NEW YORK and MIAMI, Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Time Inc.'s (NYSE: TIME) Sports Illustrated Group today announced the return of the wildly-popular SI Swimsuit fan festivals to celebrate the 2016 cross-platform launch of the iconic franchise. The tour kicks off February 15 -16 in New York with "Swim City" hosted at the Altman Building. From there the tour heads to Miami Beach, Florida for "Swim Beach" at Lummus Park on February 17-18.

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Introduced in 2015, the SI Swimsuit fan festivals drew more than 65,000 fans and the organization is planning even bigger and more interactive events this year. Both "Swim City" and "Swim Beach" are free and open to the public and will feature appearances by the 2016 SI Swimsuit model cast; live Q&As; autograph sessions; music from live DJs spinning; a Schick Hydro Barbershop with free shaves and the chance to get a shave from an SI Swimsuit model; a Lane Bryant Swimsuit Lifestyle Bungalow with photo booths, fun social sharing opportunities and a digital shop; a Smith & Forge Cider House with games such as shuffleboard; a VIP Lexus Lounge that will double as a social hub; SI Swimsuit merchandise for sale; and more exclusive experiences from SI Swimsuit partners.

Today, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (www.SI.com/Swimsuit) franchise reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and more men 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic franchise spans more than 20 product extensions along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964 Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film including those of Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, and Chrissy Teigen. Further, the fashion industry describes SI Swimsuit as the "Oscars of Swimwear," as an appearance in the issue is a crowning achievement for swimsuit and accessory manufacturers.

This event series will play an integral part in this year's multi-platform launch on February 15 that will span print, digital, video, mobile and social media programming. The company will announce details for its cover unveiling event shortly.

"Given the widespread popularity of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, it's thrilling to take this franchise to the next level with more real life experiences for the many passionate fans out there," said Brendan Ripp, publisher of Sports Illustrated Group. "It's also an amazing opportunity for our partners to bring their brands to life for consumers in fun and engaging ways in two of the most exciting cities in the country."

Official marketing partners of SI Swimsuit 2016 include Lexus, Ciroc, Fox Sports 1, Kizzang, Lane Bryant, Schick Hydro and Smith & Forge. The official hotel of SI Swimsuit 2016 is 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach. Edge is a promotional partner of SI Swimsuit 2016.

In addition, SI Swimsuit will host a by-invitation-only VIP red carpet event at Brookfield Place in NYC on the evening of Tuesday, February 16. In Miami Beach, several exclusive back-to-back by-invitation-only events include a Swim BBQ Blowout, a Marquee concert, and rooftop after-party that will take place on the night of Wednesday, February 17 at the new 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, the official hotel of SI Swimsuit 2016. On Thursday, February 18, SI Swimsuit will host "A Night at Sea" by-invitation-only private yacht cruise around the city.

SI Swimsuit 2016 agency partners include: Octagon, ACT Production, DKC, P2L, and Tara Ink.

For ongoing updates on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 visit: www.SI.com/Swimsuit

2016 "Swim City" and "Swim Beach" Schedule:
New York City "Swim City"
When: Monday February 15 and Tuesday February 16
Location: Altman Building (135 West 18th St. b/w 6th & 7th)
Hours: 11am-5pm
What: SI brings a total beach experience to the city creating the ultimate atmosphere for SI Swimsuit fans and featuring the 2016 SI Swimsuit models.

Miami Beach "Swim Beach"
When: Wednesday February 17 and Thursday February 18
Location: Lummus Park/8th and Ocean
Hours: 11am-5pm
What: The beach comes alive with all things SI Swimsuit for an indoor/outdoor experience with tented areas and open-air space featuring the 2016 SI Swimsuit models.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SISwimsuit/
Twitter: @SI_Swimsuit (https://twitter.com/SI_Swimsuit)
Instagram: @si_swimsuit (https://www.instagram.com/si_swimsuit)
Official Hashtag: #SiSwim

ABOUT SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (www.SI.com/Swimsuit) franchise reaches more than 70 million people annually and more men 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic franchise now spans more than 20 product extensions in digital social, broadcast, publishing, mobile and consumer products, along with supporting a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964 Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and an established launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film including those of Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum. All of Swimsuit's product extensions are built upon a heritage of amazing photography and footage of gorgeous models and athletes from the most exotic locations in the world.

About Time Inc.
Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is one of the world's leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 140 million visitors each month, including over 60 websites. Our influential brands include People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Time, Real Simple, and Southern Living, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom.

About 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach
Occupying one entire city block on Collins Avenue, 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach sits directly on 600 feet of pristine beachfront. The property offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami's nature paradise Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami's ever-expanding skyline. Throughout the 426-room hotel, the celebration of nature is evident, from the graceful twist of driftwood furnishings to the ever-present sounds of the ocean and abundance of living, natural material. The property features four ocean view swimming pools, fully outfitted cabanas, an on-property SoulCycle studio, private Spartan training, 24-hour state of the art fitness center, three superb restaurants and bars from award-winning chef Tom Colicchio, and a stylish rooftop pool and restaurant-bar with panoramic views of the ocean and Miami skyline. Located at 2341 Collins Avenue, the new 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach is the flagship property of the 1 Hotels brand. www.1hotels.com.

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SOURCE Sports Illustrated Group