Ping Pong Anyone? St. Pete's New Fad

SPiN Galactic is best described as a ping pong-friendly social club. The idea is to take an old-fashioned pastime that long ago had been relegated to family rec rooms and make it cool again.

At SPiN, people enjoy a friendly game of ping pong, along with cool drinks and great food.

Two years ago, SPiN was launched in New York City. Cities like Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Toronto followed suit.

While other locations are franchised versions of a business that movie star Susan Sarandon co-founded, SPiN St. Pete, at 242 1st Ave. North, has a personal appeal for her.

Sarandon's brother, Terry Tomalin, is part owner and St. Pete local.

Tomalin works for the St. Petersburg Times, where he edits the Outdoors/Fitness Section. He sees a strong future for St. Pete's downtown entertainment scene as well as for SPiN.

"St. Pete's happening," Tomalin said. "I've watched it evolve over the years and now it's the hottest ticket around."

Tomalin grew up with eight siblings. "We always had a ping pong table," said Tomalin.

He believe SPiN will draw a diverse crowd – families as well as singles. Games like pool or putt-putt golf put all the attention on a single person, while ping pong keeps the spotlight in balance.

SPiN St. Pete will be occupying the space where the Tamiami bar was located. The venue will offer a VIP room for guest celebs, ping pong tables, lounge areas and  a 40-foot long bar.

Unlike other clubs, SPiN will not be adults only. In the early hours, there will be a kid's league. Happy Hour ping pong will be popping in the late afternoon followed by evening and late night hours of pleasureful fun.

If you're not sold yet, there will also be first class food options, an array of big screen TVs that will have the concerts at Jannus Live streaming, live. Video displays of SPiN relatives in New York and L.A.

SPiN is looking to launch in mid-November. Stay up to date on all the happenings by visiting www.spingalactic.com.