The Denver Post reported that former DU All-American hockey player Jim Wiste is closing the Campus Lounge located in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood. The Campus Lounge has been a staple for Pioneer sports fans and locals who loved sports bars, even before sports bars became a category. Wiste recently held a memorial for popular hockey player Greg ‘Woody” Woods who recently passed away. The tavern was filled with Denver hockey royalty and locals from the neighborhood.
The first four customer comments on the Campus Lounge Facebook website said it all:
Great food, great service. Amazing neighborhood bar! – Sarah Marie Howard
Nostalgic dive bar. Has a kickback indie rock down home feel. Very relaxing,beer is COLD! Epic lil’ place,must come check it out.– Erin Michelle Oswalt
There are few bars left in Denver that have stood the test of time. Campus Lounge has the right formula for success. Great ownership , Friendly Bartenders , Good Food and a Comfortable Atmosphere . This place hasn’t changed and it doesn’t need to . – Jimmy
Great food, great people,cold beer!!! I would highly recommend to anyone. – Ray Nimmick
It should be noted that this was not a “forced closing.” Wiste explained to the Post that he is ready to leave the industry on his own terms and “be a customer.” There is no doubt that this will be a loss for Pioneer fans who want to watch college hockey on TV with other like-minded fans will have fewer options in the future.
Jim Wiste put his life’s work into the bar, over 40 years, and is looking forward to a break. Another owner will likely remodel the tavern, rename it, and make it like many of the other bars in the Washington Park. And, of course, DU will lose a friendly neon billboard for southbound drivers on University Boulevard.
All of us who went to DU can share stories of the Campus Lounge. Thanks for the memories Jim and enjoy your newfound time. The DU community with miss you!
The Campus Lounge is officially closing September 25th. The last Bronco game will be televised this Sunday at 11:00 am. We encourage all LetsGoDU readers to drop by and have a beer and thank Jim for all he has done for Pio Nation.
LetsGoDU is putting together an informal, unofficial meet-up at the bar all afternoon and into the evening. Stop by, say hi, and give the Campus Lounge the good-bye it rightfully deserves.
For more information, tweet at us or comment on the post on Facebook. We hope to see as many of you as possible on Sunday!
Any well-wishes presented on LetsGoDU will be passed on to Jim.
Damn, that sucks! Lots of memories watching DU games at the Campus, even though some of the memories were of DU getting bounced too early in the NCAA tournament. Ha. Although I had the pleasure of being in Boston in 2004 to see DU win the championship, I imagine the Frozen Four viewing in 2004 (and 2005) were among the happiest moments at the Campus. Sad to see the place close. I must say, the writing was on the wall just a bit….driving past the place, the lack of any “sprucing up” of the joint has been evident. I wish Mr. Wiste well, it has been a pleasure. Just don’t sell the place to the people who run the Tavern chain, please! There are more than enough of those already.
Damn, that sucks! Lots of memories watching DU games at the Campus, even though some of the memories were of DU getting bounced too early in the NCAA tournament. Ha. Although I had the pleasure of being in Boston in 2004 to see DU win the championship, I imagine the Frozen Four viewing in 2004 (and 2005) were among the happiest moments at the Campus. Sad to see the place close. I must say, the writing was on the wall just a bit….driving past the place, the lack of any “sprucing up” of the joint has been evident. I wish Mr. Wiste well, it has been a pleasure. Just don’t sell the place to the people who run the Tavern chain, please! There are more than enough of those already.
LOL…is that even a pic of the Campus Lounge?
Yes it is. Took it myself at Woody’s memorial.
LOL…is that even a pic of the Campus Lounge?
Yes it is. Took it myself at Woody’s memorial.