The Royal Grand Opening in Union Square

Those who attended the grand opening of Union Square’s newest sports restaurant and lounge, The Royal, were definitely given the “royal treatment,” or as close as you get to it, when at an upscale sports bar.

New York’s “nightlife royalty,” mingled and munched on crispy chicken wings, crispy quesadillas, and Marlyland crab cake sliders, by chef Daniel Parilla, who works as the executive sous chef at Minetta Tavern. Bartenders were busy concocting drinks consisting of Belvedere, Glenmorangie, while attractive servers passed out Moët & Chandon, in honor of the special occasion.

It made sense that Adidas sponsored the party for this new kind of sports restaurant. Like Adidas, The Royal is innovative when it comes to providing a specific customer experience, while engaging in sporting events. For example, the venue contains 43 LCD TV’s, so whether you sit on the chocolate leather banquettes, in the front at the cocktail tables or at the red maple-topped bar, you won’t miss a play. In addition to the grey wood walls reclaimed from a Pennsylvania barn hosting an art installation and the purplish neon backlights, it’s every stylish, sport fan’s dream den.

DJ Sal Morale kept guests in the game with his set, while Brooklyn Nets star Kris Humphries, Cleveland Browns tight end Alex Smith, Washington Nationals pitcher Christian Garcia and Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Popeye Jones, filled the roster for athletes in attendance.

Guests like Gustto Handbags designer Agathe Planchon and Style Network’s Glam Fairy star Sharie Manon and Restaurateur Scott Sartiano prove that The Royal will be an arena where sports and style come together.

Dan Rieger, Mike Russell and Stafford Schlitt of RSR Hospitality Group, and Brian Krawitz and Eric Sherman, formerly of The Forum, are no rookies to nightlife.  The Royal will be another all-star in their lineup.

- Danielle Marshall