No RSVP Needed: Ruckers

Friday, August 15, 2003

WHERE: Ruckers

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Food, including pizzas, burgers and Friday fish fry, is served 10 a.m. to bar time to accommodate the athletes playing a variety of games outside. But if it's a night when the crowd is thin, the grill closes at midnight.

ADDRESS: W233-S7260 Vernon Lane, Big Bend, Wis.

TELEPHONE: (262) 662-4444

DRESS CODE: This is a sports lover's bar. So there are no worries about disapproving eyes not liking your threads. Leave your business suits and power outfits at home. Find a pair of shorts, jeans or sweats, a T-shirt and a ball cap and come and enjoy yourself.

DRAW: The biggest draw has to be that you can live a kid's life as an adult. This place is a sports lover's paradise. Let me explain: On Wednesday nights, starting at 5:30 or so, you can join dozens of lovelorn folks in Ruckers' singles kickball league. But if kicking a rubber ball isn't your style, sign up for Ruckers' softball league -- played Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. In fall, the tavern will start up its annual rugby league, and in about two weeks, sign-ups start for the fall Ironman football league. If you don't know, it's called Ironman, 'cause it's full contact, and even though the players wear pads, the 10-member teams play offense and defense. Friday night is blackjack night, and the lucky and skilled can walk away with free drinks and food. On Saturdays, live bands perform. And Sundays find Ruckers the perfect place for hard-core NASCAR fans who can watch the races on seven TVs, including one big screen.

-- James H. Burnett III

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