FL-based Outback Steakhouse Inc., through its new
Outback Sports division, is linking its name to cruise ship
golf classes and excursions, soccer stadiums and portable
luxury suites for sporting events, according to Kris Hundley
of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES. The company's investment in
Outback Sports so far has been about $500,000, but Outback
CEO Chris Sullivan said "it expects to invest" $5M in the
division both this year and next. Outback Sports, led by
William Horne, has three divisions: Paradise Golf runs pro
golf classes on cruise ships and golf excursions to islands
along the way. The program is operating on 17 ships owned
by Radisson and Carnival Cruise Lines. Prices range from
$60 for lessons to $200 for an excursion. Trophy Suites,
Outback's second sports initiative, is "a fleet of upscale
portable suites, catered by Outback and leased for corporate
use" at golf, motor racing and equestrian events. The first
16- by 48-foot suite is expected to be delivered this week.
Outback Sports' third initiative includes plans to "own or
manage up to a dozen soccer complexes over the next two
years in major cities" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 4/16).
