Opening a hot new nightclub is all about the names and the who's who arriving, along with which celebrities are on the scene.
Phil Pardus knows the business of entertaining and assuring everyone has a great time for a night out.
And the big names he's secured for this month's opening of his new AquaVor nightclub in Hammond for New Year's Eve weekend keep getting bigger and better.
I've just been told Pardus has picked Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from MTV's hit series "Jersey Shore" to host the New Year's Eve Bash on Dec. 31.
As described in a preview story last month by my reporter neighbor in the newsroom Vanessa Renderman, with a mirrored barrel ceiling, tanks of roving sharks and an on-site bakery peddling liquor-infused cupcakes, AquaVor nightclub promises to bring a new flavor to Northwest Indiana.
Set in downtown Hammond at 5260 Hohman Ave., the club is part of an entertainment district revitalization effort according to Ray Rapchak, one of the club owners who says nearly $2 million was invested to convert the space into a nightclub.
If you've seen the large billboards from I-94 near Cline Avenue, then you know that originally actor Mario Lopez was scheduled to host the New Year's Eve event. However, Pardus has arranged for Lopez to do the club's official grand opening night honors now with a big party for Dec. 29.
The means "The Situation" and his famed abs will welcome the arrival of 2012 with a party unlike anything the region has ever seen before.
If you've watched "The Situation" from his ever expanding TV gigs, ranging from competing on the 2010 season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" to his hosting segments for Jay Leno on NBC's "The Tonight Show," then you know there's always a surprise in store.
It's Hollywood gossip blogger Perez Hilton flying in Dec. 30 for a pre-New Year's Eve Party keeping the opening weekend momentum going will lots of scoopy excitement.
The smoke-free club will be open from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
A strict dress code will be enforced, and there is a mandatory coat check.
AquaVor will have VIP areas, bottle service, an upstairs area for private parties, a fiber optic chandelier, a 50-foot main bar and a dance floor as the focal point. Hostesses will be greeting guests on a red carpet throughout opening weekend. Here's the complete rundown:
• Dec. 29: Mario Lopez hosts Grand Opening Night along with International Playboy Playmate DJ Rhiannon and house DJ Navic. Admission is $10, with no cover for ladies until 11 p.m.
• Dec. 30: Perez Hilton hosts the Pre-New Year's Eve Party sponsored by Grey Goose and Effen Vodka, provide cocktails from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Playmate Rhiannon and house DJ Navic are back. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door.
• Dec. 31: Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino hosts the New Year's Eve Celebration. Music provided by DJ Lady Tribe and house DJ Double-E! Grey Goose and Effen Vodka provide cocktails from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door.
• All ticket prices are per-person and tickets purchased online at aquavornightclub.com or reservations for tickets/bottle service/private parties made at (888) 931-2782.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.
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