Sports Illustrated Heads Off to the Races for Kentucky Derby and F1 Miami Grand Prix
Authentic Brands Group and Sports Illustrated hosted a spate of parties over the weekend at two premier sporting events, the 150th annual running of the Kentucky Derby and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, where athletes and A-listers went off to the races.
Revel at the Races
Sports Illustrated's inaugural Revel at the Races lit up downtown Louisville in celebration of the historic Kentucky Derby. Pro athletes like Travis Kelce and Aaron Rodgers as well as top influencers like Alix Earle were among the VIPs who gathered at the Ice House for a night of dancing and good vibes, highlighted by performances from DJ Irie and Grammy Award-winning duo The Chainsmokers.
Both Frye and Vince Camuto hosted brand activations at the event, which featured footwear and handbag displays from Camuto Group as well as custom cocktails and a photo station for influencers and guests.
Derby Days
Race day itself was highlighted by the all-new Club SI premium hospitality space at Churchill Downs, offering guests an equine-focused dining experience and the opportunity to watch the races on the rail just a few sections before the finish line. The venue’s grand opening was hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Brooks Nader.
Each all-inclusive ticket to the luxury space included access to a curated Chef’s Table buffet with a variety of delicacies, wait-staffed cocktail service and a dedicated bar, live-wagering windows, onsite parking and unparalleled trackside views.
Race Weekend in Miami
The excitement of high-octane racing also hit the vibrant city of Miami, kicked off by the Sports Illustrated F1 Miami Grand Prix Party. The Surf Club Restaurant was the place to be as celebrities and industry leaders, including Authentic Chairman and CEO Jamie Salter and NFL legend Tom Brady, mixed and mingled while enjoying a night of food and fun ahead of Sunday’s action-packed Miami Grand Prix racing event at the Miami International Autodrome.
Nine West also activated with an exclusive dinner of its own at the Surf Club Restaurant, where it invited 15 top influencers with a combined following of more than 13 million. The dinner featured signature cocktails and bespoke illustrations tailored to each guest. The brand’s vibrant spring collection was in full display, accentuated by floral arrangements that elevated the ambiance. An artist was also on site to paint race themed-designs on Nine West shoes for content creators to take home. The event garnered more than 850 million organic impressions.
