An inside look at Sports & Rec, the social sports lounge arriving soon at Nora

New York City’s beloved Rocco’s Sports & Rec is heading to South Florida with a bold new flagship concept, Sports & Rec, slated to open in early 2026 in the heart of the recently debuted Nora District in West Palm Beach. Spanning approximately 4,700 square feet, this venue promises a modern, design-forward take on the traditional sports-bar, meshing elevated cuisine and cocktails with immersive viewing technology and a stylish social-club ambiance.

The concept is brought to life by The Garret Group, founded by industry veterans Gavin Moseley and Adam Fulton, the team behind New York staples like The Garret, Borrachito, Bandits and the original Rocco’s Sports & Rec. The new Sports & Rec blends the high-octane energy of a stadium with the comfort and creativity of a lounge built for connection.

This flagship location will be the brand’s most ambitious to date, aiming to break free from the clichés of the typical sports bar. Guests can look forward to chef-driven plates, craft-led cocktails, dynamic social zones and state-of-the-art big-screen moments—all against a backdrop of elevated design that invites more than just game nights.

The decision to locate in the Nora District is strategic and timely. Just north of downtown West Palm Beach, the district is a roughly $1 billion transformation of historic warehouse blocks into a walkable lifestyle hub combining dining, wellness, culture and nightlife. Its footprint spans the area between Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Quadrille Boulevard, anchored by North Railroad Avenue and designed to feel like a neighborhood rather than a mall.

The Nora District is quickly becoming one of West Palm Beach’s most exciting new destinations, buzzing with energy as doors continue to open across the strip. Already home to standout names like Sunday Motor Co., Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, [solidcore], Celis Juice Bar, ZenHippo, IGK Salons, Warby Parker, Pompanos Boutique, and Le Labo Fragrances, the district is setting a new standard for lifestyle and culture in South Florida. Coming soon are even more heavy hitters — from fine-jewelry boutique LUCE and Juliana’s Pizza to H&H Bagels, Indaco, The Spot Barbershop, Mint, Sana, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, a high-end speakeasy from the team behind Mary Lou’s, fitness studio SWEAT440, and more.

Anchoring the heart of the District is The Nora Hotel — a 201-key boutique property developed by BD Hotels in collaboration with hospitality visionary Sean MacPherson, set to open in fall 2026. With Mediterranean-inspired architecture, a rooftop pool, and the debut of Parisian-style bistro Pastis, the hotel will serve as a cultural and hospitality anchor for the district.

As construction moves forward, excitement is building for Sports & Rec’s debut in early 2026. For The Garret Group, it marks more than a South Florida expansion, with a second location also on the way in Boston. And for West Palm Beach, the move underscores the Nora District’s momentum as the city’s next premier gathering place.