Events at SPIN Washington DC, Washington

About SPIN Washington DC

SPIN Washington DC is a one-of-a-kind “ping pong social club” in the heart of downtown D.C. (the National Press Building at 1332 F St NW (www.prnewswire.com)). Opened in January 2019, it brought a 12,000-square-foot subterranean space filled with 13 Olympic-grade ping-pong tables, a full-service restaurant, and a horseshoe-shaped bar overlooking a central court (www.prnewswire.com) (www.washingtonblade.com). Unlike a typical sports bar, SPIN is designed as a high-energy entertainment venue: one wall features a pink neon-lit “Blue Room,” there are secret doors hidden in bookcase walls, and even a bathtub, overflowing with signature orange ping-pong balls, for photo ops (www.prnewswire.com) (wearespin.com). The club’s décor is bold and playful (neon lights, large-format games on couches, a whimsical wind-up ping-pong toy at the entrance). Food is chef-driven and shareable (think bao buns, sliders and flatbreads) (www.washingtonblade.com), and the bar pours craft beers, creative cocktails, and wine to fuel the games (wearespin.com). The overall vibe is social and inclusive: SPIN’s motto is “United by Ping-Pong,” and from newcomers to enthusiasts the diverse crowd quickly gets into the competitive yet fun spirit (www.washingtonblade.com). Attracting both casual players and groups (even local politicians and celebrities have been spotted playing), SPIN DC has become a notable fixture on the DC nightlife map – essentially a lively clubhouse where sport, food, and art collide.

Events and Programming

SPIN DC offers more than just free play – it has a packed calendar of regular ping-pong events and special nights. Weekdays have after-work specials (for example, many nights after 9pm feature discounted play and extended hours) and weekly themed activities. According to the original opening press release, Friday nights feature a “Players’ Night” with tournaments and group games, Monday nights run a multi-week Social League, and Thursday nights become a “Pick-Up & Play” session with unlimited ping-pong after 9pm (sometimes guided by a SPIN pro) (www.prnewswire.com) (www.washingtonblade.com). Popular promotions include “Unlimited Underground” on Sundays ($9 all-day ping-pong) and a $9 rate after 9pm Monday–Thursday (www.prnewswire.com). In practice, SPIN DC frequently runs social leagues (seasonal eight-week tournaments), beginner clinics with expert instructors, and holiday events (Halloween parties, New Year’s Eve cocktails/tournaments). On weekends, SPIN ramps up into a nightclub-like atmosphere: every Friday and Saturday “Sip & Smash” late-night period offers drink specials and half-price table rates (wearespin.com), with a DJ spinning music and special menus. Owner Pieter Vanermen even promises “high-energy” events and community-building programs unique to DC (www.prnewswire.com). In short, on a typical week you might grab an unlimited-play package on Sunday afternoon, join a friendly league match on Monday, network at a corporate ping-pong mixer one evening, and close out the weekend dancing and dining at the weekend DJ party. Ticket prices vary: regular walk-in table rates are $49 per hour (Tuesday–Saturday) for a full table (spin.flywheelsites.com) (book online in advance or via phone), while special packages like group party deals or season passes may apply for league players. If SPIN DC hosts any special concerts or large events, those show tickets would be announced at the venue or on its site – but most “events” here are ping-pong–focused.

Tickets and Booking

SPIN DC doesn't sell entry tickets for shows – instead, you reserve tables or time slots for ping-pong play. You can simply walk in for casual play if space allows, but reservations are recommended for evenings and weekends. According to SPIN’s policies, you can book a table online 3 days in advance on weekdays and 7 days for weekends through the SPIN website (wearespin.com). Online booking (or phone booking) lets you choose a one-hour table session for 2–10 people (tables cost about $49/hr) (spin.flywheelsites.com) (spin.flywheelsites.com). For larger gatherings, SPIN offers “party packages” (this covers 4–20 guests, usually a 2-hour block) and full buyouts for private events (advertised capacity “up to 900 guests” on SPIN’s site) (spin.flywheelsites.com). Any group beyond 10 should contact SPIN’s events team for custom packages. When you book a table, unlimited ping-pong balls and paddles are provided (the front desk stocks new Stiga paddles – you can request a higher-end “Pro Carbon” paddle if you’re serious) (wearespin.com) (wearespin.com). Walk-in players can join any available open table (with no cover charge beyond hourly play fees). At the bar and restaurant, you can order food and drinks à la carte at any time. For popular time slots (especially weekend nights after 7pm), it’s wise to reserve early. If reservations for a desired slot sell out on the website, SPIN may simply be hosting a private event. In general, no separate cover or membership is required – just pay for your table time (and drinks/food if you purchase them) (wearespin.com). There is no standing general admission; the “ticket” is essentially your table reservation.

