Overweight people finally have a place of their own where they can shake their booties with ease of mind. Tempe's newest meet market, Club "Go Figure," is a nightclub for big and beautiful men and women and the people who adore them.
Last week's grand opening of Club "Go Figure" @ NY West, located at 2155 E. University Drive, attracted over 400 people from around the Valley.
Linda Seasor said she and her husband, Ian, started Club "Go Figure" because there is not a place where overweight people can go in the Valley.
"My husband is 300 pounds and feels out of place in other clubs in the Valley," said Seasor, 31, the petite, 105-pound owner of Club "Go Figure."
Seasor said the club is not trying to promote bad health.
"We do not have a buffet table lined up for these people," Seasor said. "It is a self-esteem builder."
Club "Go Figure" is not exclusively for overweight people.
"Everybody is welcome — we have had all shapes and sizes," Seasor said. "I was surprised at how racially diverse the crowd was, as well."
Seasor said she received 1,000 e-mails in one day alone of potential patrons inquiring about Club "Go Figure" and commending them on their opening.
"Some (overweight) people feel so out of place that they never leave their house," Seasor said. "This is a whole other world that is their own."
As an alternative to the trendy Scottsdale night clubs, people can hang out at Club "Go Figure," where there is no pressure to be skinny.
The club has activities including country-dance lessons, ladies' night, karaoke, toga contests and a dating game, where the winners are treated to free limousine service to Fraser's restaurant in Scottsdale, a complimentary dinner there and two free drinks when they return to the club.
On Sept. 1, the club plans to host a wet T-shirt contest and hopes to give the winner a free car.
Tim Brown, a 32-year-old Glendale resident, said this was his second time back to the club.
"I think it is about time the Valley has opened up a club for large people," Brown said. "In here, I am not referred to as the big, fat guy."
David Sterns, a justice studies student at Scottsdale Community College, could not believe the idea of a club for overweight people opening up in Tempe.
"I think it's gross," Sterns said. "I would not go there to pick up girls."
Sterns said the club sounded scary.
"Why would I go there?" he asked. "It does not sound like a very social atmosphere."
Sean Gaetke, 21, door man at Club "Go Figure," said Friday and Saturday night were the busiest.
"It is cool because I have a brother and two sisters that are all bigger, and it is cool that they have a place where they can hang out," Gaetke said.
Karen Moses, assistant director of health education at ASU, said it is a great idea that someone who is heavy decided to open the club.
"I hope it is successful," Moses said.
Jacob Shotwell, a mathematics senior, said the club sounds cool.
"I think it is a good idea because of the way we are towards overweight people."
Reach the reporter at erin.hawksworth@asu.edu.
