Winthrop alum scopes crowds for ‘Celebrations’

By Kaitlin Schallhorn
schallhornk@mytjnow.com

Celebrations’ logo on their Twitter pageThe weekend hits and Winthrop students start looking for off-campus entertainment.  

The Money and Pub House are within walking distance.  

McHales is just a short drive away.  

But there might be a new attraction in Rock Hill students might flock to—Celebrations Bar and Grill.

Complete with a fully stocked bar and a variety of finger foods, Celebrations seems to have it all. 

Victor Pullen, who studied music education at Winthrop, says that there is a big need for a place for college students to go.  

“Celebrations is pretty big, and no certain crowd has claimed it yet,” Pullen said.

Pullen remembers being in school at Winthrop and driving to Charlotte on weekends.  “There was just nothing to do in Rock Hill.” 

Celebrations has everything from karaoke nights on Thursdays, where even the bartenders will participate to shag nights on Fridays.  

Eight flat screen TVs and a projector are ideal for the sports lovers who come out on Sunday and Monday nights to watch the big games.  

Alcohol is served on Sundays, allowing for customers to sit and relax and watch the game, Pullen said. 

Pullen has reached out to the Rock Hill community, especially Winthrop students, through their website, Twitter account and Facebook.  

“The biggest help has been word of mouth,” Pullen said.  “Pi Kappa Phi especially has been a great help with getting people out here.”

The biggest drawback to Celebrations is its proximity to campus. 

It is located on Cherry Road closer to the interstate.  

“A lot of places around campus are small and you’re always running into people,” Pullen explained.  “At least Celebrations is a bigger space.”

“And if people feel like they shouldn’t drive home, the Ramada is next door,” Pullen said. 

Celebrations shares banquet halls with Ramada, allowing groups to rent space and cater events. 

“Celebrations was a different bar a few years ago,” Pullen admitted.  

It was attached to the then-Motel 6 but with a new owner and new hotel came new management for Celebrations and a new direction. 

Pullen is looking to attract more college students to Celebrations on Wednesday nights.  

“It’s an odd day because classes are the next day, but we really want students to feel like they can come and hang out and listen to good music.”