Seating and Layout

SPIN DC’s layout revolves around its dozen-plus ping-pong courts. The main floor holds seven tables in an open area, spaced so groups on one table don’t bump into others (wearespin.com). To one side is a U-shaped booth and bar seating (the horseshoe bar from the original opening) that overlooks the central “court.” There’s also a raised bleacher-style seating area labeled “Center Court” with a dedicated table – a popular spot for spectators and large parties because it offers bleacher seating facing one table (wearespin.com). Another section called “J-Street Junction” contains three more tables surrounded by couches and high tops, plus the venue’s photo booth (wearespin.com). The Blue Room (all décor blue) and a separate private lounge each include extra tables and seating for VIPs or private groups (wearespin.com) (wearespin.com). In total the venue has around 13 tables to mix and match between the main space, private area, and themed rooms. Most seating is casual: couches and benches line the walls at J-Street and Blue Room, and numerous bar stools and communal tables run alongside the bar. If you’re coming with beginners who just want to watch, the bleacher seating (Center Court) has the best sightlines, and the bar stools let you sit within arm’s reach of the tables. Avoid standing directly behind active tables if you’d rather not get hit by a stray ball. Speaker systems are placed around the room for music during events, but in normal play the sound level is like a lively bar (music is on but not deafening). In summary: there are no fixed “VIP seats” – it’s mostly open seating around the play area. Everyone shares the energy on the primary floor.

Getting There and Parking

SPIN DC is at 1332 F St NW, between 13th and 14th Streets. That is in Downtown/Metro Center (Washington’s traditional downtown) – essentially a 2-block walk north of the Metro Center station. The closest Metro stop is **Metro Center** (Blue, Orange, Red, Silver lines); exit toward 13th/F St and walk east a block to find SPIN’s entrance on your right (washington.org). The venue’s “location” page also notes it’s 1.5 blocks from the nearest Metro (washington.org). You can also exit at Farragut West (Orange/Blue) which is about a 5-minute walk along F Street. Buses run along nearby 13th and F Streets as well, and downtown DC has Circulator buses serving the area. For rideshares or taxis, a convenient drop-off point is on F St NW near 13th. Parking downtown can be pricey. There is no private lot for SPIN guests, but there are public garages within a few blocks. For example, the “National Place Garage” at 560 13th St NW is about 320 feet away (one block south) (www.parkwhiz.com), and the Willard Hotel Garage at 1422 F St NW is about one block southeast (www.parkwhiz.com). Both take credit cards and typically run $20–$40 for an evening’s parking in this area. Other lots and pay garages (e.g. Franklin Square lots, or commercial garages on 14th/E St) are nearby too. Since rates vary, visitors often use ParkWhiz or SpotHero to book. Unlike a typical theater, SPIN doesn’t “pack out” and keep you past closing – so after-hours parking isn’t a big issue: the last games wrap around 1am on weekends (Friday-Saturday). In bad weather or late-night, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) tends to be easier.

