Grand View Inn and Suites turn swimming pool into a pool hall, soon to debut to the public

WASILLA — Grand View Inn and Suites Co-owner, Ernie Emmi walked around his new billiard room, complete with six Diamond pool tables, “just in time for leagues” in September.

“They might as well be in Vegas,” Emmi said.

As everyone is making their finishing touches to the place, Emmi was stirring with excitement to unveil this new room filled not just with sticks and balls, but many possibilities for casual and professional pool players alike once it debuts on Aug. 18, with festivities starting at 4 p.m. and tournaments starting at 7 p.m.

This new pool hall was formally a swimming pool. Now, “It’s a different kind of pool room,” said Chevy Sharlow, Grandview Inn and Suites manager.

Since the old pool hall off the Parks Highway shut down years ago, the only places to really play pool are bars like the Silver Fox or Four Corners Lounge. Emmie is striving to offer something different, a one stop shop of sorts where adults 21-and-over can enjoy draft beers while playing pool with their friends or in a tournament, and if they have too much, they can stay the night at the hotel.

“No one else in the state can offer that,” Emmi said.

Looking forward, Emmi is also aims to include the various schools across the Valley, working towards each school forming a club and playing on special nights where the alcohol supply is cut off.

Emmie hopes to draw in a sizable crowd for the upcoming debut. There will be $2,000 guaranteed in combined payouts in the tournament. Dinner will cost $10 for chicken barbeque with “all the fixin’s.” This will be a chance to sign up for the billiard and dart tournaments.

Emmi co-owns the Grandview Inn and Suites and Locals Pub and Pizzeria next door with his twin brother, John. He wanted to dispel a public misconception about both facilities. He said that many people seem to think they are owned by some out of state company, but he confirmed that both Locals and the Grandview are locally owned and operated.

For more information, call: 907-352-1700 or visit: www.alaskagrandview.com.