New sports bar aims to fill Boulder's void

Driving the news: The Werks announced plans to open in Boulder Junction, bringing a combo sports bar, bowling alley and bike shop to 3390 Valmont Road.

Catch up quick: Boulder's been waiting for reinforcements to its sports bar lineup.

• The Dark Horse closed in March after 51 years, and plans to revive it in Louisville remain unclear.
• BuffHouse, a CU-themed sports bar taking over the former Harpo's on Arapahoe Avenue, has pushed its anticipated opening to November.

The big picture: The Werks, which got its start in Wheat Ridge, appears to be tapping into growing interest in "third places" — gathering spots outside of home and work where people can socialize and build community.

• Beyond adding more barstools, the Werks is bringing Boulder its second bowling alley.
• CU Boulder's Connection, inside the University Memorial Center, is the only other bowling center within city limits.

Zoom in: The Werks could help continue the transformation of Boulder Junction into a lively, walkable district around its future train stop.

• The Werks adds a place where residents can spend an entire evening, rather than being another grab-and-go option.

What's next: If the Werks opens as scheduled Oct. 26, it'll beat BuffHouse to the punch in the race to fill Boulder's sports bar void.