The Sports Bra Sports Bar Opens Friday

Photo credit: The Sports Bra

The Sports Bra, a new sports bar in the old Carne space on NE Broadway, is opening this Friday—and they will play only women’s sports on their TVs. In fact, The Sports Bra is the first and only sports bar in the world that will focus completely on televising women’s sports. No doubt it will become known as “the Bra” over time, and it’s a pretty exciting idea to showcase women’s sports in the sports bar format, which appeals to me both as a woman, recreational athlete, and sports fan.

Jenny Nguyen’s Idea

Their recent press release states that The Sports Bra has “a mission to make great food and delicious drinks, and provide a space that supports, empowers, and promotes girls and women in sports and in the community.” Owner, chef, and avid basketball player Jenny Nguyen has proved to be a savvy businessperson with a great concept and the skills to raise money for her business, encourage gifts of memorabilia, and get plenty of traditional and social media attention from around the world. Her Kickstarter raised $105,000—more than twice its goal—over 30 days.

Nguyen came up with the idea for this women’s-sports-only sports bar back 2018. She and a group of friends went to a local sports bar with the aim to watch the NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Tournament championship game between Notre Dame and Mississippi State, well-regarded as one of the best games in NCAA history. They did what you do at a sports bar: gathered together to watch the game on the TV, with food and drink in hand. But then the game was over and they realized they got short shrift when it came to their experience—watching this incredible game in a cramped corer space with a tiny, muted TV. Nguyen knew she could do better.

Then in 2020 there was social and political upheaval in Portland and around the country that got her thinking: it was time for a change in her life. Changes like working for herself, expanding her business acumen, developing a unique sports bar menu, and doing something meaningful in promoting women and girls and bringing female sports to the forefront. The idea of The Sports Bra was born.

As you can tell, Nguyen is deeply passionate about providing a space to lift up the value of female sports—a place to celebrate women’s and girls’ sports together. “The statistics about girls and women dropping out of sports are staggering,” remarked Nguyen. “Girls who play sports have higher self-esteem and a more positive body image. The Bra will be more than just a place to view women’s sports. It gives people a space to be together and celebrate. It can start with the viewing, and then expand to how that could grow into a larger movement.”

The Sports Bra

Photo credit: The Sports Bra

At the Sports Bra, their five TVs will play women’s sports games that will broadcast on regular TV, satellite or cable (ESPN3), and Just Women’s Sports for some additional limited programing. They will play Portland Thorns games and ATA Football matches. Did you know that 96% of all sports media coverage on TV is of men’s sports? That means just 4% of all sports on TV is of women. Not to mention, 40% of pro athletes are female. Cue “mind blown” emoji.

Nguyen says, “We aim to put that 4% on blast. If it’s on, we will show it.” Along with that, she points out, “If it’s not on, we CAN’T show it.” There will be times the TVs will be off, due to circumstances—that “measly 4%” AKA not enough content—beyond her control. She has started to develop a few partnerships with several sports media brands to bring more coverage, but it’s a work in progress.

The Menu

Not only will you get to watch and enjoy the range of available women’s sports at The Sports Bra, you’ll be able to enjoy the work of women in the food industry. Look for familiar pub food (e.g., tots, burgers, nachos), but also dishes that welcome vegans, vegetarians, gluten and dairy free folks. Personally, I’m glad to see salads because I love salad, and roasted Brussels sprouts because they are awesome.

Some of Nguyen’s family recipes like Mom’s Baby Back Ribs and Aunt Tina’s Vietna-Wings are also on the menu. Nguyen is sourcing ingredients from women-owned businesses: beef from Cory Carman of Carman Ranch, alcohol from Freeland Spirits and produce from Vibrant Valley Farm. Check out the menu on the Sports Bra website.

Photo credit: The Sports Bra

There will be plenty to drink, too. The Sports Bra will feature women-owned distillery Freeland Spirits for their signature cocktails, as well as many other women brewers and winemakers on their tap and wine lists. Really happy to see a selection of zero-proof cocktails, too. Their drink menu can also be found on the Sports Bra website.

So stop on by on Friday (and beyond) and check it out. They’ll be having a grand opening celebration tomorrow—doors open at 11am and there will be “prizes and surprises.” Sounds like a great time. Best of luck to Jenny Nguyen and all her staff as they open this groundbreaking sports bar.

The Sports Bra
2512 NE Broadway, Portland
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