Per papers called Chronology of Portland’s Gay Bars – author unknown, “1982, then Lulu’s Tavern 1983.”

In the premiere issue of Cascade Voice [June 1982], page 24 there’s an article PLAYER’S “Why did I buy into a bar? I have no idea. Chris and I have talked about it for 3 years, and we finally said-OK-Fine!” And with this mandate, Mickey and Chris have jumped in with both feet into what used to be called Lulu’s, and has now been appropriately renamed “The Players Pub.” Located at 612 NW 21st, it is a nice, comfortable neighborhood drawing all types of people.

 This is Mickey’s first experience in ownership, although this Portland native has been a popular figure behind the bar for several years. Chris, who arrived here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City, was formerly one of the owners of Aaron’s. Players sports a baby dance floor, home-cooked specials on Sundays, elimination pool on Thursday and Saturday, and plans are underway for nightly pinochle, cribbage, and backgammon sessions. [partial article]

In the August 1982 issue of the Cascade Voice, PLAYERS BURGLARIZED During the wee morning hours of Monday, July 19, 1982, the popular neighborhood tavern«Players was burglarized. Chris one of the owners of the establishment said the thieves got approximately $700-$1000 worth of cash and severely damaged the pinball I machines, pool tables, and cigarette machines in their desperate search for money. Fortunately, no till money was stolen, due to the fact that it was secured away in the safe. The robbery took place between 230 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Mickey, the other owner of Players, discovered robbery at 7:30 a.m. The front door had been forced open by the thieves, who then had a field day in their search | for money. Police have speculated that these thieves were the same ones who hit two other businesses in the vicinity. [part of the article]

Below Left ad is from the Cascade Voice newspaper in September 1982. Below Right ad is from NW Fountain in January 1983.