Denver's ESPN Zone closes

The ESPN Zone on Denver's 16th Street Mall went out of business Monday, just eight years after opening to much fanfare as a cornerstone of downtown Denver's rebirth.

The sports bar and restaurant, located on the second floor of the Tabor Center, laid off roughly 100 workers, all of whom are eligible for 60-day severance packages, management said.

Ownership cited the poor economic climate for the restaurant's closure.

"The overall economics of continuing this operation were very challenging," Regynald Washington, vice president and general manager of Disney Regional Entertainment, said in a letter posted on the restaurant's door.

"We have enjoyed being a partner of the Denver community for the past eight years. We thank our loyal patrons and believe we provided our customers with a great experience."

The letter also included a quote from Rick Alessandri, who oversees Zone operations for ESPN.

"A decision like this is never easy. We recognize and appreciate the commitment and years of service of all of these employees. Unfortunately, the current economic environment offered us no other choice."