Discover Downtown Gloversville
- Jennifer Donovan
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Inside the Energy of Venue 91 and Upstate RC & Hobbies
While driving by 91 N. Main Street in Gloversville, this former manufacturing and warehouse building might look quiet at first glance. But step inside—or better yet, spend an evening there—and you’ll quickly realize it’s anything but. Activity hums on every level of this evolving event and entertainment destination, now expanding under the vision of local owners Ryan and Tristen Holland. For the past two years, the Hollands have operated Upstate RC & Hobbies on the building’s lower level (prior to the Gloversville location the business was in Johnstown), building a loyal following among radio-control enthusiasts across Fulton County.
Now, they’re taking things to the next level—literally—by expanding onto the main floor and taking over Venue 91, a flexible event space designed with families and community gatherings in mind. The current owner, EJ Gallup, is transitioning to a different career and has turned the keys over to the Hollands, offering full support as they expand the business model.
A Space Built for Celebration—and Connection
Venue 91 transforms the building’s main floor into a vibrant hub for parties, receptions, corporate events, and special occasions. The space is thoughtfully designed to balance energy and comfort: kids can run, jump, and play in the large gym area (yes, even a bounce house is an option), while adults can relax and socialize in a separate lounge—close enough to keep an eye on the action, but with room to breathe.
Rental options are flexible, with three-hour blocks forming the foundation:
• $250 for lounge-only access
• $350 for the full floor (without bounce house)
• $450 for the full floor with bounce house
• Additional time is available at $75 per hour
Time slots are structured to make weekend planning easy, with options across Friday evenings, all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. A non-refundable $100 booking fee secures your spot—and includes a bonus 30 minutes early for decorating.
More Than a Party—A Full Experience
What sets this location apart is what’s happening downstairs.
The lower level remains home to Upstate RC & Hobbies, a one-stop shop for radio-control vehicles and gear. The store carries major brands like Traxxas, Team Associated, Tamiya, and ProTek, along with batteries, parts, and upgrades. Whether you're into cars, boats, planes, or helicopters, it’s a destination for hobbyists of all skill levels—and a place where expert advice and repair support come standard. But it’s not just a store—it’s an experience.
The Hollands have built an indoor dirt oval track known as “The Bullring at Upstate RC,” a high-energy racing environment constructed with four truckloads of dirt. It has become a centerpiece for competitions and community events, including the recently hosted 2nd Annual Short Track Spec Super Nationals, featuring sprint cars, midgets, mudboss, and more.
And now, they’re combining both worlds.
A Sunday special blends both levels of the building—offering full-floor access, bounce house fun, and RC track time in one extended package. It’s a unique, all-in-one experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
Activity on Every Level
The energy inside the building doesn’t stop there. The third floor is also home to Underground Wheelhouse, an indoor batting cage facility that adds yet another layer of recreation to the space. While not owned by the Hollands, this sports-focused business fits seamlessly with the building’s overall theme—active, family-friendly, and community-driven.
Weekly Events and What’s Ahead
Beyond private rentals, Venue 91 is building a steady calendar of activities:
• Monday Night Open Gym: Basketball from 6–9 p.m. ($10, ages 18+)
• Adult Basketball League: Launching in May
• Dodgeball Night: April 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. ($10 per person, $3 spectator fee)
Rooted in Community
For Ryan and Tristen Holland, this expansion isn’t just about business—it’s about filling a need. As lifelong area residents and parents, they recognized the lack of flexible, family-friendly event space in the community and set out to create something that brings people together.
And that’s exactly what Venue 91 delivers: a place where birthdays, leagues, hobbies, and everyday moments intersect—a building that once housed industry now fueling connection, recreation, and fun.
So next time you pass by 91 N. Main Street, don’t be fooled by the exterior. Inside, something exciting is happening—and it’s only just getting started.
For more information on Venue 91, email venue91@yahoo.com. To schedule rentals, call or text (518) 819-1675 or (518) 709-3792. For information on Upstate RC & Hobbies, call or text (518) 705-4511 or email upstaterc@yahoo.com.
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Discover Downtown Gloversville
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