As soon as I walked into the StateStSports 2.0 Re-Launch Party at Bull & Bear Thursday night, I noticed two things. First, the bar was packed and it was only 10 PM. I think I got shoved by the waitresses about five times within my first five minutes there, but they were all carrying trays of drinks and shots, so who’s complaining. Second, the River North crowd is damn good looking. Based on these observations, Thursday at Bull & Bear is a large gathering of the city’s most genetically blessed and hard partying twenty-somethings, so come prepared for that.

An important note for the ladies: Do not come here on one of those Thursday nights when you throw on a hoodie and stretchy pants because the week is almost over and you need a beer. No, this night is a heels, makeup, and hot dress production. An important note for the gentlemen: Do whatever mysterious grooming rituals you do and dress like you’re going to be around girls who are, for the most part, hotter than you, and you’ll be straight.

Premier Event Marketing holds a weekly No Bull Thursdays party at Bull & Bear, but this week was special because of the StateStSports event. Right away, I saw a table surrounded by tons of green and white balloons and surprise! more attractive people. Among them was the Co-Founder of the StateStSports, Dan Shuftan, who told me that in the first hour of the event, over 100 people came through the front doors. By the end of the evening, StateStSports had raised $500 dollars in donations for Bears player Robbie Gould’s charity, The Goulden Touch.

Shouting over the music, Dan called his website StateStSports, a “free for all” for people who want a funny and real look at what’s going on in sports and entertainment today. Its uncensored and irreverent look at sports and pop culture is based on the “essence of loyalty” that Dan has built through his relationships with athletes and sports teams. Aimed at people in college – and those wishing they still were – followers of StateStSports are loyal to the brand because it’s “outside of the media” and can therefore talk shit if need be.

When I asked him why he chose Bull & Bear for the event, he looked at me paused and I realized I asked a dumb question (yes, there is such a thing). Dan lives in the neighborhood and knows that it always attracts a good crowd – but why wouldn’t he choose this bar? It’s a sexy place, people. Bull & Bear’s mix of luxurious decor and fun people make it a great spot for someone who wants to party in unpretentious style.

There are two bars, a main one in the front and another one in the back. The lighting has a lovely, rosy hue which, I might add, is very flattering in photos. The brick walls and bubble glass (?) chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the candle lit shelves above the bar, and the large framed mirrors reflecting the crowd, all created a chic, yet inviting atmosphere. The front room is dotted with tables and hanging side-by-side on all of the walls are large, flat screen TVs. The music is loud, but I did see a few dudes bust out some awesomely dorky dance moves during a Lady Gaga song, so I say, turn it up!

Above the main floor are private booths, and each booth has its own bar and beer on tap. Sparkler-topped bottles were being sent over to the booths what seemed like every ten minutes. The PEM booth was impossible to miss not only because most of those sparklers were heading that way, but also because it undoubtedly had the most enthusiastic group of party people in the bar. From the table, I saw a private booth one flight of stairs higher, which kind of looked like a cozy living room, but also seemed like a good place to party and chill while enjoying the view of all the suckers crammed on the floor below you.

Side note: I can only speak for the ladies here, but the restroom was clean and smelled nice, and the attendant was a very sweet lady who gave me a Snicker’s.

Living in Lincoln Park for the last four years, I think I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for nightlife around the area. But spending a night celebrating StateStSports at Bull & Bear made me realize that my Lincoln Park bubble may have given me “big fish in a little pond” syndrome because River North is a whole different pond and I, a very small fish. If you want to go out, dance, drink, and generally get lost in a gigantic crowd of good looking people, Thursday night at Bull & Bear will not let you down. Everyone in attendance honestly looked like they were having a top notch night (and it’s reviews like mine that will help them remember why the next morning). Don’t mess around with fun here! If you want to have a quiet evening in your sweatpants with some board games and peppermint schnapps – maybe just stay in.

StateStSports and Premier Event Marketing threw a great event Thursday, but if you missed this one, keep checking up onhttp://www.statestsports.com or follow @StateStSports on Twitter for news updates and info about upcoming events and projects in the works.