A new kind of sports bar is in the works for Columbus—one that puts women’s athletics front and center. Raise the Bar is aiming to become the city’s first women’s sports bar, offering a dedicated space to celebrate female athletes and bring fans together in an inclusive, community-driven environment.
Founded by local firefighter Amy Cooper, Raise the Bar is more than just a place to catch the game. It’s a movement. Inspired by the growing momentum behind women’s sports, Cooper has been hosting popular watch parties at spots like Rumours and Land Grant. Now, she’s working toward opening a permanent home for fans to cheer on women’s teams year-round.
Backers say the bar will offer locally sourced food and drinks, and foster a space where “fans of all backgrounds can gather,” according to the fundraising site. The team behind Raise the Bar hopes to make Columbus part of a much larger cultural shift—there were only six women’s sports bars in the country before 2025.
Though the location is still to be determined, excitement is building fast. Visit Raise the Bar’s website or Instagram @raisethebarcbus for updates.
