CHEERS TO THAT. The Valley Sports Academy recently opened The Guardians Tower, its new bar and lounge for parents and the public.

The Valley Sports Academy, a multi-sport training facility in Lake Hallie, has a simple mission: to provide local athletes with the most comprehensive training and ample resources to keep them active. Now, they are keeping the community fed and thirsts quenched with their addition of an on-site bar and lounge, The Guardians Tower.

The training facility has aimed to connect athletes in a safe environment made to bolster their athletic performances since it first opened at the end of 2021, though the new bar and lounge was not always in the plans for Valley Sports Academy. “The inspiration (for the lounge) was, we wanted to create a space, number one, for the community,” says Community and Public Relations Director Phil Swiler. “Number two, for adults to be able to come here, wait for their athlete in a quality setting, and have a drink.” 

The Guardians Tower (Photo via Facebook).

The lounge provides a comfortable, inviting environment to grab a beer or mixed drink, hot food like pizza, bagged snacks, and more, while also having access to sports simulators and television screens broadcasting the live training. The Guardians Tower gives parents the opportunity to feel connected to the process without disrupting the training, all while enjoying a cracked cold one with other parents or community members.

The Guardians Tower is open from 4-9pm each day of the week, and its sports simulators are open 10am-9pm. The new bar and lounge opened to positive reviews in the new year when it hosted a Super Bowl party and other events. “No matter what we’re doing here, we hope to create a family environment that provides warmth and an extension of home,” Swiler said.

Keep up with Valley Sports Academy on Facebook or visit its website • Want to schedule a tour of the facility? Just call (715) 523-9761.