A new sports bar coming to the former site of Scott Gertner's Sports Bar on Fountain View near Richmond. Rob Wright, one of the partners in the new venture named Prospect Park, tells CultureMap that he "came here as a patron" and jumped at the opportunity to take over the space.
It's the first sports bar for the owners, but they're already established in the nightlife world with Third Ward staple Sugar Hill Lounge. Contrary to an initial report, Gertner is not involved with the project.
Wright says that the bar will bring a "more cosmopolitan, more chic feel to the sports bar" than other establishments.
Sports bar are typically pretty limited when it comes to design. Neon signs and framed jerseys usually account for the decor, but Prospect Park wants to change that. When it opens at the end of November, Wright says that the bar will bring a "more cosmopolitan, more chic feel to the sports bar" than other establishments.
To create an "upscale sports-lounge experience," the space has been completely gutted. In its place, the owners are installing custom furniture, 28 HDTVs and "state of the art sound." A special VIP area will cater to professional athletes and offer bottle service. Other changes include the addition of fire pits to the large patio and a frozen drink bar. Lunch and dinner will be available everyday, a change from the former occupant's dinner-only service.
"It's a diverse area," Wright says of the neighborhood that's just west of the Galleria. "We want to attract everyone."
Towards that end, Prospect Park will offer various theme nights such as a karaoke and salsa. The bar will host live R&B music on Saturdays, and Wright says they're reached out to college alumni associations to host game-watching parties.
What happens when the band fires up as the USC-Stanford game goes into overtime? Can a sports bar and a nightclub co-exist? We'll know soon.
Prospect Park is completely transforming the former Scott Gertner's Sports Bar location.
