Saturday, January 15, 2011

Watch Hockey Spotlight: Lucky B's

Of all the bars in Raleigh, Lucky B's has the strongest ties to hockey - Bates Battaglia, a former Carolina Hurricane, is one of the owners and he was nice enough to chat with me about the bar and why he chose Raleigh as his home.

Battaglia made his NHL debut with The Carolina Hurricanes in 1997. He scored his first NHL goal with the team and though he's played with other NHL teams, sees himself as a Cane first and foremost. By the time he had been traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2003, he had come to see what a friendly and fun city Raleigh is - he feels it is truly the total package. He hopes that all visitors coming to Raleigh for the All Star Game will leave Raleigh with the same impression of the city - and with the knowledge that Lucky B's is a great bar, of course. As for his thoughts on Raleigh being chosen to host the All Star Game, he is glad to have had the opportunity to see interest in hockey grow within our city, as well as our ultimate acceptance into the hockey family. He also noted that youth hockey has been growing as well and is proud to see that.

Lucky B's is located at the corner of Tucker and Glenwood Ave. If you haven't checked it out, I strongly recommend it. There's always a friendly, diverse crowd with many hockey fans. In addition to having awesome drink specials every night, there's pool, beer pong, skee ball, an outdoor bocce ball court and arcade games. Speaking of arcade games, Bates says is favorite video game is Ms. Pac Man and that he is "tough to beat". He indicated that he could clear the first board with his eyes closed and I intend to witness this for myself next time I am there. (BE READY, BATES)

Thinking of heading to Lucky B's to watch the All Star Game? They will be opening at 3:00 PM on January 30th. There will be free food, a raffle for a Lucky B's authentic hockey jersey, and of course, awesome drink specials. While you are watching the game, enjoy $2.00 Domestic Bottles, $2.00 Well Drinks, $3.00 Smirnoff Flavored Vodkas, $4.00 Smirnoff and Jagerbombs and $5.00 Top Shelf Drinks (includes everything but Grey Goose and Patron).

Two local Lucky B's-sponsored hockey teams will be hanging as well other hockey players. Bates says that some of his buddies from the NHL drop in occasionally, so who knows who you might run into?

And finally, a special note to the Storm Squad: If you come in uniform, Bates says you will drink on the house!


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