He’s known as the Playmaker, with good reason: Michael Irvin helped win three Super Bowls as a Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, made the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and has enlivened TV broadcasts for years with his high-energy wit and analysis. Now he’s giving local fans a place to celebrate all that—and watch new Cowboys seasons for years to come—with his own upscale sports bar and grill.
Playmakers88, located at 5005 State Highway 121 in The Colony, had a soft opening last month during the NBA Finals. This weekend it’s getting an “official grand opening,” kicking off Friday, July 12, from 5 p.m. to midnight and continuing Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Playmakers88 Sports Bar & Grill in The Colony. [Photo: Playmakers88]
“I’m truly honored to create an upscale sports bar and restaurant where sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams and athletes, while enjoying great food, cocktails, and company,” Irvin said in a statement. “My hope is that each person who visits Playmakers88 feels the excitement, energy and love that I have for the entire sports community and the overall DFW area.”
Cowboy fans will find plenty to identify with once they get inside. A replica of the team’s Ring of Honor displays images of Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, and Troy Aikman—also known as “The Triplets.” Circling the bar are the names and photos of the 21 other Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor members who helped pound “America’s Team” into the national consciousness. Other Cowboys art and memorabilia is sprinkled throughout the place.
Playmakers88 Sports Bar & Grill in The Colony. [Photo: Playmakers88]
The 7,000 square-foot bar and grill features seating for over 250 people, 50 flat-screen TVS, surround sound, “upbeat music,” and a pool table. The menu features the cuisines of Chef Rassuan “RJ” Johnson, “who adds his unique flair while creatively combining traditional family recipes with modern-day delicacies,” the venue says, ranging from crab cakes ti chicken wings, burgers, pastas, Southern cuisines, and seafood entrees.
Along with signature cocktails, guests can select from over 20 domestic and imported beers on tap.
“Truly a full circle moment,” Irvin said. “I’ve been enjoying the cuisines of Chef RJ for years, so to have him at the helm of our menu offering is truly an honor and a great treat for our guests.”
Friday’s grand opening event will feature live music and stand-up comedy by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. On Saturday, a “family-friendly afternoon” will feature entertainment, giveaways, autographs, and photo opportunities. Saturday attendees are encouraged to come dressed in the threads of their favorite sports team.
A percentage of proceeds made throughout the weekend celebration will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas. (Irvin recently shared that his wife Sandy has been dealing with early-onset Alzheimer’s for several years. The couple has been married since 1990.)
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