Ariius nightclub moves party downtown after decade at Caesars Windsor

https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/ariius-nightclub-moves-party-downtown-after-decade-at-caesars-windsor

A long-running nightclub is preparing to leave Caesars Windsor and reopen in Windsor’s downtown core.

Article contentAriius Nightclub announced this week that it will leave its home of 10 years at the casino and relocate to a “new, larger location” at 576 Ouellette Ave. early next month.

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Article contentWard 3 Coun. and downtown champion Renaldo Agostino said the move is “a monster step in the right direction” for downtown Windsor.

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Article content“Although Ariius was great for the casino and great for the city, it wasn’t really great for downtown, because it’s a far walk from the next bar to where Arius is currently located,” said Agostino.

Article content“Now it’s steps away, right? And one of the things that I like to trumpet about downtown Windsor is we’re steps away from everything. And now you’re steps away from Ariius, and that helps everybody.”

Article contentThe downtown venue is scheduled to open Feb. 6.

Article content“After 10 record-setting years, we are thrilled to ignite a bold, ambitious, and electrifying new era for ARIIUS,” said Ariius Nightclub president and CEO Kash Hasan.

Article content“This is not just a move – this is a monumental leap into the future of world-class entertainment.”

Article contentAccording to the news release, the nightclub outgrew its current space at the casino.

Article contentThe new location will span four storeys and include multiple entertainment spaces, including a speakeasy-style lounge in the basement, a VIP nightclub on the main floor, and a second-floor concert hall. The group also plans to add a rooftop day club in the future.

Article contentThe building housed former nightlife destinations Tequila Bob’s and The Chelsea.

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Article contentAgostino said the move adds another nightlife option downtown Windsor, but is unlikely to transform it into the nightlife strip it once was.

Article content“I don’t think anybody has to worry that downtown is going to turn into this mega nightclub, weekend spot,” said Agostino.

Article content“It’s not going to happen. The demand isn’t there. It will never be the way it used to be. But you still need some of it, right? And that’s the future of downtown, a smorgasbord of a lot of cool things, and nightlife is a big one.”

Article contentAgostino said the city is preparing for increased crowds following the club’s opening.

Article content“We’re going to have some additional deployment down there because we’re expecting thousands,” he said.

Article contentAriius first opened its doors at Caesars Windsor in December 2015 offering a premium clubbing experience.

Article contentThe 10,000-square-foot, 590-person-capacity space was renovated in the style of high-end Las Vegas nightclubs.

Article contentAriius will host its final weekend at Caesars Windsor before closing for the move downtown.

Article contentThe nightclub is inviting patrons starting Jan. 29 through Jan. 31, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

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