The Scene: Bingo! Point Loma’s Thursday night thrill!

The Scene:

Every Thursday night at the Portuguese Hall in Point Loma for the past seven years, a lively crowd gathers to try their luck at Bingo. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the games begin at 6:30 p.m. Players must be age 18 or older. The cost is $21.

Ten regular games pay out $250, with the Progressive Jackpot at $1,199. If you arrive hungry, the Portuguese Café offers dinner specials. The beloved bartender, JD, mans the full-service bar throughout the night.

The games draw regulars and newbies alike, so whether you’ve been playing for years or thought “Bingo” was just a name for a dog in a children’s song, all are welcome. Volunteer floor workers are happy to help if you’ve got questions. The Portuguese Hall is at 818 Avenida De Portugal. (619) 223-5880. upses.com/bingo

Roman Bech and his mother Phyllis at the game table.

Patricia Leon, Peggy Terrill and Kim Holcomb

( Savanah Duffy )

Siggi Grayson and Evette Burleson, sell lucky charms to other players.

( Savanah Duffy )

A table of regulars focused on their cards, waiting to mark the last few numbers needed to win.

( Savanah Duffy )

Eva Abbott, Melissa Cormier and Rachelle Cormier giggle and get camera-shy during their weekly Bingo game.

(Savanah Duffy)

A player marks her card.

( Savanah Duffy )

‘Good ol’ J.D.’ has been tending bar for the past 42 years, working at the Bingo games for about four years.

( Savanah Duffy )

Joanne Engelhart is a weekly Bingo queen, and on this particular evening, wins $200.

( Savanah Duffy )

Tony Cefalu proudly holds up his Bingo card.

( Savanah Duffy )

An overview of the Bingo crowd Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Portuguese Hall

( Savanah Duffy )

A table of regulars keep their heads down so they don’t miss a single number called out.

( Savanah Duffy )

These lucky troll dolls belong to Robert San Nicolas. ‘They’re married!’ he explained.

( Savanah Duffy )

Don Bagley seems to be enjoying himself!

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Stephanie Heyn holds up her lucky elephant friend, Feathers. ‘Don’t forget Feathers!’ she told Point Loma-OB Monthly .

(Savanah Duffy)

Kiola Da Luz calls out numbers for the players.

( Savanah Duffy )