Playground Bar & Lounge to reopen after seven months of extensive renovations


December 22, 2017
By Adam Lehrman


Downtown hotspot Playground Bar & Lounge will reopen its doors to the public after seven months of extensive renovations Friday, December 22.

The reopening celebrates and follows a significant year of growth for the downtown block. In addition to Playground reopening, 2017 saw AC Hotel open to the public, as well as the completion of the remodel of HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery.

Local firms Repp + McLain Design and Construction along with FORS Architecture worked together with Playground owners to create three unique gathering spaces inside the venue, which is located in the heart of historic Downtown Tucson on the corner of 5th Avenue and Congress at 278 E. Congress St.

These spaces include a new indoor main bar, garden courtyard, and newly expanded and climate-controlled rooftop, with views of the Tucson skyline.

Owners Rudy Dabdoub, Christina Rosete and Scott Stiteler spent 18 months focused on delivering a space that is uniquely Tucson. Ideas were gathered from major entertainment hotspots in Brooklyn, Nashville, San Francisco and other entertainment zones across the U.S. to deliver three spaces with individual character. Additionally, the space includes multiple remodeled areas for private events of any size as well as a new state-of-the-art AV system for viewing sporting events, enjoying live music and entertainment, or dancing the night away.

“It’s a dream for us to see downtown Tucson’s roots grow even deeper,” said developer Scott Stiteler, a partner at the development company responsible for Playground and other downtown establishments such as HUB Restaurant & Creamery, Martin Drug Co., and the recently opened AC Hotel. “We’re committed to grow with downtown, and invest in making it a destination that Tucson continues to enjoy and be proud of for decades.”

Back patio at Playground Bar & Lounge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Back patio at Playground Bar & Lounge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Playground will open to the public with a soft reopening Friday, December 22 at 6:00 p.m. and ring in 2018 on New Year’s Eve with A Black-Tie Affair Sunday, December 31 starting at 8:00 p.m. The New Year’s Eve event will feature live music, DJs on both floors, VIP bottle service and a midnight champagne toast.

Playground Bar & Lounge is located at 278 E. Congress St. For more information visit playgroundtucson.com. For the latest updates and photos of the renovation, follow Playground on Facebook, Instagram at @playtucson, and Twitter at @pgtucson.

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