St. Petersburg is set to welcome a vibrant addition to its nightlife scene as The Saint, a beloved speakeasy, undergoes a glamorous transformation. Known for its intimate, dimly lit ambiance, The Saint St. Pete is preparing to unveil a new identity as “The Ball,” an upscale cocktail lounge inspired by pop art and the iconic disco ball.
David Fischer, the visionary behind popular St. Pete LGBTQ+ destinations like Cocktail St. Pete and The Wet Spot, is leading this exciting rebrand. Located at 49 24th Street North in the Grand Central District, the space that once housed The Saint will be completely reimagined by Pour Behavior and ZaZoo’d, Fischer’s design team responsible for The Saint’s original moody interiors. This time, they are pivoting towards a bold and exuberant aesthetic for The Ball.
The concept for The Ball is deeply rooted in the symbolism of the disco ball, a powerful emblem within LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife. “The disco ball is one of the most iconic queer motifs, particularly within LGBTQ+ nightlife,” the official announcement stated. “It acts as an enhancing invitation to meet others, dance freely, and be yourself.” Reflecting this ethos, The Ball’s design will embrace pop-art influences, featuring vibrant colors and striking accents. The centerpiece of this new St. Pete cocktail destination will undoubtedly be the custom-designed disco ball DJ booth, promising a visually stunning and energetic atmosphere.
Beyond the dazzling visuals, The Ball aims to offer a sophisticated and enjoyable experience. Guests can anticipate a meticulously crafted cocktail menu, alongside a selection of light, shareable dishes perfect for socializing and enjoying the vibrant setting.
Mark your calendars for November 9th, the scheduled debut date for The Ball. However, before this exciting new chapter begins, The Saint will have its final curtain call. October 20th will mark the last night of operation for The Saint in St. Pete, celebrated with a special event called “Club Saint.” This final hurrah is described as “a divine dance club experience” offering patrons one last chance to revel in The Saint’s unique ambiance. Following this farewell, “Club Saint” will continue without reservations and dress code restrictions from October 22nd to November 2nd, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to say goodbye.
Pour Behavior has assured that the transition will be swift, with only a week dedicated to transforming The Saint into The Ball. Importantly, all current employees of The Saint will be retained, and the team is even looking to expand its staff for the new venture. Adding a community-focused element, Pour Behavior is considering auctioning off select decor and antiques from The Saint, with proceeds going to benefit a local charity.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Ball as its November opening approaches. For the latest news and announcements, follow The Saint’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. The Saint may be transforming, but the spirit of vibrant nightlife in St. Pete is clearly set to continue and evolve with the arrival of The Ball.
