Do you like playing pool? Then check out this new Cahokia bar

Pool players in the metro-east will soon have a new destination for casual games and small tournaments.

The Pregame, a new bar with pool tables and dartboards, opens Friday at 1491 Camp Jackson Road near the Cahokia Walmart.

Owners Sean Martin and Justin Snodgrass said the opening is a dream come true. It took six months to renovate the former pawn shop that was “totally decrepit,” Martin said.

He grew up playing pool in the area with his dad.

“Cahokia used to be one of the best places to shoot pool,” Martin said. “There have been a lot good tournaments down here. We want to bring that back.”

Martin’s dad, Jimmy Martin, Sr., was a professional pool player who played along side some of the best players in the country. His son, Sean, followed in his footsteps and fell in love with the game.

Snodgrass, a railroad worker, enjoys the game, too.

They met at Big Daddy’s in downtown Belleville where they learned a lot about the business of owning a bar while working together.

“Working at the bar has always been an experience that I liked,” Snodgrass said. “I’ve always wanted to open my own.”

Their place will have a laid-back atmosphere. Food will not be served, but customers can bring in their own. Video gaming will be installed in the future.

“It’s just a comfortable nice place you can come in and enjoy a couple games of pool and a couple games of darts,” Snondgrass said. “It’s just a very nice calm place.”

This story was originally published January 12, 2018 at 2:09 PM with the headline "Do you like playing pool? Then check out this new Cahokia bar."