Ping Pong Social Club, SPiN, Opens In Chicago

CHICAGO, Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Local ping pong enthusiasts can now relish in the ultimate social experience as SPiN, the original ping pong social club co-founded by Academy Award-winning actress, Susan Sarandon, officially opens its doors to their expansive new location on Friday, March 4. Situated in the city's vibrant River North neighborhood at 344 N. State Street, guests can look forward to being immersed in a creative atmosphere surrounded by energy that emulates artistic expression, shared memories and epicurean discovery with sustainable farm-to-table fare, handcrafted cocktails and craft beers.

"SPiN was created with a mission to first and foremost connect people. From the art on our walls to the intimate seating and lounge areas, to the entertainment and music we curate, every detail has been designed to create an atmosphere that drives creativity, connection and community," says SPiN CEO, Pieter Vanermen. "When looking for our next location, we wanted to expand to a city that was rich in culture, innovation, culinary and entertainment, and Chicago was the perfect match. We are looking forward to bringing people together and making an impact on a city we deeply admire."

Boasting a distinctive atmosphere that combines energy, playfulness and comfort, the 16,000 square-foot venue offers something authentic for everyone, including casual social play, leagues and private ping pong lessons. Ping pong fanatics can get a more heightened experience with SPiN's annual memberships, which feature special perks, table reservations, access to members-only events, and more, unlike anything Chicago has seen.

Ping pong "pros" available include collegiate champion Lukasz Fita, highest-rated Illinois player Mat Waltz, top-player and coach Jim Waltz, Northwestern University standout star Dash Neimark, 25-year veteran George Vaughn and Barbara Wei of the 2011 US World University Games Team. SPiN will also offer a series of invigorating events weekly, which include Industry Night on Mondays, Dirty Dozen tournaments on Friday nights where ping pong pros and aspiring amateurs battle it out for prizes and ultimate bragging rights, The League, and Monthly International DJ Events, featuring a variety of the UK's biggest rock 'n' roll party known as Propaganda.

Offering an energizing backdrop to a fully-engaging experience, the bi-level space is designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, and features a Center Court with stadium seating, 20 state-of-the-art STIGA ping pong tables, two full bars, and three private lounge areas, delivering the ultimate one-stop destination for Chicagoans. SPiN's tangible ambiance merges urban flair with artistic forms of self-expression, featuring colorful graffiti wall murals created by local artists including Max Sansing, Tararchy, Kane One, Jas Petersen, Lefty Out There, Marco Miller and more, overseen by Creative Director Mathieu Forget in collaboration with Jason Eano from The REMIX Project. Situated throughout the venue, guests can relax on comfortable mid-century modern couches, set by eclectic, one-of-a-kind light fixtures. The ground level features an expansive patio which houses ping pong tables during the summer months, and an approachable bar inside where guests can gather before unleashing ping pong pandemonium. The lower-level space features communal-style dining tables and an expansive bar, outfitted with antique speakers and televisions. While the venue connects visitors, playing areas can be separated with edgy mesh copper curtains for personal group experiences, and subtle black lights can be turned on for a glow in the dark experience.

With Chef Ariel Bagadiong at the helm of the kitchen, SPiN's innovative food program presents simple, yet elevated dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, from farms within 200 miles of River North. The exquisite, sharable menu with items for lunch, dinner, late night and any time in between, includes tender Beef Rib with mole, pumpkin brittle and cornmeal bread, a selection of flavorful Flatbreads and gourmet Charcuterie and cheeses. Original, handcrafted cocktail creations, engineered in collaboration with acclaimed Mixologist, Benjamin Newby, are influenced by the vibrant scene and palette of Chicago, in addition to beers from Revolution Brewing Brewpub, Half Acre Beer Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company. By day, the second-floor boasts a coffee shop where guests are encouraged to bring their laptop, relax and sip on artisanal blends by Dark Matter Coffee.  

An environmentally conscious brand, SPiN is proud of their earth-friendly journey and practices that include maintaining a carbon neutral status and reducing emissions through the use of low-energy emitting LED lights, in addition to a partnership with Whole World Water in support of providing safe water to those without access.

SPiN is also on a mission to help their neighbors through giving back to the community, and is dedicated to supporting underprivileged youth living in urban centers by providing them opportunity to turn to the sport through financial contributions, table donations, programming and mentorship. SPiN is committed locally to benefitting The REMIX Project, an organization that supports young Chicagoans' creative pursuits, and features one-of-a-kind murals developed by their participants throughout the space. Additionally, STIGA, in partnership with SPiN, will generously make table donations on an annual basis to academies and inner-city schools. They are donating tables to two Chicago Public Schools, Jacob Beidler Elementary in East Garfield Park and Dulles School of Excellence in Englewood, as well as non-profit organizations, Breakthrough Urban Ministries in East Garfield Park and The Remix Project. SPiN is also teaming up with the Chicago Parks Foundation this summer to further introduce the game to locals through creative activations at city parks. These initiatives are the building blocks to making ping pong a scholastic sport among Chicago's widespread educational system. SPiN has developed programs in 68 underserved schools in New York in partnership with AYTTO, and plans to do the same in the Windy City.

SPiN is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays through Fridays, and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturdays. For additional information, visit WeAreSPiN.com and follow the conversation #wearespin on social media.

ABOUT SPIN
SPiN is a network of international ping pong social clubs that combine a unique mixture of sport, design and entertainment meant to inspire connections and shared experiences. Offering experiences from both day to night, the clubs feature engaging atmospheres such as ping pong courts, a full bar, restaurant and private VIP room. Memberships are available but are not necessary to reserve a ping pong table, take part in the nightly events, tournaments, private ping pong instruction with professional players, and casual socializing and play. Venues are currently located in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago and San Francisco coming soon. SPiN Chicago is open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., and on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. For more information, please visit: www.wearespin.com #wearespin.

ABOUT STIGA®
STIGA® table tennis tables and equipment are sold in over 100 countries worldwide and used by the world's leading table tennis players. STIGA products are known for innovation, style, design and playability. STIGA ... Play The Best.

SOURCE SPiN

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http://www.wearespin.com