Indianapolis, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Sports Bra, a franchise sports bar focused on women’s sports, is set to open a permanent location in Indianapolis by late 2026. In the meantime, the franchise will host community-driven pop-up watch parties across the city to engage local fans and test programming. Owner Eve Keller is focused on building a devoted fanbase and securing a permanent venue amid rising interest in women’s athletics, further enhanced by existing local teams like the Indiana Fever and Indy Ignite.
Indianapolis
The Sports Bra, a franchise sports bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, is expanding to Indianapolis with plans for a permanent location and a slate of community-focused pop-up events ahead of its opening. The franchise owner for the Indianapolis location, Eve Keller, expects the permanent venue to open in late 2026, while temporary watch parties are already drawing local fans across the city.
Key details up front
The Indianapolis outpost is part of a broader expansion for The Sports Bra, which originated in Portland, Oregon, and is opening locations in other cities including Las Vegas, Boston, and St. Louis. Pop-up watch parties hosted around Indianapolis have proven popular; one recent event on the Northside at The District Tap attracted nearly 90 fans to watch an Indiana Fever playoff game. Investor interest in the franchise is strong, staff have been recruited, and securing a permanent location remains the next major step in the local launch.
Current activity and immediate plans
While the permanent venue is not expected to be operational until late 2026, the franchise is maintaining momentum through frequent pop-up events. Multiple gatherings were hosted in September with additional events scheduled for October. These pop-ups are being used to build an initial community of fans, test programming and menus, and gauge demand for a year-round space dedicated to watching women’s sports in Indianapolis.
Community and market context
Organizers and local observers point to a sustained rise in public interest in women’s sports and a desire for inclusive gathering places that support female athletes. Indianapolis already hosts professional women’s franchises including the Indiana Fever (WNBA), Indy Ignite (Pro Volleyball Federation), and Indiana Valor (Women’s Football Alliance), contributing to a local environment receptive to venues centered on women’s sports fandom.
Business readiness and investor sentiment
According to the franchise’s Indianapolis ownership, there is notable investor appetite for The Sports Bra’s concept in the city, and a hiring process has been completed to assemble staff ahead of a permanent opening. The immediate focus is on finalizing a long-term lease or property purchase. Pop-up events are serving both as community outreach and as operational practice for the full venue.
Offerings and accessibility
The planned venue will offer a varied food and drink program designed to accommodate diverse dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, as well as signature cocktails. Programming is intended to be fan-centered and community-oriented, with watch parties, game-day activations, and events that aim to make fans feel included and represented.
Why the expansion matters
The arrival of a women’s sports–focused bar in Indianapolis reflects a broader national trend toward increased visibility and commercial support for women’s athletics. The Sports Bra’s model seeks to create spaces where fans of women’s sports can gather consistently, rather than only at ad hoc events. In Indianapolis, organizers view the city’s existing women’s teams and engaged fan base as a strong foundation for sustained patronage and community-building.
Next steps and timeline
The next concrete milestones for the Indianapolis location are securing a permanent site and obtaining any required permits and licenses. Assuming those steps proceed on schedule, the opening window is targeted for late 2026. In the meantime, pop-up watch parties will continue as a way to maintain visibility, refine offerings, and expand the local community of supporters.
How residents can engage now
Residents interested in attending events can look for announced pop-up dates in local community calendars and social listings where pop-up hosts publish times and locations. These gatherings offer opportunities to experience the franchise’s programming, sample menu concepts, and connect with others who follow women’s sports in the Indianapolis area.
FAQ
What is The Sports Bra and what will it offer in Indianapolis?
The Sports Bra is a sports bar franchise that focuses exclusively on women’s sports. The Indianapolis location will offer in-person watch parties, game-day programming, and a food and drink menu that includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options alongside signature cocktails.
When will the permanent location open?
The main venue is scheduled to open in late 2026, pending securing a permanent location and completion of permitting and fit-out processes.
Are there events before the permanent opening?
Yes. Pop-up watch parties are already being held around Indianapolis. Multiple events took place in September, with additional pop-ups planned for October and beyond.
How successful have the pop-ups been so far?
Pop-up events have attracted measurable interest; one recent event at The District Tap near the Northside drew nearly 90 attendees to watch an Indiana Fever playoff game.
Who is leading the Indianapolis franchise?
The Indianapolis franchise owner is Eve Keller, who is overseeing local operations, community outreach, and preparation for the permanent venue.
What is the status of staffing and investment?
Staffing has been lined up in advance of securing a permanent site, and investor interest in the Indianapolis franchise has been reported as strong.
How can fans learn about upcoming pop-up events?
Pop-up dates and locations are shared through local event announcements and community postings organized by the franchise team. Interested individuals should monitor community event listings for the most current information.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Franchise name | The Sports Bra |
| Focus | All programming dedicated to women’s sports |
| Owner (Indianapolis) | Eve Keller |
| Permanent opening target | Late 2026 |
| Current activity | Frequent pop-up watch parties across Indianapolis (Sept–Oct and ongoing) |
| Notable pop-up attendance | Nearly 90 attendees at a Northside event for an Indiana Fever playoff game |
| Expansion cities | Las Vegas, Boston, St. Louis (in addition to Portland origin) |
| Menu highlights | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options; signature cocktails |
| Local women’s teams | Indiana Fever (WNBA), Indy Ignite (Pro Volleyball Federation), Indiana Valor (Women’s Football Alliance) |
| Next major step | Securing a permanent location and completing permits/fit-out |
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Additional Resources
- WRTV: The Sports Bra coming to Indy
- IndyStar: Celebrate inspiring women of Indiana sports
- Axios: Competition for women’s sports capital
- SportsTravel Magazine: Indiana sports corp launches women’s sports initiative
- WTHR: The Sports Bra opening in Indianapolis
- Wikipedia: Women’s sports
- Google Search: women’s sports bar Indianapolis
- Google Scholar: women’s sports expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: women’s sports
- Google News: women’s sports Indianapolis
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