According to a recent article from Block Club Chicago , a new sports bar concept called Babe’s has its eyes on the Humboldt Park area for its debut.
A representative of Babe’s was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Chicago’s request.
According to the article, “A lifelong athlete and sports fan, Nora McConnell-Johnson knows all too well how women’s sports have been dismissed by the general public and the media. Initially, she expected the bar to be open by the NCAA basketball tournament season of 2025, but now expects it to be sooner “with how fast things are moving,” she said.”
“McConnell-Johnson said she sees Babe’s as the next phase of what a women’s sports bar can be. She imagines the space as bright and well-curated, with room for viewing games and for socializing, as well as (she hopes) a patio, if they can secure an outdoor area.”
“She envisions the feel as “a middle finger to the traditional sports bar” and wants to feature espresso martinis and prosecco on draft. The bar is a natural next step for McConnell-Johnson, who has been fighting for equity in spaces typically designed for men for decades.”
“She moved to Chicago in 2019 and became the coach of the University of Chicago’s Womxn’s Rugby Team in 2021, leading the Maroons to a Small College Sevens title the following season. For the first time, she also began watching sports instead of just playing them, becoming a devoted fan of the Chicago Sky and falling in love with the game day environment.”
“From there, the idea to open a women’s sports-centric bar took root. McConnell-Johnson began talking and thinking about it so much that she decided to take the plunge despite lacking experience in the service industry.”
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