By: Sabrina Ahmed
sahmed@klkntv.com
With the first game day of the season on Saturday, an iconic Lincoln bar is re-opening for the celebration.
Barry's first opened in 1959 and has been a must-see on game days since then. "We believe Barry's is iconic in Lincoln. It's got a great reputation. It's the closest venue to Memorial Stadium and the Haymarket, we're just thrilled about it," said owner, Kevin Fitzpatrick.
The new owners bought the place in June and have been working tirelessly to turn it around in 90 days. They say this is going to be a different adventure than what they're used to.
"The Nebraska football fan is certainly extraordinary and is above anything we've experienced probably in our other location," said Fitzpatrick.
It's been open for a few days this week and is open Friday night as well. But the real test comes Saturday. When you walk in, you'll feel right at home. "The original Barry's, we've renovated but maintained the same flavor," said Fitzpatrick.
The big changes happen as you walk into what used to be known as 'The Outback.' The whole downstairs area is called Ten Below. It includes an ice bar, with a bar actually made of ice and the dance club. That still holds the name, 'The Outback,' but the owner says it has a brand new feel.
On most days, Ten Below and Barry's are two different venues, each with their own style. Barry's is the traditional bar and grill. Ten Below brings a bit of spice to Lincoln night life, but Saturday, and every game day, it will all be one big bar.
"We open at 8 a.m. and we're hoping people will be lined up and ready to see the new Barry's that still have some of the flavor of the old Barry's," said Fitzpatrick.
Barry's will also open up its rooftop bar in about three weeks.
