Tempe nightlife has moved from Rio to the beach.
Club Rio, which closed last year, has been transformed into the beach-themed Arizona Beach Club by several partners who are experienced in the nightclub business.
Greg D'Angelo started working at Club Rio when it opened in 1999 and is now a partner and general manager of Arizona Beach Club.
"We can use the knowledge [from working at Club Rio] to take it to new heights," he said.
Following the close of Club Rio and the sale of the property, the new owners planned to build condominiums but have decided to lease the property at this time. The condominiums will eventually go up but the owners do not know when.
Construction began on the remodel of the property about five weeks ago and grand-opening celebrations will be this weekend.
D'Angelo said the age of the building has been the biggest struggle in the remodeling process.
"This place is an electronics graveyard," he said.
Grand-opening festivities include DJ Gregy D tonight and club KISS Saturday night with Big Chino and Special K.
Wednesday nights will be hosted by Djparty.com. In the future, Djparty.com will host foam and snow parties.
"It's a new image, a broader music format and entertainment factor," D'Angelo said.
The club is now beach themed. It features VIP cabanas, special drink names, platform stages and video technology. Owners have also hired a Beach Squad of men and women who will dance and throw T-shirts.
"We've just created a great staff," said partner Randy Feldman. "They don't just have bar experience but personality and a good following."
Feldman added that there would be flair bartending, such as throwing bottles and doing tricks.
Wednesdays at Arizona Beach Club will be for customers 18 and over while Friday and Saturday will be for 21 and over.
The next big event for Arizona Beach Club is a Digital Underground performance July 1 during the club's Skindependence Weekend.
In the future, Arizona Beach Club may have a shuttle to and from ASU Main, said D'Angelo.
Reach the reporter at katherine.ruark@asu.edu.
