A new sports bar concept rooted in University of Arizona pride is heading for the corner of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue. Grant Krueger, owner of Union Hospitality Group, plans to open Block A Sports Bar and Grill at 345 E. Congress St., Ste 101 in early 2026. Union Hospitality Group also owns and operates Union Public House, Reforma Modern Mexican, Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta, and the Maverick.
“As a proud graduate of the University of Arizona in 1999, I understand how important both the University and its sports teams are to the city of Tucson,” Krueger said. “The University’s success on the field is directly related to the happiness of its fans whom are located all over Southern Arizona. We are creating a sports bar experience to celebrate that culture.”
Wildcat tradition meets downtown revival
Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails closed earlier this year after more than a decade in business. The downtown venue had a rowdy past. Krueger aims to replace it with something more community-minded.
“Union Hospitality Group has always made guest comfort and safety our top priorities,” Krueger said. “We aim to make the corner of Congress and 4th Avenue safer and attract the University crowd and their families back into downtown on gameday and everyday.”
“Grant’s plan for the former HiFi is a game changer for downtown and that corner,” said said Rio Nuevo Chairman Fletcher McCusker. “He is a quality, local operator, focused on security and safety along with providing a state of the art sports venue, the likes of which Tucson has not seen before.”
Renovation plans include high-tech upgrades
Krueger will completely renovate the 9,000-square-foot space. LED video walls, new lighting, and sound systems will fill the bar.
“The establishment is going to be completely renovated to deliver a game day experience right in the heart of downtown,” he said.
A 3,000-square-foot patio will also overlook Congress Street, ideal for people-watching.
Elevated bar food and late-night bites
Chef Chris Rognlien will lead the kitchen with a menu including scratch-made pub staples and a deep dish Detroit-style pizza “that may harken back to the days of Zachary’s on Sixth, where good things come to those willing to wait.” Krueger said.
Block A will keep its kitchen open late to serve concertgoers, Wildcats fans, and downtown visitors.
Krueger said the beverage program will feature 24 taps, cocktails, and mocktails.
“Expect to see an aggressive cocktail list and even some great mocktails for those wishing to enjoy responsibly,” he said.
Building community downtown
Krueger said Tucson needs more local ownership downtown.
“It is time for Tucsonans to make their mark on such an important corner that truly defines the entrance of downtown Tucson,” he said.
New bar, new name
The bar’s name honors the university’s iconic logo.
“We think the name has both an urban element and a significance to University of Arizona,” Krueger said.
The connection connects beyond the logo.
“We have had a long-time partnership with the University of Arizona and have been a proud partner of Arizona athletics since 2012,” he said. “We have hosted the coach’s radio shows for both men’s basketball and men’s football for a decade and hope to add additional teams to create civic pride in our University Athletics and create NIL opportunities for our student athletes.”
For more information on Union Hospitality Group, visit plazadining.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
