Marin County Set to Welcome Its First Women’s Sports Bar: The Twelfth
In an innovative move aimed at supporting and celebrating women’s sports, Isabella Woods and Soledad Jean-Pierre are working to launch Marin County’s first women’s sports bar, aptly named “The Twelfth.” The duo is actively crowdfunding to secure the necessary capital for this unique venture.
Inspiration Behind The Twelfth
The concept for The Twelfth has been brewing for over a decade as Woods and Jean-Pierre, close friends and teammates on the Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League’s Lemondrops, recognized a gap in the local community. They sought a welcoming atmosphere for fans of women’s sports, which they’ve found to be lacking in Marin.
Engaging the Community
According to Woods, the aim is to create a space where families can comfortably watch games featuring teams like Bay FC and the United States Women’s National Team. “There are only ten women’s sports bars in the entire country,” Woods stated, emphasizing the rarity of such establishments. “While there are more in the pipeline, the need for them is evident.”
The Need for a Dedicated Space
Woods and Jean-Pierre have encountered significant challenges in finding suitable locations. Potential landlords often express skepticism about the viability of a women’s sports bar. “We often hear, ‘Are there enough women’s sports to show all day?’” Woods shared. She attributes this misconception to a lack of awareness surrounding the extensive programming available, noting that many events remain obscured behind paywalls on streaming services.
Projections and Statistics
The business duo is supported by impressive viewership statistics, including the recent record-setting Women’s World Cup, which reached an audience of 2 billion people globally. Furthermore, the growth in participation rates in women’s sports has been substantial, a trend highlighted by financial success for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). For instance, the San Diego Wave was sold for $120 million after being purchased for just $2 million three years prior.
Family-Friendly Features
The Twelfth aims to create a family-friendly environment, featuring ample outdoor space for children while parents enjoy the games with food and drinks. The bar intends to provide a welcoming atmosphere, something Woods finds lacking in current local venues.
- Outdoor areas for family enjoyment
- Kid-friendly food options for busy parents
- Accessible viewing of women’s sports events
Fundraising and Ownership
Woods and Jean-Pierre are setting their sights on raising $425,000 through crowdfunding efforts, intending to maintain full ownership of their business, which Woods identifies as vital for women entrepreneurs. “It’s important to keep that ownership where it belongs,” she stated.
The idea is not just to create a bar, but to foster a community space where supporters of women’s sports can gather and celebrate together. “Investing in this venture is about creating the future we want to see,” Woods affirmed.
As they move forward with their plans, the duo is optimistic about the potential impact of The Twelfth on Marin County’s sports landscape, envisioning a venue that champions women athletes and unites the community.
