7 Game-Changing Facts About 'A Bar Of Their Own': The Women's Sports Bar Rewriting History

The sports landscape is undergoing a revolutionary shift, and at the forefront is "A Bar of Their Own," a groundbreaking establishment in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that has become a national talking point. As of December 2025, this unique venue is not just a place to grab a drink; it is a cultural landmark and a powerful statement on the visibility of female athletics, operating as the Midwest's first sports bar exclusively dedicated to broadcasting women's sports. It is a vital, inclusive space for fans who have long struggled to find venues that prioritize the WNBA, NWSL, NCAA women's basketball, and other major female leagues over men's programming. Opened in early 2024, the bar has quickly cemented its status as a must-visit destination, proving that the demand for dedicated women's sports viewing is immense and underserved. The concept, which is only the fourth of its kind in the United States, signals a massive turning point in how women's professional and collegiate sports are consumed and celebrated by the public.

The Visionary Behind the Bar: Jillian Hiscock and Her Mission

The story of "A Bar of Their Own" is inextricably linked to its passionate founder, Jillian Hiscock. Her journey from a dedicated sports fan to a history-making business owner is a testament to the growing momentum of women's athletics.

Jillian Hiscock: Biography and Professional Profile

• Name: Jillian Hiscock
• Role: Founder and Owner of A Bar of Their Own
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
• Inspiration: The lack of dedicated public viewing spaces for women's sports, often having to ask bartenders to change a TV from a men's game.
• Bar's Name Origin: Inspired by the classic 1992 film, *A League of Their Own*, which follows the World War II-era All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
• Historical Significance: Hiscock made history by opening Minnesota's first-ever bar dedicated exclusively to women's sports.
• Community Focus: Creating an inclusive, all-ages space that fosters community and celebrates female athletes.

Hiscock’s vision was simple yet radical: to create a space where fans of women's sports would never have to ask to see their favorite teams on screen. This foundational principle has driven the bar's success, transforming it from a concept into a thriving community hub.

The Exclusive Focus on Women's Sports: A Revolutionary Model

"A Bar of Their Own" has established a revolutionary business model by making a clear and unwavering commitment to one category of sports programming. This focus is what makes the bar a magnet for a massive, passionate, and previously marginalized fan base.

1. Prioritizing the Unseen Games

In traditional sports bars, women's games—even high-stakes events like the WNBA Finals or the NWSL Championship—are often relegated to a single, small screen in a corner, or not shown at all. This bar flips that script. Every screen is dedicated to women’s athletics, ensuring maximum visibility for leagues like the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and college sports, particularly NCAA women's basketball and hockey.

2. A Hub for Local Teams and Athletes

The bar has become an essential gathering spot for fans of local teams, including the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) and the Minnesota Aurora FC (USL W League). By consistently showing their games and hosting team-related events, the establishment builds a deeper connection between the teams and the community, driving ticket sales and local support. This commitment to local sports entities boosts topical authority and community engagement.

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3. Part of a National Movement

"A Bar of Their Own" is not an isolated phenomenon; it is part of a growing national trend. It is one of only a handful of such venues in the U.S., following the path blazed by Portland, Oregon's The Sports Bra, which is often credited as the nation's first dedicated women's sports bar. This small but powerful network of bars is proving the commercial viability of this niche, inspiring similar ventures across the country.

More Than Just a Bar: Building an Inclusive Community

The success of "A Bar of Their Own" extends beyond its screens and taps. It is the inclusive and celebratory atmosphere that truly sets it apart, attracting a diverse clientele that includes women, men, families, and allies.

4. An All-Ages, Inclusive Space

The bar is designed to be welcoming to everyone, operating as an all-ages space where families can bring their children to watch their female sports heroes. This focus on inclusivity is a core element of its mission, fostering a new generation of women's sports fans and providing a safe, positive environment for the community.

5. Celebrating Women's History and Culture

Timing its opening near Women's History Month in March 2024 was a deliberate choice, underscoring the bar's role in celebrating female achievement. The decor, menu, and events often feature tributes to iconic female athletes, teams, and moments in sports history. Recent events, such as joining "Dining Out for Life" in April 2025 and special March 2025 programming, keep the bar in the news cycle, ensuring its information remains current and fresh.

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6. The Location: A New Life for an Old Favorite

The bar is located in Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood, taking over the space formerly occupied by Tracy's Saloon (2207 E Franklin Ave). By moving into a familiar neighborhood spot, Hiscock was able to leverage an existing community connection while completely revitalizing the space's purpose, creating a new legacy for the location.

7. Driving the Economic Engine of Women's Sports

By providing a dedicated, high-visibility platform, "A Bar of Their Own" directly contributes to the economic growth of women's sports. When fans know they can reliably watch a game, they spend money on food, drinks, and merchandise, which in turn signals to advertisers and media companies that investing in female leagues is a profitable venture. This establishment is a tangible example of the rising tide phenomenon, where increased visibility leads to greater financial sustainability for female athletes and organizations.

The establishment serves as a beacon of change, demonstrating that there is not only a desire but a significant, profitable market for women's sports. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, ensuring that female athletes finally have "a bar of their own" where their accomplishments are the main event.

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