This Ain't the Players it Once Was.

I've been a fairly regular visitor to Players since the old days when the bar was in the middle and the place would be jammed. They remodeled and the new space is nice, with lots of video, comfortable chairs and booths, a good stage, nice VIP area (although wide open now, as all the Detroit clubs are) and surprisingly good food. No cover during the day, valet is $8 but you can also park on the side street and walk in if you're willing to risk your ride getting stolen. I haven't been indulging in VIP since I don't like the wide open atmosphere, but have chatted up more than a few dancers and found them attractive and pleasant for the most part.

Players used to always be a great time, with great dancers, bartenders and wait staff. The manager Bo was always out and about greeting customers and keeping things in line. Unfortunately, the overall quality of the experience has been going downhill steadily since re-opening after Covid. The club is starting to show some wear and tear that the old management would never have let go (some upholstery issues, a video screen in the bathroom that someone carved their initials into months ago that has never been replaced, etc). Service has become hit or miss, management is invisible and now lets anything go, including long periods with no one on stage, and many of the dancers that do go onstage don't even remove their tops.

The thing is this: I go to the clubs because I like the atmosphere. For the prices I'm paying for my drinks I expect a certain level of opulence, very gratuitous waitress and bar service, management acknowledgment, and reasonably attractive topless entertainment. I can see why their business is so far down, because honestly, I think my Players visits are over as well. Perhaps the reopened Penthouse can give me what I'm looking for. I'll let you know after I visit there.