SI Lines Up Big Launch Events For Debut Of Swimsuit Issue

Sports Illustrated today will begin activation of what executives there are calling its “biggest Swimsuit launch ever.” Both the print edition, featuring model Hannah Davis on the cover, and the companion digital assets formally debut today. SI declined to specify overall revenue or the advertising page count for this year’s Swimsuit edition.

This year’s overall page count is 220, down from 252 last year for the 50th anniversary issue. But Time Inc. Sports Group Publisher Brendan Ripp said the page count drop has been more than compensated for by an exponential increase in live, public events surrounding this year’s Swimsuit launch. SI has planned a two-day fan festival today and tomorrow in N.Y.'s Herald Square, followed by another two-day festival in Nashville Wednesday and Thursday involving 13 live bands.