Title IX is the civil-rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination at schools that receive federal funds. Enacted in 1972, it’s widely hailed for advancing equity in women’s sports.
Title 9, a Pittsburgh bar set to open soon, aims to do something similar for televised women’s sports.
The bar is the brainchild of Sheree Goldstein, owner of East Liberty’s Square Café and a dedicated fan of women’s sports, from Pitt volleyball and Duquesne basketball to international rugby matches.
As of this writing, she hopes to open Title 9 in time for March Madness (that’s March 16) in the first-floor space adjacent to Square, complete with a rooftop deck for when the weather warms.
The bar’s eight big-screen TVs will show women’s sports exclusively, Goldstein says. And it will be a full-service tavern open to all, with food, draft beer, cocktails and mocktails.
Goldstein was inspired partly by learning of similar bars opening around the country, starting with one in Portland, Ore.
“There's got to be about a dozen now,” she said. “There's one getting ready to open in Cleveland, and you know, they're just happening everywhere.”
“I have to say that my friends definitely pushed me towards it,” she added.
The trend is driven, she said, by things like increased interest in the WNBA, where young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have helped boost viewership. She also noted that Pittsburgh’s pro women’s soccer team, the Riveters, is preparing for its inaugural season.
“We've always had amazing women players, but now they're getting recognition and sponsorships, and they're getting deals and, you know, it's wonderful to see,” Goldstein said.
While Title 9’s opening date has not been set, it’s been hosting pop-up events, including one this past weekend. The bar’s Instagram page will announce further details.
Goldstein said that between live U.S. and international competitions and some pre-recorded contests, Title 9 should have enough programming to go wall-to-wall.
“We want a really diverse crowd,” Goldstein said. “We want young families, older families. We just want it to be normal that women's sports are on TV.”
