The Dub to open in time for KC Current postseason
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The Dub is near 9th and Baltimore. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
A new bar dedicated to women's sports will open its teal-clad walls just in time for the National Women's Soccer League postseason.
Why it matters: The Dub in Kansas City joins a growing number of women's sports bars across the country seeking to provide a consistent space for fans as women's sports rise in popularity.
The latest: Owners Monica Brady and Rachel Glenn announced last night they'll open for business on Thursday, Oct. 16.
- It's the culmination of a 2023 idea that picked up steam through community support, pop-up events and crowdfunding.
What they're saying: Glenn tells Axios she's feeling "a lot of pride, a lot of gratefulness, and a lot of relief."
- "The city gets this, finally," she added. "It's for everyone else now."
Zoom out: Despite swelling support for women's sports, owners often face uphill battles.
- Brady and Glenn said they were rejected for a business loan four times, and Watch Me! owner Jax Diener described receiving hateful messages online.
- Kaitlyn Laabs, who's making a documentary on women's sports bars called "Untapped," told Axios in May these bars represent a grassroots movement — with people so committed they're "willing to lay it all out on the line."
Zoom in: Kansas City does have other bars and restaurants that show women's sports. Gaels Public House and Sports has hosted KC Current watch parties, and the team lists other locations to see games.
- The Dub sets itself apart by opening first and foremost as a hub for all women's sports — not just soccer, but also football, rugby and the WNBA.
What to expect: Teal and red accents cover the walls and bar back, and a mural depicts famous women athletes, like Serena Williams, Simone Biles and a soccer player that looks suspiciously like KC's Lo'eau LaBonta.
- The menu features items that are marked "local" and "women empowered," which means women "played a vital part" in the ingredients, Glenn tells Axios.
- "Being in this space right now ... it just feels light. It just feels comfortable," Glenn says. "It's gonna get loud. It's gonna get exciting, especially during games and things."
What's next: The KC Current's next game is Saturday at home — although the team already clinched the best record in the league two games ago, both of which they also won.
- "It couldn't have been better timing right now, especially with success of the Current," Glenn says, adding that they'll host watch parties.
- KC will play in the first round of the postseason at home the weekend of Nov. 7-9. That gives The Dub three weeks to iron out any wrinkles.