This bar brawl's going to spill out into the parking lot. And they're ready -- with 100 tons of sand trucked in for the occasion. This Sunday, July 18, the inaugural "Battle of the Bars Volleyball Tournament" pits the staffs of eight Tempe bars against those of eight Scottsdale bars, with proceeds benefiting the East Valley Boys and Girls Club. Bartenders, waitstaff and bouncers will become bumpers, setters and spikers as they compete for the coveted (and not-so-coveted) titles of "Best" and "Worst Team[s]" in the East Valley. Michael Washington-Brown, co-owner of Flip Flops Bar and Grill -- the island-themed, beach-style restaurant hosting the event -- says, "For one day, it is not about the bottom line; it is about helping somebody else."
Root for your favorite bar and support a good cause; a $2 donation gets you in and buys a raffle ticket for prizes such as weekend stays at local resorts. Spectators can cool off in splashing pools, and enter Twister and hula-hoop contests to net some bragging rights of their own. KZON 101.5 DJs will emcee the tournament, awards ceremony and after-party, beginning at 4 p.m. at 222 East University in Tempe. Call 480- 480-967-7744 for info. --Susan Tully
Extreme Scene
Upper Deck flaunts excess
Ongoing
Try fitting bungee jumping, motocross, skydiving, skateboarding, DJ-spun acid polka, and hot, nearly naked chicks under one roof. A logistical impossibility, right? Upper Deck Sports Grill, 4224 North Craftsman in Scottsdale, proves us wrong with "Extreme Sports Thursdays," when X-games blaze across more than two dozen TV screens, DJ Soloman mixes up hip-hop and rock, and the girls of Le Girls top off the sensory overload. This Thursday, July 15, Rage in the Cage fighters join the party to give out free tix to their next battle royale.
Adrenaline junkie and an alkie? Take advantage of $2 drafts, $6 pitchers, $3 Jager shots and $3 cocktails. No cover charge. For details, call 480-941-9333. --Joe Watson
