The OP, one of El Paso’s oldest gay clubs, has gone out of business

The OP (Old Plantation) has closed, according to a post on its Facebook page posted Friday afternoon.

“OP closes its doors officially as of today, Halloween tickets can be refunded at OP during the day or at whatever (lounge) tonight, op-5336055 ,” the status reads.

A reason for the closing was not mentioned.

The club called itself “El Paso’s premiere alternative lifestyle Bar & Nightclub. It has been around for over 36 years and is the oldest and biggest Gay Nightclub in Texas.”

“Sad to finally realize a club that has been a staple in El Paso has finally gone down,” Freddie Torres posted on KVIA’s Facebook page in response to the closing. “We will all have fond memories of that place … . The OP seemed to be a ritual as a we grew up and realized who we were. Gay, straight, or other, you went there to have a good time. All that will remain now will be memories and pictures of a time when we all had fun. It’s time to close the doors and move on. “

The closing came as a surprise to some who posted on the club’s Facebook page because as of Wednesday the club was still advertising its Halloween party.

Also, the club denied it was closing in a Facebook post earlier this month.

“ALSO THE OP WILL NOT BE CLOSING AFTER HALLOWEEN!!! IT WILL REMAIN OPEN….RUMORS ARE RUMORS. THE NIGHTLIFE DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER WITHOUT THE OP!! ” the club’s Oct. 22 Facebook status read.

(Oct. 2012 story)