In Phoenix’s Melrose District, Title 9 Sports Grill is making waves as a go-to spot for those who want to watch women’s sports. Co-owners Audrey Corley and Kat Moore have transformed the former hot dog restaurant into a vibrant bar dedicated to showcasing female athletes. With the walls adorned in bright pink and orange and multiple TVs, Title 9 is all about celebrating women’s achievements in sports.
Corley came up with the idea for Title 9 after noticing the rise of similar bars across the country, inspired by The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon. “It’s time for a place like this,” she said, before the grand opening. The bar aims to be a hub for fans as March Madness approaches, drawing attention to the growing number of venues focused on women’s sports.
This year marks a significant milestone in women’s collegiate sports, with female teams finally earning revenue during the NCAA tournament — a change that many believe will increase interest and support for women’s athletics. Stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have stood out as role models, enhancing the visibility of women’s sports and helping to attract fans.
At Title 9, the atmosphere is inviting for everyone, regardless of gender. Moore reassured potential patrons that men are welcome, adding a humorous touch to the conversation. The bar pays homage to female athleticism with creative cocktails named after legendary athletes and features decor celebrating trailblazers in women’s sports.
Meanwhile, in Austin, Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis recently launched the 1972 ATX Women’s Sports Pub, inspired by similar concepts. They emphasized the importance of inclusivity while aiming to attract support for women’s sports — an area that has seen less attention compared to men’s leagues.
Despite lacking hospitality experience, the duo has dedicated themselves to running the bar successfully, bringing in skilled staff to create a vibrant environment for fans. They, too, have felt encouragement from the community, including families who want their children, regardless of gender, to appreciate women’s sports just as much as men’s.
In Denver, Annie Weaver and Miranda Spencer, having met on the football field, opened the 99ers Sports Bar, inspired by the U.S. Women’s World Cup winners. The bar buzzed with excitement during March Madness, bringing together fans to celebrate women’s sports, even in a city without major women’s teams.
As these bars open across the nation, the movement to highlight and support women’s sports seems to be just getting started. Advocates like Moore stress that these establishments should be founded out of a genuine passion for the game, not merely as a trend. The message is clear: the love for women’s sports deserves recognition and celebration, and these venues aim to provide just that.
