There will be over 80 people coming in for the SMD4 Launch Party on June 2 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. They will be a few coming in early on June 1st. I thought it might be a nice idea to have a social on Friday June 1st and invite those arrriving early on June 1st.

My first thought is a social and informal dinner at the Sports Bar on 23rd Street in Arlington. Another option could be a happy hour there and elsewhere for dinner in the Crystal City area. Any other ideas or interest?

I think doing something June 1 is a great idea. (I'll be out of town June 2, so if something is scheduled for that date, I won't be able to attend.) I've not been to the Sports Bar on 23d Street; is it fairly large? Does it have a dining room? It's definitely convenient to the Hyatt (as well as the various other Crystal City hotels).

I'll post the event as tentative for now, but assuming there's sufficient interest, I'll confirm it.

Also, a heads up: PeteJ, from Down Under, has contacted me to inform me he'll be Up Over around July 4, so expect to see a Happy Hour/Dinner on Monday July 2 or Tuesday July 3.

Sports Bar is the largest venue on 23rd St. It is 3 floors. Sometimes group events on the 3rd. I will inquire and what happy prices are and give a food range. It is typical sports bar type fare last time I ate there. Not expensive. But it is a restaurant.

The Launch Party is Sat June 2 and is closed (meaning capacity reach - and 100 on the wait list). This is just an event for Friday June 1st - for early birds that get into town a day early.

Monday July 2 is better for me. The 3rd might be doable for an early drink, but I have a probable commitment that evening.

Still planning get together with SMD4 launch party attendees on Friday June 1st at 6:30pm at the Sports Pub on 23rd St in Arlington. More to followl

I have made arrangements with Sports Pub to hold the high table area near the bar on the 3rd floor starting at 6:30pm on June 1st. Note: There is another group reserved at the low table area.

Date: Friday, June 1st starting at 6:30pm

Location: Crystal City Sports Pub - 3rd floor - high table are near bar
529 23rd St South
Arlington VA 22202

Here is the website: http://crystalcitysportspub.net/

Will make dinner decision then - either at the Sports Pub or other restaurant in the block with varying arrivals - I recommend staying the the Sports Pub for dinner since other may arrive late.

If anyone is planning to attend - please post.

I've added this as a confirmed event in the first post in the thread.

I should be able to make drinks until 7:15 pm or so, but am not able to make dinner.

Late arrival is fine. Starting at 6:30 to get a half hour of Happy Hour prices, which end at 7pm.

I should be able to make to the happy hour this friday. It will be good to catch up and see people again

Looks like a busy night for Kabob Palace

And FYI: If you are coming in the VA, there is no Orange line service b/w East and West Falls Church over the weekend, you get to ride bus instead.

^

Since I'm actually in the area, hopefully tonight will mark my first DC Area Happy Hour!

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I'm going to do my best to make this my first as well. Hope the weather doesn't discourage me. :-)

Missed this one because of work and foul weather. I hope the attendees had fun tonight and I'll try for next time.

Turns out even with the bad weather we had a turn out of about 20 people. The Sports Pub did a great job of giving up a nice spot at the high tables near the bar on the 3rd floor. Super waitress. She remembered everyones check and everyone (except couples) had individual checks.

With three large floors the Sports Pub was still packed even with the rain.

A really fun group of people (some local) were still able to make it.

I really think most here would enjoy having an event at the Sports Pub. The sound on the third floor (very big space) is turned down - even with I would say 50 TVs all around in the upper wall space.

So some time let's schedule an event their. You can make a reservations and your space will be reserved and marked with a sign. ^

Actually, last night's event would have been great if it were tied to the LH Inaugural Flight of the new 747-8 I, or something like that. I did not find out until too late that the inaugural flight was yesterday. Did anyone from the Happy Hour attend the occasion at IAD or was on the first flight?