of Talent Resources Sports, added.
The venue located in Atlanta’s entertainment district will be transformed by award-winning agency MGE. There’ll be sure to be top musical guests (TBA) and special performances, with will DJ Irie on the decks. Iggy Azalea headlined SI’s 2016 Super Bowl party in San Francisco.
The party at the College Football Hall of Fame is just one part of the Sports Illustrated experience, which will include a cover story in the Feb. 11, 2019, issue of the magazine and wall-to-wall coverage of the game and week on SI.com.
As for the game itself, that’ll be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta on Feb. 3 and air on CBS. Maroon 5 will play the coveted halftime show with additional acts expected to be announced.
John Cena, Sugar Ray Leonard Remember Muhammad Ali at SI Sportsperson of the Year Awards (Photos)
WWE Superstar, actor, former ESPYs host and rapper John Cena can now add Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award honoree to his lengthy resume after receiving the award Tuesday night. In the midst of his press tour for "Bumblebee," Cena celebrated his philanthropic work with the Make-A-Wish foundation at the event hosted by Joel McHale at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Cena told TheWrap that he's flattered that WWE wrestlers are now seen as real athletes and sports personalities, not simply entertainers. But don't worry WWE fans, when he's done causing a buzz in Hollywood with the "Transformers" prequel, Cena will be back in the ring Dec. 26 at Madison Square Garden.
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Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard (center, with Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Aaron Donald) later took to the stage to remember his late friend, who he described as the sports worlds' first true humanitarian.
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"Blockers" co-star Ike Barinholtz presented Cena with his award and even dared to swap a few jabs at him during the ceremony.
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LA Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald received the Performer of the Year Award during his quest to reach Super Bowl LIII.
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Host Joel McHale was running late but brought his A-game.
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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was named Breakout of the Year.
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Teen swimmer Leah Hayes was crowned SportsKid of the Year for embracing her baldness after losing her hair to alopecia.
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FS1's "Fair Game" host Kristine Leahy.
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Sports Illustrated model Camille Kostek took on red carpet hosting duties after recently returning from an SI trip to Kangaroo Island in Australia.
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WWE Superstar and “Bumblebee” actor receives the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award at pro athlete-filled event hosted by Joel McHale
WWE Superstar, actor, former ESPYs host and rapper John Cena can now add Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award honoree to his lengthy resume after receiving the award Tuesday night. In the midst of his press tour for "Bumblebee," Cena celebrated his philanthropic work with the Make-A-Wish foundation at the event hosted by Joel McHale at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Cena told TheWrap that he's flattered that WWE wrestlers are now seen as real athletes and sports personalities, not simply entertainers. But don't worry WWE fans, when he's done causing a buzz in Hollywood with the "Transformers" prequel, Cena will be back in the ring Dec. 26 at Madison Square Garden.