Tahoe Onstage photos by Tim Parsons
The biggest little rumor in the world became a fact today: The Rockbar Theater will move into the Knitting Factory Reno.
It was confirmed by Knitting Factory Entertainment and the website for the Rockbar Theater, which has closed its facility in San Jose. Rockbar plans to renovate and re-brand the venue as a concert house, casino and restaurant.
The Knitting Factory has been a concert venue in downtown Reno for seven years.
Tim Parsons / Tahoe Onstage
It became clear in December that the Knitting Factory would close when it unloaded its shows to its Virginia Street neighbor Cargo in the Whitney Peak Hotel and the Crystal Bay Casino at Lake Tahoe.
In a press statement, the operators of the former venue wrote: “Knitting Factory Presents thanks the music fans of the Reno and Lake Tahoe region for their patronage and support for the past seven years. While they will miss them in Reno, music fans can visit other KFP venues in their travels to Boise, ID; Spokane, WA; Brooklyn, NY, and Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA. KFP also books other clubs, ballrooms, theaters, arenas and amphitheaters across the country. KFP wishes the new operators of the venue the best as KFP continues to focus on its national market strategy.”
It is unknown when the Rockbar in Reno expects to open.
Fans in the Bay Area were passionate about the Rockbar Theater. Here is a sampling of their Facebook comments upon hearing the news of the move to Reno:
“I have seen some great shows here… Gonna miss you,” said one. (The venue responded: “Thank you! Come visit us in Reno.”)
“I am really disappointed that this great (San Jose) venue’s closing… This was an excellent place to see live music and it will be missed,” a second said.
“Thank you Rockbar for all that you’ve brought San Jose… You will be visited in Reno,” a third fan chimed in.
“Rockbar Theater is a one of a kind live entertainment theater, offering rockstar, decadent settings, rocktails and cuisine fit for royalty. Live like a rock star and experience every performance to its fullest,” the venue noted.
