Seattle's Latest Sports Haven: Rough & Tumble Expands to Meet Growing Demand for Women's Sports
In a significant milestone for women's sports visibility and community engagement, Rough & Tumble, the country's second women's sports bar, has opened its doors in Seattle. The new venue is a testament to the growing momentum of women's sports, with owner Jen Barnes citing the increasing media coverage as evidence - 5% just three years ago, projected to reach nearly 20% by year's end.
"I knew when I opened Rough & Tumble that we were right on the precipice of something big," said Barnes. "We are helping build that fan base and create community around watching women's sports."
To accommodate this growth, Barnes had to double her staff to open the new location. The expansion reflects a strategic vision for growth, with all staff training at the original Ballard location before opening the new space.
Community Impact and Partnerships
Rough & Tumble has been instrumental in promoting women's sports, particularly 3x3 basketball through its partnership with 3XBA, the country's first league. Owner Jen Barnes and Alanna McDonald, Co-Founder and President of 3XBA, have praised the bar's role as a catalyst for growth.
The bar has also developed partnerships with Togethxr, the women's sports media company co-owned by Seattle sports legend Sue Bird. Sarah Bergstrom, head of operations at Togethxr, highlighted the significance of such spaces: "Rough & Tumble is more than just a bar; it's a place where community happens."
Inclusivity is at the core of Rough & Tumble's mission. "We're creating a space where everybody's welcome," said Barnes. "It's a space for queer people and straight people, cis people and trans people, whether they like or don't know that they're going to fall in love with women's sports or not."
The bar has intentionally carved out a community space that embraces diversity, serving sports fans of all backgrounds. Despite challenges in Seattle's competitive restaurant industry, the business has found success by investing directly in women's sports.
With the opening of the second Rough & Tumble location at 4914 Rainier Avenue South in Columbia City, south Seattle, the bar is positioning itself at the forefront of a broader cultural shift towards growing recognition and support for women's sports.
In a significant milestone for women's sports visibility and community engagement, Rough & Tumble, the country's second women's sports bar, has opened its doors in Seattle. The new venue is a testament to the growing momentum of women's sports, with owner Jen Barnes citing the increasing media coverage as evidence - 5% just three years ago, projected to reach nearly 20% by year's end.
"I knew when I opened Rough & Tumble that we were right on the precipice of something big," said Barnes. "We are helping build that fan base and create community around watching women's sports."
To accommodate this growth, Barnes had to double her staff to open the new location. The expansion reflects a strategic vision for growth, with all staff training at the original Ballard location before opening the new space.
Community Impact and Partnerships
Rough & Tumble has been instrumental in promoting women's sports, particularly 3x3 basketball through its partnership with 3XBA, the country's first league. Owner Jen Barnes and Alanna McDonald, Co-Founder and President of 3XBA, have praised the bar's role as a catalyst for growth.
The bar has also developed partnerships with Togethxr, the women's sports media company co-owned by Seattle sports legend Sue Bird. Sarah Bergstrom, head of operations at Togethxr, highlighted the significance of such spaces: "Rough & Tumble is more than just a bar; it's a place where community happens."
Inclusivity is at the core of Rough & Tumble's mission. "We're creating a space where everybody's welcome," said Barnes. "It's a space for queer people and straight people, cis people and trans people, whether they like or don't know that they're going to fall in love with women's sports or not."
The bar has intentionally carved out a community space that embraces diversity, serving sports fans of all backgrounds. Despite challenges in Seattle's competitive restaurant industry, the business has found success by investing directly in women's sports.
With the opening of the second Rough & Tumble location at 4914 Rainier Avenue South in Columbia City, south Seattle, the bar is positioning itself at the forefront of a broader cultural shift towards growing recognition and support for women's sports.
It's cool to see the bar owner putting her money where her mouth is by investing directly in the community and partnering with organizations like 3XBA. That's some solid business sense right there.
. I mean, it's awesome to see more places supporting women's sports, you know? It's not just about the games themselves, but the community that comes with 'em. Rough & Tumble is doing a great job of creating that space for people from all walks of life. I love how they're embracing diversity and making everyone feel welcome 
. And it's awesome to see local legends like Sue Bird involved in the project. It just goes to show how far women's sports have come, and it's still growing 
! It's awesome to see more places popping up that are all about supporting women's sports. I mean, who doesn't want to hang out with their friends, watch some sick basketball skills, and feel like they're part of something cool? 
The fact that they're creating a space where everyone feels welcome is really great. No judgments, just sports and good vibes 
. And I'm stoked to see more people getting into women's sports - it's about time we gave those athletes some love 
!
. The growth in media coverage is definitely a big part of it, but I also love how they're actively working with organizations like 3XBA and Togethxr to promote the sport. It's not just about the bar itself, but about building a community that supports women's sports and inclusion 
. I mean, think about it, Rough & Tumble just happens to open up another location in Seattle right as the media coverage of women's sports is starting to pick up? That's like tryin' to predict a trend, you know what I mean? It's almost... too convenient. And don't even get me started on the connections between this bar and Togethxr - it's like they're tryin' to create some kinda narrative around women's sports and community engagement, but is that really just happenstance or is there somethin' more goin' on beneath the surface? 
plus it's great that they're supporting local leagues like 3xba and partnering with companies like togethxr
she's literally changing the game for women's sports in seattle and beyond. i've already got my squad planning a night out at this new location, can't wait to meet alanna mcdonald from 3xba too 
and seeing what kind of community magic happens at rough & tumble is literally giving me all the feels 
. Like, what's next? A bar just dedicated to watching dudes play sports? 
I mean, don't get me wrong, more women's sports is awesome and all that, but do we really need a special bar for it? Can't we just hang out at the regular bar and watch whatever's on TV? 
It seems like Rough & Tumble is just trying to cash in on the latest fad. And what's with the " community space" vibe? Is that just code for "we're charging more money to be seen at our trendy bar"? 
. The fact that they've partnered with Seattle sports legend Sue Bird is a big deal too