Inside the Venue

When you enter SPIN DC, expect a fun and active atmosphere. An elevator (or stairs) takes you down into the venue, which is largely flat-floor once inside. Upon check-in at the front desk, staff may ask you how many players are in your party. They’ll either direct you to your reserved table or sign up walk-ins on first-available basis. (If there is no open table, you can play games like Atari pong, foosball, or board games at tables near the lounge). SPIN requires a driver’s license or ID if you plan to order alcohol later. Security is minimal – it’s a casual bar scene – but backpacks may be checked. The vibe is always energetic. A DJ often plays upbeat tracks during weekend nights; on weeknights it’s more mellow background music. Lighting is dim but colorful (neon and LEDs), bright enough to follow the balls. Ping-pong pros (SPIN staff coaches) are on hand and often join games or give tips (wearespin.com). These “SPIN Pros” roam the floor during larger events – it’s common to have a staffplayer rally with guests or even challenge you. You can grab a paddle from the rack on the side (they will automatically bring new balls to your table) and begin playing – the staff will come by to refill balls and check if you want drink refills. There are no permanent seat assignments, so teams just claim a table for their hour. If you booked the table, your group has it; if you walk in as singles, the staff may seat you with others to fill up the table. SPIN is very family-friendly up until 9pm: kids are allowed and often play during early evening; after 9pm the venue becomes 21+ and minors must leave (wearespin.com). There is a full-service bar – expect typical bar rules (no outside alcohol, standard ID check). Drinks can be carried to the tables, and staff clear off empty glasses regularly. The menu features shareable appetizers, entrees, and drinks, so you can eat between sets. Bathrooms are modern and inside the venue (no valet or coat check is offered, aside from coat hooks on the wall). If you have any accessibility needs: SPIN DC is ADA-compliant with an elevator, wide doorways, and at least one accessible table (washington.org), so wheelchairs can participate.

Nearby Amenities

SPIN’s downtown location means nearly everything is nearby. For pre- or post-game dining, the options are endless. Directly adjacent is **1331 Bar & Lounge** (upstairs) for cocktails. Within a block or two you’ll find casual fast-casual and sit-down restaurants: a Roti Mediterranean Grill (1311 F St) offers quick bowls, Founding Farmers (1001 G St) for American farm-to-table, and PF Chang’s or Gordon Biersch for brewery food. On the same block east, there’s a hot new pizza place (Comet Ping Pong has a U St outpost) and even Shake Shack inside the CityCenterDC mall a few blocks down. Upscale steakhouses (District ChopHouse, Morton's) and sushi bars line nearby Penn and 14th Streets. For lighter fare, corner cafes (e.g. Starbucks on F St) serve coffee and snacks during the day. There are also dozens of bars and watering holes nearby if you want a drink after ping-pong. Notably, lounge bars around Farragut West (just two blocks west) host happy hours and live music. If you enjoy late-night scenes, the Club Quarters Bar, The Hamilton Live music venue, and several Capitol Hill pubs are within walking distance. For groceries or basics, a CVS and Whole Foods (on 14th/P St) are close by. If you need overnight lodging, many downtown hotels surround SPIN. The **Fairmont** hotel actually shares the press building complex, and the **JW Marriott** is essentially upstairs at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave (with its own restaurant and sushi bar). Within two blocks: the **Westin City Center**, **Hilton Garden Inn**, **The Henley Park Hotel**, and **Residence Inn** are all options, making SPIN a popular meetup spot for conference-goers or tour groups. Union Station and the Convention Center are about 10-15 minutes on foot, so SPIN is also convenient for visitors. If you arrive early, Union Station itself has dining and can park (though it’s farther away). Metro Center and Farragut provide nighttime bus and cab connections into other parts of the region after SPIN closes.

