An Austin sports bar dedicated to women’s and gender-expansive sports will permanently close. 1972 Women’s Sports Pub has announced its closure with a social media post. The pub team cited lease issues as the reason for its sudden closure.
1972 Women’s Sports Pub to Close After a Short Run
1972 Women’s Sports Pub, described as Texas’ first bar dedicated to women’s and gender-expansive sports, has confirmed its closure. The bar features dozens of TV screens exclusively broadcasting women’s college and professional sports.
In the closure announcement, the bar owners wrote, “August 30th will be our final day at our Guadalupe St. location. While this chapter is ending, the heart of 1972 Pub is not.”
The bar owners explained that the lease for the building is ending soon and the property is being acquired through eminent domain for Project Connect.
According to the MySA, the closure is tied to Project Connect, the city’s multibillion-dollar transportation project. The report mentions that in February, Project Connect, a multibillion-dollar project, was given to Austin Rail Constructors to complete design work and begin pre-construction. The construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2033.
In the closure announcement post, the owners shared that they don’t have immediate plans to relocate the bar yet. “We don’t know exactly what comes next, but we know we’re not done dreaming.”
The Story Behind 1972 Women’s Sports Pub
The 1972 Women’s Sports Pub was named after the year 1972 in honor of the signing of Title IX, which prohibited sex-based discrimination.
The bar is co-owned by Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis and was opened in 2025, stated the MySA. The bar is located across the street from the University of Texas at 2530 Guadalupe Street in Austin.
The bar was founded with an aim to create a space for women athletes and fans to gather, enjoy a drink and a meal, and feel empowered. 1972 Pub was also inspired by prominent bars like The Sports Bra in Portland. The simple goal for the pub was to “support women and gender-expansive athletes by providing a space where their achievements are celebrated.”
The 1972 Pub owners concluded the announcement post with a note of appreciation for the customers and community. They also encouraged the community to visit and raise one more glass with them before its permanent closure.
