Women-Focused Sports Bars Aim to Create Inclusive Game Day Experiences
Aspiring to launch by June 1st, a new women’s sports bar is currently crowdfunding to raise $60,000. Organizers indicate on their fundraising page that failure to meet this financial target could postpone the establishment’s opening. Since June, they have been actively hosting pop-up events and selling branded merchandise to generate buzz and capital.
Financial Hurdles for Women-Owned Businesses
“It’s hardly surprising that traditional financial institutions are hesitant to lend to first-time bar proprietors, especially women-identifying queer individuals,” remarked Brady, a bar founder. “Securing a business loan has proven to be a significant obstacle, a challenge shared by many peers launching similar ventures in other cities. This systemic barrier is a source of considerable frustration.”
The Perseverance of The 99ers Sports Bar in Denver
Annie Weaver and Miranda Spencer, founders of The 99ers Sports Bar in Denver, which opened its doors in December, are the sole operators of their establishment. To expedite loan repayment, both maintain full-time day jobs – Weaver in insurance underwriting and Spencer in sales engineering. Subsequently, one or both work at the bar until closing, 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. Weaver recounted the difficulties they faced securing a lease, as neither possessed business or home equity to serve as collateral. Their guiding principle throughout the arduous process became, “everything’s figure-out-able.”
Courtesy Miranda Spencer
Weaver recalled a moment of near discouragement: “Just five days before lease signing, I told Miranda I was ready to give up, overwhelmed by repeated rejections. Yet, five days later, we signed. Looking back, I would have deeply regretted quitting. This venture has been an incredible journey, one I now can’t envision my life without.”
SET the Bar in Omaha: A Debt-Free Launch
Huyck, poised to unveil SET the Bar in Omaha this Friday, retired after a 21-year tenure at PayPal a year and a half prior. She invested $250,000 of her personal funds into the business. Furthermore, she secured an additional $850,000 through investors and has shared her investment model with fellow women’s sports bar owners. Huyck stated her intention to utilize investors from the outset, opting for personal investment to circumvent the additional complications associated with bank loans. Consequently, SET the Bar will commence operations free of debt.
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Creating an Inclusive Atmosphere
Beyond avoiding the perceived “macho” environments of conventional sports bars, many owners aim to cultivate more welcoming and inclusive spaces. This includes offering diverse beverage options such as mocktails, local brews, craft cocktails, and wines. Some intentionally designed brighter establishments, contrasting with typically dim sports bars. Huyck noted SET the Bar’s incorporation of plants and vibrant colors to enhance the ambiance.
Fostering Community and Belonging
Spencer described an enthusiastic welcome at The 99ers: “Whenever patrons enter, Annie and I, and subsequently other customers, erupt in applause and cheers.” Spencer enjoys reading customer reviews, noting one recent Google review that lauded it as “the bar where everyone knows your name.”
All interviewed bar owners emphasized their commitment to ensuring a welcoming environment for all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, to which many owners belong.
Diener explained their approach: “As a married couple, our lesbian ownership is apparent, and we embrace that. However, that is not our primary focus. We welcome everyone, including families. Our core identity is celebrating women’s sports, which distinguishes us from other queer bars.”
Weaver believes the prevalence of LGBTQ+ ownership in women’s sports bars is not coincidental.
“Growing up, we often lacked safe spaces where we felt accepted,” Weaver reflected. “It’s understandable why this demographic is leading this movement, yet our commitment to inclusivity extends to everyone.”
Anticipating Peak Moments and Future Growth
The bar owners expressed excitement for moments when their venues are filled to capacity during major games. The 99ers Sports Bar experienced this surge in its first month. During a Professional Women’s Hockey League game in Denver in January, which drew a record-breaking U.S. attendance of over 14,000, Weaver recounted patrons arriving with signs promoting “After party at the 99ers.” The bar overflowed, with lines extending outside despite the cold.
“We need more establishments like these,” Weaver asserted. “They are essential across the U.S. Everyone deserves a space like this in their community.”