Pocono News Section

Legendary Pottsville Bar Re-Opens

Legendary Pottsville Bar Re-Opens - Monday, October 8, 2007 at 5:33PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Oct 8, 2007 @05:33pm EST
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - After being closed for more than one year, a legendary bar in Schuylkill County has re-opened. Maroons Sports Bar in Pottsville welcomed customers back just before lunchtime.

"It's a good feeling that they want to come back," co-owner Karen Dittmar said Monday afternoon. "We wanted it to be special when we opened and I think its been pretty special so far."

From new floors, to a refurbished bar, even an expanded kitchen menu, almost everything inside the eatery is different. Customers are impressed.

"I'm excited about this place because it's going to be a hang-out now. Its nice. Beautiful," Dot Ryan of Pottsville said just before ordering lunch.

City leaders also think the re-opening is nice and will benefit a $600,000 neighborhood revitalization program in Pottsville.

"Maroons is now the anchor for the northern gateway of the city. As soon as people come off of Route 61, they will see something vibrant," Mike McGeever said. McGeever is the Elm Street Project Manager.

Later this week, the bar will make history of its own as ESPN's new book by David Fleming, about the 1925 Pottsville Maroons Football team and its stolen championship is released.

"They'll be here on Wednesday to kick it off. They're going to do the press conference and the book signing here and we're just honored to be a part of it and be able to carry on the name of the Pottsville Maroons," co-owner Bob Dittmar said.