Places to Play | Places to Buy
The Rack – Livonia, MI
Located in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, MI, The Rack originally opened in 1963 as Eddie's Rack & Cue as part of the nationwide poolroom boom from the movie “The Hustler.” Presently owned by Steve and Sandy Lomako, The Rack is a players' room and a haven for beginning pool players to champions alike, where the motto is “Amateur & Professional Hustlers Are Always Welcome!”
Steve is a former player who gave up the action and road life after meeting Sandy, settling down and starting their family. No stranger to the life of a professional pool player, Sandy is the daughter of the legendary gambler, money player, and one-pocket and banks Hall of Famer Billy “Cornbread Red” Burge.
Currently housing 17 tables, the room is player – and spectator – friendly with the “ Players' Pit on one half, consisting of four tough 9-foot Gold Crowns and a 6-foot by 12-foot snooker table, all surrounded by double-chrome railings, bar-height seating, and tables, making it an excellent venue to comfortably watch a little action.
The other half of the room is tailored more for the casual player and groups with ten 9-foot tables and two bar tables. There are also plenty of tables and chairs for relaxing with a cup of coffee or soda and something to eat from the kitchen while watching your favorite sports on TV. Your can also play cards, chess, or backgammon with the large group of regulars that frequent the room daily.
Billiard supplies and cues are available, with the majority though catalog sales so you can get what you really want. Custom cues and repairs are also available through resident cue maker and player “California John” McCue.
The Rack is also constantly promoting billiards, hosting WPBA qualifiers, BCA junior national qualifiers, Viking Tour events, and local and region and regional tournaments, in addition to sponsoring various players in different events. Whenever you're in the area, make it a point to stop in, say hello, and check it out.
Inside Pool Magazine's Dec. 07
