About the Pub
Welcome to 1972 Pub—Austin’s first bar dedicated to women’s and gender-expansive sports. Named for the year Title IX was signed into law, we honor the landmark legislation that prohibited sex-based discrimination and sparked a nationwide rise in women’s athletics.
Our mission is to create a space where athletes and fans can unite and feel empowered. Despite the growing interest in women’s sports, Austin lacks venues that prioritize them, leaving these athletes with limited recognition and support. Inspired by pioneering bars like The Sports Bra in Portland, we aim to elevate women’s and gender-expansive athletes by providing a space where their achievements are celebrated.
Austin’s diverse community presents the perfect opportunity for this pub, and we’re excited to bring unforgettable experiences with your favorite women’s sports teams and players. We’re also committed to giving back, donating 10% of our profits to local nonprofits focused on providing athletic opportunities to girls and gender-expansive youth in Austin. Whether you’re here to catch the latest WNBA game, meet athletes, or enjoy a cold drink with friends, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment at 1972 Pub.
About the Founders
The story behind Austin’s first women’s sports bar
Fifteen Years Ago
When Marlene and Debra first met, they found themselves dreaming about something Austin had never quite managed to hold onto: a lasting, welcoming space created for women and by women. They talked about lesbian bars, but history had shown that Austin’s attempts never survived a female-only space. Coffee shops were everywhere, but they didn’t offer the sense of belonging or celebration they envisioned. So they kept dreaming, kept watching, and kept listening to their community.
The Spark in 2022
Portland opened the first women’s sports bar, and suddenly the path became clear. You can’t talk about women’s sports without talking about the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve always been the players, the fans, the supporters, the heartbeat. A women’s sports bar wasn’t just a business idea—it was a way to uplift women, honor queer community, and create the kind of space we’ve all deserved for decades.
Why Austin
Austin has been home for our family for many years. We raised our son and daughter here, and now we get to watch our three beautiful grandsons grow up in the same city that shaped us. Austin has always been special because of the LGBTQ+ people who built community here long before it was easy to do so. Their courage, joy, and resilience made this city feel like home—and inspired us to create a space that gives back.
We love women’s sports. We love being in community. We love being proud of our marriage and the life we’ve built together. And we love Austin with our whole hearts.
1972 was founded from that love. It exists as a safe space, a diverse space, and a deeply welcoming community. Every game, every lunch, every dinner, every happy hour, every celebration—what’s happening inside these walls is bigger than sports. It’s connection. It’s belonging. It’s the community we dreamed about fifteen years ago finally coming to life.
We’re here for Austin. We’re here for you. And we’re so grateful for the community that’s growing with us every single day.
Love, Marlene and Debra
