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Although Players Sports Bar—located a block from the iconic Los Muertos Pier in the Zona Romántica—has always been known for its inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere, it has become even more LGBTQ+-focused following a change in ownership in late 2025.
The bar was acquired by Ron Stoneburner, a gay man originally from Los Angeles who splits his time between there and Puerto Vallarta.
He purchased the establishment from the previous owners, a heterosexual married couple from Washington who had owned it for four years. However, the bar has been operating in Puerto Vallarta for about 10 years. With the acquisition, Stoneburner felt it was important to both maintain the bar’s inclusive concept and make hospitality toward a diverse clientele a top priority.
“I’m from Los Angeles, California, and a gay male part of our LGBTQ community,” Stoneburner said. “I have visited PV for many years and fell in love with it, so I bought a condo in Zona Romántica three years ago and want to eventually retire there. Players has always welcomed anyone, but I wanted to add more rainbow stickers on the window and flags inside the bar to cater more to our LGBTQ+ community so everyone knows they are welcome here.”
While the bar has kept its exact name, Stoneburner has made several improvements and renovations to enhance comfort. He replaced the chairs and barstools, glossed the bar, installed a new POS system, and plans to paint the entire bar gray with his team in the coming weeks. Players is best known for broadcasting sports games across multiple televisions via U.S., Canadian, and Mexican TV networks.
As part of the reinvention plans, the new owner also intends to implement karaoke. Stoneburner noted that they have already hosted highly successful karaoke nights, meaning patrons can expect to enjoy them on a regular basis in the near future.
“The bar has amazing energy and a great vibe, and the entire team is very welcoming and friendly to everyone,” Stoneburner said. “That’s part of the reason I chose to buy the bar, because of the amazing vibe and energy that you feel the minute you step in. We have nine TVs and three air conditioners, so you can enjoy your food and drinks in comfortable AC while we play all sports and music.”
Stoneburner highlighted that Players provides a safe, inclusive, and fun space for everyone in the community, especially those who love sports, music, and karaoke.
Happy Hour and Taco Tuesday
Players is ready to cool down anyone looking for a cold drink this summer with a 2-for-1 happy hour on house drinks and margaritas, running Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. To accompany the drinks, the food menu features its popular Players Burgers alongside an excellent weekly promotion: Taco Tuesday, featuring 40-peso tacos all day long.
Players Sports Bar is located at 138 Rodolfo Gómez in the Zona Romántica and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, follow their Facebook page.
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