Fenix closes; Showbox Sodo will take over club

The Fenix Underground, a longtime anchor of the Seattle club scene, really is going underground — as in "nice knowing you, rest in peace."

The death of the Fenix means an expansion for the Showbox, as the big downtown club will take over the 22,000 square feet of bar and concert space currently occupied by the Fenix.

After two locations and 15 years in Pioneer Square, the Fenix last year relocated to the Sodo address previously occupied by the Premier nightclub, at 1700 First Avenue South. In May, the Fenix filed for bankruptcy.

The Showbox will rename the club Showbox SoDo, with concerts there beginning Sept. 21.

"We may open for some sporting events before then, but no music events before that date," said Brian McFadin, who with Chad Queirolo will book both locations.

The original Showbox, which will be renamed Showbox at the Market, has a capacity of 1,100. Showbox SoDo has a capacity of 1,500, meaning Seattle's two biggest clubs will be owned and booked by the same people.

Upcoming shows at Showbox SoDo include the Irish punk band the Pogues on Oct. 17 and Dashboard Confessional on Oct. 21.

Tom Scanlon: tscanlon@seattletimes.com.