Side Splitters Comedy Club, which has long been one of Tampa Bay\u2019s favorite spots for comedy, is preparing to expand to a new location, this time in St. Pete. Founded in 1992, Side Splitters currently has two locations, in Tampa and Wesley Chapel.<\/p>\n
What Now spoke with owner Brian Thompson on Tuesday about how the comedy world has changed over more than three decades\u2014and how it hasn\u2019t\u2014and about plans for the opening at the Sundial.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe internet changed everything with comedy, of course,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cPeople don\u2019t have to move to New York and L.A. to create a career for themselves. People can take it into their own hands with TikTok and Instagram.\u201d<\/p>\n
But, Thompson says, what hasn\u2019t changed is the unique pleasure of live comedy. \u201cLive performances are still just as beautiful a thing. It\u2019s a piece of art that\u2019s awesome to see live.\u201d<\/p>\n
And soon, you\u2019ll be seeing it live in St. Petersburg, too. The new Side Splitters will have a footprint similar to that of the Tampa location, with seating for about 250 guests. When you enter, you\u2019ll find a bar and a lounge area; there\u2019s also table service throughout the show, of course. On the menu, you\u2019ll find plenty of drinks as well as light eats like popcorn, quesadillas, and nachos.<\/p>\n
And when can we expect to find Side Splitters Comedy Club at the Sundial?<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot depends on the buildout, of course,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cBut we\u2019re hoping for Spring 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
You can keep up with Side Splitters news by following @sidesplitterstampa<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n