Turning through time at Triple Play Records

A Musical Oasis in Downtown Grand Junction

By Kaia Hofmeister, Writer/Editor for Hometown Highlight

If you’re a music lover, you know that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of browsing through stacks of vinyl, searching for that one rare gem that you just have to add to your collection. And if you happen to find yourself in Grand Junction, Colorado, you won’t want to miss a visit to Triple Play Records, located on Main Street in the heart of downtown.

From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted by walls lined with albums of every genre, from classic rock to indie and everything in between.

The business began in 1988 by Matt Cesario’s father, Rock Cesario. Matt explained that his father started his business because of his love for vinyl.

“He started investing in vinyl when the record companies introduced the CD, even though multiple people told him it was a bad idea because they would be going out of style,” Cesario said.

But Triple Play is more than just a record store. They also offer an extensive array of frisbees for disc golf lovers as well as turn tables, apparel, tapestries, incense, stickers, posters and patches.

Andrew Wetzel is an avid disc golfer and shops at Triple Play Records when he wants to build his disc collection.

“They have a great selection of new and used discs,” Wetzel said. “Also, they have a frequent flier card for each disc you buy which eventually adds up to store credit.”

Cesario explained that his dad had previously worked in record stores before beginning Triple Play Records, which is what inspired him to keep vinyl alive. When it came to disc golf, his father had gone with friends and fell in love with the sport and decided to add that to the store’s selection. Since then, the disc sales and selection has blown up.

“It’s great because our target audience is anyone from teenagers to our grandparents age, anyone who buys records or disc golfs,” Cesario said.

But it’s not just the selection that sets Triple Play apart – it’s the atmosphere. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help you find what you’re looking for or offer a recommendation if you’re not quite sure.

Cesario explained that Triple Play Records hand selects everything that comes through the door, based on requests and recommendations, rather than someone just ordering in bulk from an office.

After visiting the business, I spoke with Jason Broidy and Anne Tally, both are long-time shoppers at Triple Play Records. 

“I have over 600 pieces of vinyl, and every one of them came from that store,” Jason Broidy said. “I also have a fine assortment of collectible vinyls. This is where you go for records. They even reach out to us sometimes when they have things they think we might like. He knows my taste and knows what I collect.”

Tally explained that the diverse selection and friendly atmosphere is what keeps her returning to Triple Play Records.

“When we moved into our house we didn’t have any vinyl besides what my parents saved from my collection as a teenager,” Anne Tally explained. “When we moved here full time we began building our collection, which ranges classical to jazz to 80s new wave to country. They have a little bit of everything. You can generally find anything for your music interest. And as another business owner in the area, they are always coming to the age of community. They are so community centric, you can go in there and you feel like you’re family. They’re super friendly.”

If you’re a music lover, vinyl collector or frisbee golfer, Triple Play Records is a must-visit destination in Grand Junction. Whether you’re hunting for a rare item or just looking to discover something new, you’ll find what you’re looking for, and more, at this beloved downtown record store. 

The store’s current hours are Monday through Saturday from 10-6 p.m. and from 11-4 on Sunday. 

So next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.