Plans for Punch Line Comedy Club in downtown Tucson face an uncertain future. Live Nation’s proposal to take over the historic 119 E. Toole Ave. property may be dead, according to Rio Nuevo board chairman Fletcher McCusker.
“I can confirm that our agenda indicates that the Live Nation-Peach negotiations appears to be dead over the economics of the lease,” McCusker said in a June 7 email.
Live Nation, which operates Punch Line Comedy Clubs in cities like Philadelphia and Houston, hoped to open a Tucson location with seating for 250 guests. The venue was set to include Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop and Stardust Lounge, bringing national comedy acts to the Tucson.
A brief look back
The deal first made waves in April when Live Nation announced plans for the Tucson location. Rio Nuevo, the city’s downtown revitalization authority, supported the move.
“We are honored and thrilled Live Nation has chosen Tucson,” Rio Nuevo vice chairman Edmund Marquez said in our April 2025 article ‘Punch Line Comedy Club’ to Open Downtown Tucson Location.
Local impact and mixed reactions
Criticism followed the announcement, some of it taking a dark turn. Peach Properties and Rio Nuevo reportedly received death threats. In response, Playformance reminded its community that “violence toward others is never tolerated”.
McCusker defended Rio Nuevo’s broader mission and the impact of both local and national businesses.
“Live Nation’s interest in Tucson was an endorsement of the work we are doing to revitalize our downtown, and their increase in the tax base was huge,” McCusker said. “Rio Nuevo does not have the privilege of hate. Any person or organization, large or small, that wants to set up shop in our urban core will be welcomed by our board. Over 80% of our dollars go to small, local operations and big organizations are attracted to our collective energy. If all we did was support local business there would be no downtown.”
What’s next for Toole Avenue?
Live Nation’s plans may be shelved, but the building’s future remains uncertain. Borderlands has multiple locations in Tucson, including Sam Hughes and the Foothills, but its original downtown taproom still operates.
Playformance continues its search for a new space, while expressing hope for a positive resolution.
For now, Tucson’s comedy fans, local business owners and downtown stakeholders await the next steps.
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.
