The nation’s largest ping pong club aims to unite the city.
SPIN’s DC location has opened by the National Press Club. Photo by Noah Fecks.
Ping pong social club SPIN has arrived in the District, but it’s not your average ping pong hall (they exist). Two short flights of stairs down, guests find themselves in the basement of the National Press Club.
It’s a hallmark, as ping pong is a basement sport, but this is sleeker than the original scene. A VIP room, merchandise wall, Instagram-worthy ball-filled bathtub and monochromatic blue room can be found along with an abundance of ping pong tables.
It even features an elevated horseshoe bar, complete with a DJ booth, signature cocktails and shareable comfort food.
SPIN’s concept is to elevate the experience of playing ping pong; this version is more social and interactive than its house party origins. Since founders Susan Sarandon, Frank Raharinosy, Jonathan Bricklin and Andrew Gordon opened the brand’s first space in 2009, it has expanded to cities like Seattle, Chicago, Austin and now D.C.
SPIN’s VIP room is open to all, and features a sliding door for guests to rent events space. Photo by Noah Fecks.
“People can be united by ping pong, regardless of political affiliation, economic or social background. We’ve always wanted to level the playing field,” Chief Branding Officer Khiari Mdnor told us. “We hope anyone can come here, pick up a paddle, and just have fun!”
Mdnor said a diverse clientele plays a part in the brand’s success. “Regardless of background, people have come for the atmosphere and love of the sport.
We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we’ve taken a lifestyle approach [to ping pong] that shares the love.”
The club’s bar features locally-inspired cocktails and shareable bites. Photo by Noah Fecks.
SPIN will feature activities popular in other locations, like Player’s Night every Friday, where pros face off in a fun communal match complete with music and food. All-day ping pong on Sundays (for a person) will also be offered, along with instructional games and lessons.
Children are welcome to the space before 9:00 PM.
Photo by Noah Fecks.
SPIN hopes to further human interaction in a social setting, albeit one less reminiscent of the city’s bars or nightclubs. “People want more. Human connection has changed, and this is something that’s accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels,” Mdnor explained.
“This is a place everyone can enjoy.
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SPIN is located at 1332 F. Street NW.