What Makes SPIN Washington DC Special

SPIN DC stands out for combining play, art, and nightlife in a way no other DC spot does. It’s literally the only ping-pong–themed bar of this scale in the city. The quirky design elements – neon “ping pong ball” art, the Instagram bait–worthy bathtub filled with balls, and secret speakeasy-style rooms – give it a memorable character. Even the name “United by Ping-Pong” reflects its ethos: employees and regulars say it really draws a broad mix of people who might never meet elsewhere (www.washingtonblade.com). It’s socially inclusive – age and background barriers dissolve when a loud game is happening – and the space feels welcoming to novices and experts alike. Historically, SPIN is also tied to the building’s story. It’s in the basement of the landmark **National Press Building** (dating from the 1920s), so there’s a bit of DC history above ground. At grand openings, Washington luminaries attended – there’s even photos of then-mayor and local celebrities at the first ping-pong match. That media buzz helped put SPIN on the map as a new kind of DC hangout. For patrons, what makes SPIN special are the little surprises: in one corner you might find a wall of old magazines or the “center court” bleachers for photo-op, in another a hidden doorpane. Staff cheerleaders and pro players can bat a stray ball your way or entertain kids between rounds. The food menu is better than typical game-night fare (think shrimp bao buns or pesto flatbread instead of just pretzels), and drink specials keep it lively. In interviews, the founders point out that SPIN’s mission is to *“create a new offline social network”* (www.prnewswire.com), and many locals note that vibe – coming here is as much about random socializing and laughter as it is about exercise. For artists and techies, it’s a rare creative space to work up a sweat; for date-night couples, it’s a fun ice-breaker; for company teams, a cool team-building outlet. Its success also helped inspire other ping-pong or game-oriented businesses in DC, cementing a small cultural niche here (as seen in lists of DC’s fun bars). All of these quirks – the themed rooms, communal tables, and the tagline of unity – make SPIN feel like Washington DC’s own urban playground and social hub.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Accessibility: SPIN DC is ADA-compliant. An elevator takes you down to the club, entrances are wide, and at least one table is wheelchair accessible (washington.org). Staff will accommodate any accessibility needs if asked.
• What to Bring: Bring yourself and enthusiasm! SPIN provides paddles and balls (with an option to “upgrade” paddles to a pro model (wearespin.com)), so you don’t need any equipment. Do bring your ID (for anyone ordering drinks) and a credit card. Wear comfortable clothes and non-marking shoes (or clean street shoes) ideal for play. You may want a light jacket or coat for the walk in – the lanes can be a bit cooler.
• Age Restrictions: All ages are welcome until 9:00 PM (wearespin.com). After 9pm SPIN is a 21+ venue, so plan childcare or come earlier if you’re bringing kids. (High-energy family play afternoons are common on weekends.)
• Booking Pitfalls: Don’t assume you can always walk in when busy. If the website shows no availability, SPIN likely has a private event. Plan ahead (booking opens 3 days out on Tues–Thurs, 7 days on weekends (wearespin.com)). Even if you have a reservation, arrive a few minutes early – late arrivals may lose their table if the next group is waiting.
• Parking/Pubic Transit: We’ve covered parking above. As a tip: ride-sharing drop-off is easiest on F St right outside. The DC Circulator bus also loops nearby (Woodley Park–Adams Morgan–Georgetown route stops near Metro Center). If driving, bring quarters or card for garage machines; be aware downtown parking is expensive late-night.
• Food/Allergies: The kitchen has gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options (clearly labeled) (wearespin.com), though it’s a scratch kitchen with common allergens. Tell your server about any allergies. The menu has shareable plates (bao buns, sliders, salads) and a kids’ menu, as well as a decent brunch menu on weekend mornings. Tip: try the signature Shrimp Bao or craft cocktails like the cold-brew White Russian twist. (www.prnewswire.com) (www.washingtonblade.com)
• Don’t forget the Photo Ops: Some fun traditions or surprises not to miss: take a pic in the ping-pong ball bathtub, explore behind the bookcase, or cheer during drinking games like the makeshift bar games. Also, look out for specials like late-night "Sip & Smash" promotions (Fridays/Saturdays half-off play (wearespin.com)) and happy hour deals on drinks. Signing up for SPIN’s newsletter can give advance notice of events like charity tournaments.
• Venue Etiquette: SPIN is casual. No hard dress code – guests usually wear sporty casual. Cameras are allowed (and encouraged) for Instagram posts, but be mindful of privacy for others. By House rules, outside food/drink is not allowed. Tipping the servers and bartenders (15–20%) is customary. Keep the games fun and friendly; staff may warn rowdy players or enforce game rules to keep it safe. If you accidentally break a ball or paddle, let a staffer know. And since games can get brisk, keep valuables (keys/phones) out of the play area if possible.