AUSTIN, Texas — Guadalupe Street is now home to a first-ever in Austin. Open the doors to the 1972 Women’s Sports Pub for a glimpse at how women’s sports are surging in popularity and viewership.
“We are dedicated women’s sport only. So, there will no men’s sports on our televisions,” said Debra Hallum, co-owner of 1972 Women’s Sports Pub. “We need to grow viewership. We need to show all, including men, that women’s sports are entertaining.”
The Texas women are doing their part to drive home that message. Monday’s March Madness win against Illinois shot the Longhorns to the Sweet 16. David and Sylvia Gonzalez drove from Buda to find a pub that would guarantee they’d be able to watch the action start to finish and with the volume up.
“It’s about time women have a stage where they can really highlight themselves,” said David Gonzalez.
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The number of women’s sports bars is expected to quadruple this year across the U.S. Austin’s pub at 2530 Guadalupe Street is one of three that’s already opened its doors.
“We have a long way to go before we reach equality but at least we’re taking baby steps,” said Sylvia Gonzalez.
The name of the Austin pub honors a pivotal year in women’s sports. In 1972, Title IX was enacted, prohibiting sex discrimination in any educational program including athletics. More than 50 years later, it’s game time for the newly opened women’s sports bar that is ready to chalk up some wins during March Madness.
“I think UT women will make the Final Four. I’d love to see them take it all,” said Hallum.
The Texas women will play Tennessee in the Sweet 16 on Saturday in Birmingham.
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