Is pool dying as a sport? Scott ‘‘The Freezer’’ Frost doesn’t think so. The sport’s problem, he says, is aging, uninviting pool halls.
That’s why the Valley resident – who’s considered one of the best one-pocket billiards players in the world – just opened Freezer’s Ice House, an upscale, family-friendly pool room and sports bar in Tempe.
‘‘What we’re hoping this does is become a model for (pool) rooms across America,’’ he says. ‘‘In my opinion, we just need to update them, upgrade them.
‘‘Women should be comfortable walking in. Juniors and junior programs will be alive and well here.’’
Freezer’s takes over the former Walgreen’s on the southeast corner of Mill and Broadway.
The 15,000-square-foot space actually is divided into three rooms, although the main focus is the pool room with 35 new Diamond pool tables and 12 dart boards (four steel-tipped).
The Hot Spot Lounge will be a sports lounge with a full kitchen and 48Â beers on tap by day; at night it will host DJs and music. A row of arcade games ranges from Golden Tee to refurbished retro faves like Final Fight and Ms. Pac-Man.
The third room, the Chill Grill, will provide an escape for those who want to eat, drink, and converse away from all the action and noise.
Altogether, more than 100 55-inch TV monitors and photos of pool champions adorn the walls, which are illuminated with LED cove lighting in 32 colors (as are the two bars). A roll-up glass garage door opens to a patio.
Freezer’s has been easing into its soft opening this week. It will open at 5 p.m. today, be closed Friday, and then open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Regular hours – 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily – will begin Monday.
An official grand opening party weekend is planned for July 27-30.
