The UFO On Dale Mabry: 5 Shocking Facts About 2001 Odyssey Tampa, FL's Legendary Nude Club And Its Rival Acquisition

As of December 16, 2025, the landscape of Tampa, Florida's adult entertainment scene has been fundamentally reshaped by one of its longest-standing institutions: 2001 Odyssey. This legendary full nude strip club, instantly recognizable by the bizarre, flying saucer-shaped structure perched on its roof, is more than just a local landmark; it's a powerhouse that recently made a stunning business move, fundamentally changing the competitive dynamic on Dale Mabry Highway.

The club’s blend of retro-futuristic architecture and decades of controversial history has cemented its place in Tampa Bay lore. But its latest chapter—a major acquisition that saw it take over the operations of its most famous rival—proves that this "Space Odyssey" is still very much in orbit and expanding its influence across the city.

The Complete Profile: 2001 Odyssey Tampa, FL

2001 Odyssey is not just a building; it's a piece of pop culture history and a testament to the enduring, often-controversial, spirit of Tampa's nightlife. Its story is inextricably linked to the city's development and its unique architectural oddities.

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• Type of Venue: Full Nude Strip Club (Adult Entertainment Venue)
• Location: Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida
• Opened: 1971
• Original Building Name: Formerly the Shangri La Lounge
• Inspiration: Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey
• Most Distinctive Feature: A rare Finnish-designed Futuro House (often mistaken for a UFO) on the roof, which serves as a VIP section.
• Key Figures: Opened by Jerry DeLong and partners; Current owner/operator Don Kleinhans (as of recent news).
• Recent Major Event: Acquired the business operations of rival club Mons Venus.
• Historical Context: One of the few remaining examples of the eccentric "Futuro House" architecture in Florida.

1. The Extraterrestrial Architecture: Why a Flying Saucer Sits on the Roof

The most iconic and curiosity-piquing feature of the 2001 Odyssey is the massive, white, flying saucer-like structure on its roof. This is not a custom decoration but a rare piece of architectural history known as a Futuro House.

A Relic of the Space Age Dream

Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the late 1960s, the Futuro House was intended to be a mass-produced, prefabricated "House of the Future." Its elliptical shape and plastic construction were meant to embody the optimism of the Space Age.

Only about 100 of these structures were ever built worldwide, and only a handful remain in Florida. The one atop 2001 Odyssey was placed there when the club opened in 1971, capitalizing on the popularity of the film that inspired its name, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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Today, this "UFO" serves a very earthbound purpose: it is the club's exclusive VIP room. This unique blend of high-concept design and adult entertainment creates a bizarre, unforgettable landmark along the busy Dale Mabry Highway.

2. The Shocking Acquisition: 2001 Odyssey Takes Over Mons Venus

In one of the most significant shifts in Tampa's nightlife history, 2001 Odyssey recently acquired the business operations of its long-time rival and neighbor across the street, the legendary Mons Venus.

A New Strip Club Empire on Dale Mabry

This move effectively puts two of Tampa's most famous and historically significant strip clubs under the same management umbrella. The owner of 2001 Odyssey, Don Kleinhans, confirmed the acquisition of the Mons Venus business, though not the real estate itself.

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The building owner of Mons Venus remains Joe Redner, a figure as legendary as the club itself, known for his decades-long legal battles that have shaped adult entertainment laws in the state and across the nation.

The consolidation of these two major entities is a powerful statement about the resilience and expansion of the 2001 Odyssey brand, securing its position as the dominant force in the local adult entertainment market.

3. Surviving the Unthinkable: Pandemic and Regulatory Challenges

Like all entertainment venues, 2001 Odyssey faced unprecedented challenges during the global pandemic. The club was forced to close its doors in March due to statewide orders issued by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Adaptation and Survival Tactics

The necessity to adapt quickly was crucial for survival. During periods of reopening with restrictions, the club implemented measures such as using colored tape on the stage to ensure six-foot social distancing between performers and patrons, a visual testament to the strange new normal.

The ability of the club to weather these economic storms and, shortly thereafter, make a major strategic acquisition like Mons Venus, highlights the business's deep roots and financial stability within the highly competitive Florida strip club market. The resilience of the adult entertainment industry in Tampa is a key part of the 2001 Odyssey story.

4. The DeLong Family Legacy and the Kubrick Connection

The club's origins are deeply rooted in a fascination with science fiction and a connection to the short-lived Futuro House trend. The original club was opened in 1971 by Jerry DeLong and his partners in a building that had previously been known as the Shangri La Lounge.

Jerry DeLong was reportedly obsessed with Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking film, 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), which inspired the club's name. The addition of the Futuro House—a real-life structure that looked like it belonged in a science fiction movie—was a brilliant, if eccentric, marketing move that perfectly tied the theme together.

This commitment to a unique, memorable theme has allowed 2001 Odyssey to stand out for over five decades, turning it from a simple business venture into a cultural landmark that draws attention from architectural enthusiasts, historians, and nightlife seekers alike.

5. More Than Just a Club: A Topical Authority in Tampa's Nightlife

The continued operation and recent expansion of 2001 Odyssey solidify its status as a topical authority in Tampa's entertainment sector. The club is a central figure in discussions about local business history, adult entertainment legislation, and unique Florida architecture.

The merger of operations with Mons Venus means that the 2001 Odyssey management team is now responsible for preserving the legacy of not one, but two, of the most storied venues in the Southeast. This requires navigating complex local regulations, managing a large workforce of performers and staff, and maintaining the distinct brand identities that both clubs have cultivated over many decades.

From the iconic Futuro House VIP room to the new control over its former rival, 2001 Odyssey is clearly not just surviving; it is thriving, ensuring that the legendary name and the UFO on Dale Mabry Highway will continue to be a dominant force in the Tampa Bay area for years to come.