Hulk Hogan’s final business venture, the much-anticipated SLAM Sports Bar, is set to open this fall in Midtown Manhattan, directly across from the iconic Madison Square Garden (MSG), serving as a heartfelt tribute to the late wrestling legend. Despite Hogan’s passing earlier this year, the project that the WWE Hall of Famer passionately developed before his death will now stand as a vibrant celebration of his life, career, and lasting impact on sports entertainment[1][2].

A Legendary Location for a Legendary Icon

Madison Square Garden holds immense significance in Hulk Hogan’s storied career—it’s famously the venue where “Hulkamania” truly exploded onto the wrestling scene in the 1980s. Placing SLAM Sports Bar just steps away from MSG was no coincidence. According to Rich Rosen, President and CEO of American Sports Bar Entertainment and the owner behind SLAM, Hogan invested deeply in shaping the bar’s concept, hoping to create a landmark space for wrestling fans and sports enthusiasts alike[1].

“Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a partner. He was a dear friend and a legend whose impact on sports and entertainment is immeasurable,” Rosen told amNewYork, emphasizing Hogan’s personal involvement in curating the atmosphere of the bar to reflect his legacy and bring fans together at the very site where his legend began[2].

What to Expect from SLAM Sports Bar

The $7 million, 9,000-square-foot, multi-level bar promises to be more than just a sports bar—it’s designed as an immersive wrestling-themed destination. SLAM is planned to be a bustling pre- and post-game hotspot, perfectly situated to attract crowds attending events at MSG and other nearby venues[3][4]. The venue will celebrate not only Hogan’s individual achievements but also iconic moments and figures throughout professional wrestling history, blending the energy of live sports, wrestling culture, and nightlife.

The menu reportedly features classic bar fare with Hogan-inspired twists, including signature wings and drinks, designed to capture the high-energy spirit of “Hulkamania.” Fans can expect immersive décor that honors Hogan’s career highlights, legacy photos, memorabilia, and thematic elements that evoke the wrestling spectacle that turned Hogan into a household name[3].

A Personal and Emotional Legacy

Hogan’s passing from cardiac arrest earlier this year shook the wrestling and entertainment world. As one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history, his influence transcended wrestling rings to popular culture globally[2]. Sources close to the project reveal that Hogan’s last visit to the bar was on April 30, during which he engaged with the design and branding alongside a documentary crew documenting the endeavor[2].

The heartfelt words from Rich Rosen echo the sentiment shared by fans and insiders alike: “This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart”[2]. The bar’s opening as a living tribute is intended both as a celebration for wrestling fans and a personal homage to Hogan’s inspiring journey.

Reception and Expectations from the Wrestling Community

WWE.com and other wrestling news outlets like Fightful have covered the development extensively, highlighting the significance of maintaining Hulk Hogan’s legacy through this venue. Recent podcasts and interviews with wrestling veterans have praised the bar’s concept as a unique convergence of sports history and urban nightlife, emphasizing its potential to become a cultural hub for wrestling enthusiasts visiting New York City[1][2].

Industry insiders suggest the opening of SLAM Sports Bar marks a new chapter for Hogan’s presence in the public eye, transferring his charisma from the ring to a physical gathering place where fans can socialize, relive classic wrestling moments, and honor the man who helped popularize professional wrestling worldwide.

Looking Ahead: SLAM as a Wrestling Mecca in NYC

As SLAM Sports Bar prepares for its grand opening this fall, the anticipation across the wrestling and NYC hospitality communities builds. Positioned near one of the world’s most famous arenas, it’s expected to become a landmark destination not only for Hulk Hogan fans but also for visitors seeking a dynamic dining and entertainment experience steeped in wrestling history and culture.

Sources close to the project confirm that all efforts are underway to ensure the bar opens on schedule, preserving Hogan’s vision as a vibrant tribute that captures the larger-than-life spirit he embodied throughout his career[1][2]. With its combination of location, theme, and legacy, SLAM promises to be a unique addition to the New York City nightlife scene and a perpetual homage to one of WWE’s greatest icons.

This initiative highlights the intersection of wrestling fandom, business acumen, and heartfelt tribute, securing Hulk Hogan’s place not only in wrestling history but also in the social fabric of New York. Wrestling fans worldwide can soon raise a glass “to Hulkamania” at SLAM Sports Bar, where memories of the wrestling legend will live on.