St. Paul’s Oldest Gay Bar to Become a Soccer-Dedicated Bar Near New Stadium

The Black Hart of St. Paul will replace what’s reported to be the oldest gay bar in the city, The Town House at 1415 University Avenue West. The bar is near the under-construction, new stadium for the Minnesota United FC. The Town House’s owner Holly Monnett was reportedly looking for a local owner to take over the bar she had operated for forty years when Wes Burdine reached out to her, according to the Pioneer Press.

Burdine hosts the FiftyFive.One podcast, and is a dedicated soccer fan and plans to record his podcast at the bar. The room will get a bit of a facelift, gearing it more towards the sport, but not become an all-out “sports bar.” Burdine is careful not to alienate the fans of the Town House and plans to keep most of the events going, like drag shows and karaoke competitions, so long as they don’t occur on match days.

The new owner explained to the St. Paul newspaper that the Town House has long been home to the LGBTQ community and he does not want to take that home away from anyone. The new bar’s Twitter-bio promises a community-inclusive soccer bar.

Minnesota United FC has long been a supporter of the LGTBQ community, acting as a leader among sports teams in welcoming all fans and players.

The sale is expected to close on June 11. Allianz Field, the new home of the Minnesota United FC is expected to be completed in March of 2019.

• Midway bar scene evolves as Minnesota United fan buys popular dive, adding soccer theme [PiPress]
• Black Hart of St. Paul [Twitter]
• A Fixture of the Minneapolis Music Scene is Buying Cedar-Riverside’s Beloved Dive Bar [ETC]