Saddlebrook Resort Expands Guest Programming with Immersive Sports Broadcasting Experience

Saddlebrook Resort, the iconic 480-acre destination near Tampa, Florida, is introducing a first-of-its-kind guest experience through a new partnership with Play-by-Play Sports Broadcasting. As part of the resort’s sweeping $92 million transformation, this immersive program allows guests to step behind the mic and into the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting—learning the craft from seasoned professionals while engaging with Saddlebrook’s storied athletic legacy in an entirely new way.

Guided by former journalists, radio hosts, and TV personalities, Play-by-Play offers guests an authentic taste of life in the broadcast booth. Participants rotate through dynamic, studio-style setups that include:

• Sports talk radio shows
• Sports debate panels
• Sideline reporting
• Play-by-play commentary
• Podcast segments
• Delivering “hot takes” on timely and trending topics

Photo credit: Saddlebrook Resort.

The experience is designed to be as versatile as it is engaging, making it an ideal choice for corporate groups seeking innovative team building, as well as leisure travelers looking for something unforgettable. Whether it’s a bachelor party, fantasy football draft weekend, or a multi-generational family getaway, guests can bond over a shared love of sports in a way that feels both authentic and exhilarating. Adding to the excitement, Play-by-Play’s deep connections with NFL, NBA, and MLB talent create opportunities to bring in surprise appearances and industry insight from some of the biggest names in sports.

“For true sports fans, the commentary is every bit as thrilling as the action itself. This partnership gives our guests a chance to step into that world in a way that is immersive, interactive, and unforgettable,” said Jeff Mayers, Managing Director of Saddlebrook Resort. “Saddlebrook has long been synonymous with elite sports, from world-class athletes to renowned programs like the Saddlebrook Golf Academy and the Hopman Tennis Program. This new offering builds on that legacy while bringing an entirely fresh dimension of energy and engagement to the resort.”

Sessions are private, customizable, and available year-round with advance reservation. Formats can range from quick-hit two-hour sessions to full- or multi-day experiences, and pricing is based on group size. Guests can record in Saddlebrook’s newly renovated meeting spaces or set against the backdrop of the resort’s championship golf courses, tennis courts, and other iconic venues.

Photo credit: Saddlebrook Resort.

“Our hands-on broadcasting programs have inspired sports fans nationwide, and we’re excited to bring that same energy to a legendary destination like Saddlebrook,” said Zeke Sprague, Director of Outreach for Play-by-Play Sports Broadcasting. “The resort’s pedigree, setting, and culture make it the ultimate stage for guests to step into the spotlight. Together, we’re creating experiences that are as entertaining as they are memorable.”

For more than 40 years, Saddlebrook Resort has drawn leisure guests, athletes, and corporate groups to its expansive campus. The resort’s legacy as a top training ground for golf and tennis makes it a natural setting for performance-driven programs, while its sweeping $92 million renovation is reimagining the 451-room resort from the ground up: from refreshed arrival and lobby areas to redesigned guestrooms and vibrant new dining concepts. Outdoor areas, multiple pools, and Saddlebrook’s more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space are all being modernized to meet today’s standards of luxury and functionality. This redesign will anchor Saddlebrook’s robust lineup of athletic offerings, which also features tennis courts, pickleball courts, a fitness center for cardio and strength training, a spa, plus a planned multi-court Padel area, and more. Saddlebrook is also home to the famed Saddlebrook Golf Academy, Hopman Tennis Program, and Saddlebrook Prep, long-time training grounds for international sports legends.

In 2022, Mast Capital, one of Florida’s most active real estate development and investment firms, and Amzak Capital Management acquired the resort with a long-term commitment to its revitalization. In addition to the $92 million renovation with financing from Beach Point Capital, the property’s evolution includes a forthcoming town center with 465 luxury apartments, 25 townhomes, 75,000 square feet of retail and office space, and a pedestrian-friendly promenade. Adjacent development will also introduce a 120-unit townhome community and 25,000 square feet of commercial offerings – further enhancing Saddlebrook’s role as a dynamic hub of resort living, sport, and lifestyle.

Saddlebrook is part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality.

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Courtesy of Saddlebrook Resort. Top photo credit: Saddlebrook Resort.