Women’s Sports Bar to Open in Long Beach

It can be said without a doubt that the world of women’s sports has seen a massive rise in popularity. From breakout superstars like the WNBA’s Caitlin Clark, to the ever-growing fan bases of Angel City FC and the LA Sparks, there’s a lot to be excited about for the many female athletes that compete.

As more attention is being brought to women’s sports, there has been a steady rising in sports bars focusing solely on televising women’s sports. The first of its kind was a bar in Portland, OR called The Sports Bra, which found immense success within the first few months of its opening.

And now, as more women’s sports bars begin to pop up across the country, the city of Long Beach will soon be welcoming the first ever women’s sports bar in California: Watch Me!

Founded by co-owners Jackie “Jax” Diener and Megan “Emme” Eddy, Watch Me!’s creation was a long-standing idea that slowly started to become a reality in September 2023. Diener says it was only after she learned of The Sports Bra, that she and her team decided to begin development of their bar.

The name for the bar, “Watch Me!,” according to Diener, originates from her drive to silence the doubters and critics she faced throughout her life.

“As long as I can remember, and especially while playing sports, I was doubted or told I wouldn’t be successful or achieve what I was hoping to achieve,” said Diener. “I have always converted those sentiments into fuel for my fire and let my actions prove my success. With an ‘I’ll show you!’ attitude, Watch Me! was born.”

In terms of the types of drinks and beverages that will be served at Watch Me!, the bar will include a range of eclectic cocktails, beer, wine, and mocktails. According to Diener, Watch Me! will also include its own espresso bar.

The sports bar’s food menu will include culinary creations made by their resident chef: Charlie Ray – a traveling creator whose achievements include becoming the head chef of award-winning company, Värt: Sustainable Food Lab, in Gothenburg, Sweden, as well as placing Top 3 in “The World Cook” traveling cooking competition.

“We’re considering ourselves as an upscale gastropub, with a focus on sustainability and local and seasonal produce,” said Jackie Diener.

According to Diener, the public’s response to the opening of “Watch Me!” has been mostly positive, with many supporting the bar’s development and opening. However, Diener also states there has been some pushback online.

“We see these people as our customer base and it’s been incredibly rewarding to receive notes and messages rooting us on,” said Diener. “As social media goes, however, we’ve received a small percentage of not-so-positive comments from those who clearly don’t support women’s sports.”

Despite the negative comments, Diener and her team remain unfazed, as they continue working on making their bar a reality.

“We’re not here to teach. We’re here to offer a space for anyone who loves women’s sports to come in and enjoy some good food, beverage, and camaraderie.”

Watch Me! Sports Bar will officially open on July 26, just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. In the meantime, Diener says that there’s still plenty of work to be done before opening day arrives.

“We’re currently head-spinning and doing everything we can to get the space the way we want it, when we open,” said Diener. “Furniture has been ordered, painting is getting completed, and inspections are on the horizon. It’s a lot, but we’re making it happen!”

It is Diener and her team’s hope that their bar will become a place that not only serves as a welcoming environment for its patrons, but a place where young female athletes can connect and be inspired by the achievements of female sports icons.

“Girls today have the opportunity to see women athletes on TV, and we’d love to see girls come in after a game or practice with their teammate or parents to catch a game,” said Diener. “We want young girls to know they are more than welcome in our space, rooting for their favorite athletes along with the rest of us.”

For more information on Watch Me!, you can visit their official website at https://www.watchmesportsbar.com/