Playmakers88 Sports Bar & Grill in The Colony. [Photo: Playmakers88]
He’s known as a playmaker, and for good reason: Michael Irvin won three Super Bowls as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and has been lighting up TV broadcasts with his energetic wit and analytical chops for years. Now he’s opening an upscale sports bar and grill to give local fans a place to celebrate it all and watch the new Cowboys season for years to come.
Playmakers 88, located at 5005 State Highway 121 in The Colony, had a soft opening during last month’s NBA Finals and will have its “official grand opening” this weekend, running from 5pm to midnight on Friday, July 12th, followed by 11am to 3pm on Saturday.
Playmakers88 Sports Bar & Grill in The Colony. [Photo: Playmakers88]
“I am truly honored to create an upscale sports bar and restaurant where sports fans can enjoy great food, cocktails and good company while cheering on their favorite teams and players,” Irvin said in a statement. “I hope everyone who visits Playmakers 88 feels the excitement, energy and love I have for the entire sports community and the entire DFW region.”
Cowboys fans will find plenty to relate to when they enter the bar. Replicas of the team’s rings of honor feature photos of Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman (aka “The Triplets”). Around the bar are the names and photos of the other 21 members of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor who helped cement “America’s Team” in the national consciousness. Other Cowboys art and memorabilia is also displayed throughout the bar.
Playmakers88 Sports Bar & Grill in The Colony. [Photo: Playmakers88]
The 7,000-square-foot bar and grill features seating for more than 250 people, 50 flat screen TVs, surround sound, upbeat music and a pool table. The menu features dishes from Chef Russ-Ann “RJ” Johnson and features dishes ranging from crab cakes to chicken wings, burgers, pasta, Southern cuisine and seafood entrees. “We offer a creative mix of traditional comfort food and contemporary cuisine with a unique flair,” the establishment says.
Specialty cocktails are available, along with more than 20 domestic and imported beers on tap.
“It really is a moment where everything comes back together,” Irvin said. “I’ve enjoyed Chef RJ’s cooking for years, so to have him at the helm of the menu is a true honor and a wonderful treat for our guests.”
Friday’s grand opening event will feature live music and stand-up comedy from actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Saturday will feature a “family-friendly afternoon” of entertainment, giveaways, autograph signings and photo opportunities. Saturday attendees are encouraged to wear the uniform of their favorite sports team.
A portion of the proceeds from the weekend celebration will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas. (Irvin recently revealed that his wife, Sandy, has been battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for several years; the couple married in 1990.)
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