Punch Line Comedy Clubs—an iconic name in the standup circuit for over 45 years, with venues in San Francisco, Sacramento, Philadelphia, Houston—will soon open the brand’s first North Texas location in Irving. And the new club is bringing in none other than Dave Chappelle to headline its debut shows on December 17 and 18.

Chappelle has called Punch Line “sacred ground,” and is echoing his role as the opening act at Punch Line Houston last year.

“Having Dave Chappelle return to Punch Line to open our new Irving location will be a special experience for local fans,” Amanda Kyser, head of operations at Punch Line Comedy Clubs, said in a statement.

Founded in 1978, Punch Line has been a favorite home for legendary comedians for nearly five decades, and has been called “the best club in the USA” by Chapelle. Punch Line Irving will feature a 240-capacity room “designed for intimacy and energy,” the company said. The new club is expected to host more than 350 shows annually, supporting the comedy scene across Dallas-Fort Worth as it establishes itself as “a dedicated stop for national comedy tours.”

“Beyond a performance stage, Punch Line is a community hub for comics,” Kyser added. “Punch Line Irving will be a space for national talent, rising comedians and audiences to connect, keeping the energy fresh and pushing the craft forward. We’re proud to be the place where comedians start, grow and return, and we can’t wait for Irving to be part of that process.”

Punch Line Irving will also host its first open mics in early December. Comics can take part in the open mic by bringing two nonperishable food items to be donated to the North Texas Food Bank, the club said.

Tickets for the Chapelle dates and other upcoming shows are available here. 

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