BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) – Downtown Bristol is on the cusp of a nightlife transformation as Sapphire Social, the area’s inaugural nightclub, prepares to welcome guests.

This three-story dance venue, which has been in development for over a year, promises a unique experience on each level.

Rebecca and Chance Crusenberry, the owners, believe Sapphire Social fills a gap in the Tri-Cities’ nightlife scene.

“There was nothing like this around here,” said Chance Crusenberry. “Most of the businesses have been staples for ages. It’s time for a change. With the new casino, it’s the perfect moment for something fresh.”

The club is described as ‘upscale and high-end,’ featuring a high-energy nightclub with VIP seating on the first floor. VIP packages begin at $500, which includes a $250 credit for food and drinks. The second floor offers a VIP lounge that overlooks the dance floor and DJ booth, while the third floor, known as the Diamond Lounge, boasts a craft bar and gourmet snacks.

Sapphire Social began pushing their vision out on socials and at local events this summer, boosting the hype and excitement for their opening.

The venue held its soft opening from Dec. 26 to 27 as a rehearsal for its grand opening on New Year’s Eve.

“We wanted to have a big grand opening for everybody and do something really cool for our community,” said Rebecca Crusenberry. “We thought that New Year’s was perfect because everybody wants to come out and have a good time and have a big party, so we kind of wanted to make it a double celebration. New year and new nightlife in downtown Bristol.”

The grand opening will feature a balloon drop, an ice sculpture with the Sapphire Social logo, a photo booth, a blue carpet rollout, and a viewing of the New Year’s Eve ball drop from New York City.

The Sapphire Social team has been hard at work making sure everything is ready to go for both openings.

“It’s been a little bit of chaos and a team working for almost 24 hours for almost three months now,” said Rebecca Crusenberry. “It’s been all hands on deck, working day and night to get everything ready because it’s a monster of a building, and it’s two different levels with two different vibes. It’s been a lot of logistics to make it work, and it’s been a lot of work, but we’ve got it.”

Both owners said they’re most excited to see the building come to life with visitors and build community.

“I’m excited to see people actually in the building and see it,” said Rebecca Crusenberry. “It’s been such a dream for over a year now, we’ve just built this big idea up in our head.”

“We’re definitely excited to have people come in and see what we’ve been working on,” said Chance Crusenberry. “We think this is an amazing place that there’s nothing like it within 4 hours at least. We’re excited to work with the community and other businesses and build a community here.”

Sapphire Social will host their soft opening from Dec. 26 to 27. The Diamond Lounge will be open for all ages from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The nightclub on the first story will open to 21+ at 8 p.m. and remain open until 2:30 a.m.

The club’s grand opening on Dec. 31 will open its Diamond Lounge from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for all ages. 21+ club doors will open at 7 p.m. There will be a $20 cover charge.