PORTLAND, Ore. — On a rainy Sunday morning, a line of eager fans dressed in Patagonia fleeces, beanies, and rain jackets gathered outside a sports bar, ready to enjoy the March Madness experience. The atmosphere inside the bar was like any other sports bar in America, with jerseys and sports equipment adorning the walls, TVs displaying various games, and classic “Jock Jams” playing in the background.
Breaking Stereotypes in Sports
However, there was one significant difference: only women’s sports were featured on the bar’s five TVs and the walls were adorned exclusively with images of female athletes, such as Brittney Griner, Allyson Felix, and Naomi Osaka. The Sports Bra, as the establishment is aptly named, caters to a growing audience of women’s sports enthusiasts, offering a unique space for fans to gather, socialize, and support their favorite female athletes.
The Rise of Women’s Sports in Portland
Owned by 43-year-old Jenny Nguyen, a former basketball player and experienced chef, the Sports Bra is dedicated to promoting and supporting women’s sports. With a mission to expose as many people as possible to women’s sports and provide access to the games, the bar has quickly gained popularity and resonated with its patrons.
Addressing the Media Gap in Women’s Sports
The need for such a space is evident, as women’s sports often face a significant gap in media coverage. Despite women making up 40% of all athletes, they receive less than 10% of media coverage. This lack of visibility has led to many women’s sports fans struggling to find ways to watch their favorite teams, resorting to multiple streaming services or social media platforms to catch games.
A Hub for Women’s Sports Fans
The Sports Bra is a direct response to this issue, providing a dedicated space for fans to watch women’s sports without having to jump through hoops to do so. As more people become aware of the disparity in media coverage and the availability of spaces like the Sports Bra, the hope is that this will help to break down stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive sports culture.
