
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 20, 1990                   TAG: 9005190022
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV10   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

RESTAURANT'S THEMES ARE SPORTS, FAMILY

Where can people find a 24-foot-long bar in the shape of a baseball bat, an 8-foot television screen and sports memorabilia autographed by professional players?

At the Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill, a new restaurant to open next month on Norwood Street.

Levi K. Jones, who also operates Sackettes, a nightclub on Norwood, opened the restaurant this spring.

"We are going to show several different sporting events like baseball, basketball, football, auto racing, golf and many others," Jones said. "I hope the people who come to watch the big screen television will enjoy the food as well."

Sports trivia contests will be played throughout the year, Jones said. During football season, he hopes to have a padded armchair for a "Fan of the Week."

"I have been working on the sports restaurant concept for a couple of years. I was just looking for the right location."

Besides professional sports, New River Valley sports will be videotaped and shown after the games. Three color monitors will be placed in the restaurant in addition to the big screen television.

Tables will be decorated with sports artifacts representing different themes. Jones said at least two tables will have Washington Redskins memorabilia. The Radford Highlanders and the Virginia Tech Hokies also will have tables.

"I want it to be less of a bar atmosphere and more of a sports entertainment atmosphere," Jones said.

However, there is a bar - custom-made and 24 feet long in the shape of a baseball bat.

The specialty will be a 1/2-pound hamburger on a 6-inch bun. Other sandwiches and dinners also will be available. Beer will be the only alcoholic beverage served.

To attract non-sports enthusiasts, the restaurant will show soap operas during the day.

The Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are be 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

The restaurant is reserving special hours on Saturdays - 9 a.m until noon - for children to watch cartoons or play video games.

"I want this restaurant to be a place where parents can bring their children," Jones said.

"I want it to be a place where the whole family can come and have fun."

by CNB