Denver Gets Its Own Women’s Sports Mecca: The 99ers Sports Bar
It’s a bittersweet victory for Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver, the dynamic duo behind Denver’s highly anticipated The 99ers Sports Bar. While the rest of the city gears up to watch the US Women’s National Team take on South Korea in a friendly match, these two entrepreneurs are neck-deep in paint swatches and barstool selections. Why? Because they’re about to open the doors to a place where every day is a celebration of women athletes, and let’s be real, someone’s gotta wrangle those flat-screen TVs.
A Pop-Up Party Fit for Champions
But fear not, soccer fanatics! Spencer and Weaver wouldn’t dream of leaving their fellow fans high and dry. They’re throwing a pre-game bash that would make Mia Hamm proud. Think of it as a sneak peek into the magic that awaits at The 99ers. This Saturday, head over to Lady Justice Brewing in Englewood for a watch party so epic, you might even forget about those sold-out stadium seats (okay, maybe not, but it’ll be close!).
Channeling the Spirit of ’99
For those too young to remember (or those who’ve strategically blocked out the agony of penalty kicks), the year nineteen ninety-nine was a watershed moment for women’s soccer. The USWNT, led by legends like Brandi Chastain and Michelle Akers, clinched the World Cup title on home soil, igniting a passion for the sport that continues to burn bright today. It’s this legacy of grit, determination, and straight-up talent that fuels Spencer and Weaver’s mission.
“That team didn’t just win a tournament; they sparked a movement,” says Spencer, her voice filled with admiration. “They showed little girls like me that we could dream big, that we could dominate on the field. And now,” she adds with a grin, “they’re showing us that we can open freakin’ awesome sports bars, too.”
For Weaver, the connection is deeply personal. “I grew up idolizing those women,” she shares. “They were the reason I begged my parents for shin guards and spent countless hours perfecting my free kicks. To create a space where their achievements are celebrated every single day? It’s an honor, truly.”
Riding the Wave of Women’s Sports
It’s no secret that women’s sports are having a moment – a moment that’s rapidly transforming into a full-blown movement. From packed stadiums to record-breaking viewership numbers, the world is finally catching on to what dedicated fans have known all along: female athletes are a force to be reckoned with.
Just look at the USWNT’s performance in last year’s SheBelieves Cup. The final match against Brazil drew an average of 6.5 million viewers, giving the men’s national team a run for their money in the ratings game. And it’s not just soccer; women’s basketball, tennis, and even hockey are seeing a surge in popularity, proving that this isn’t just a fleeting trend, it’s a cultural shift.
Take The Sports Bra in Portland, for instance. This trailblazing establishment, which proudly bills itself as a “sports bar dedicated to women’s sports,” has become a national sensation. Their story, much like the athletes they champion, is one of defying expectations and proving that when you create a space for women, the crowds will follow.
A Toast from the Pros
It seems the excitement surrounding The 99ers has reached the ears (and Twitter feeds) of some very important people – namely, the very athletes who inspired it all. USWNT star Sophia Smith, known for her lightning-fast footwork and knack for scoring game-changing goals, recently gave the bar a shout-out on social media, calling it “long overdue” and “a win for women everywhere.”
“It’s honestly kind of ridiculous,” Smith said in a recent interview. “You walk into a sports bar and have to practically beg them to switch one TV to a women’s game. It’s like they think we’re asking for the moon or something!”
Smith isn’t alone in her enthusiasm. Numerous current and former athletes have voiced their support for The 99ers, proving that the demand for such spaces extends far beyond the field. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, a place where women can gather to celebrate their athletic heroes without having to fight for the remote control. Now, that’s something worth cheering for.
Building a Community, Brick by Brick
For Spencer and Weaver, the journey to opening The 99ers has been a whirlwind of emotions – exhilaration, exhaustion, and everything in between. But amidst the chaos of construction permits and late-night menu tastings, one thing has remained constant: the overwhelming sense of support from their community, both locally and within the wider world of women’s sports.
“Honestly, the response has been mind-blowing,” says Weaver, shaking her head in disbelief. “We’ve received messages from people all over the country, even internationally! It just goes to show you the power of women supporting women. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.”
And it’s not just fans who are rallying behind The 99ers. Fellow female entrepreneurs, particularly those in the male-dominated world of sports bars, have reached out to offer advice, encouragement, and a healthy dose of “you got this, girl!” solidarity. It’s this collaborative spirit, this understanding of shared struggles and triumphs, that makes The 99ers more than just a bar—it’s a symbol of progress, a testament to the power of representation, and a damn good place to catch a game.
Game On: The 99ers Are Coming in Hot!
As the countdown to the grand opening continues, Spencer and Weaver are putting the finishing touches on their labor of love. The walls are adorned with jerseys signed by sports icons, the beer taps are prepped and ready to flow, and the energy in the air is electric.
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Lady Justice Brewing promises to be a taste of what’s to come—a chance to mingle with fellow fans, snag some sweet 99ers swag (think t-shirts with slogans like “Support Your Local Goal Diggers”), and raise a glass to the unstoppable force that is women’s sports.
So, here’s to the class of ’99, the trailblazers who paved the way, and to the next generation of athletes who continue to inspire us. And of course, here’s to The 99ers Sports Bar—may their doors always be open, their TVs always tuned to women’s sports, and their beer always cold. Cheers to that!