A pub in Bentonville has teamed up with a global group to push for more women’s sports on screens and safer spots for female fans. The Botanical, known for its spots in Bentonville and Rogers with a new one coming to Fayetteville, joined Her Game Too to make sports bars more welcoming and inclusive.
Partnership Aims to Spotlight Women’s Games
This fresh partnership kicked off in August 2025, right as women’s sports see a big rise in fans across the US. Her Game Too started in the UK back in 2021 by soccer lovers who wanted to fight sexism and build safe zones for women in sports. Now in the States, the group works with places like The Botanical to show more games featuring women athletes.
Co-owner Alan Gooding shared that the move fits their vibe perfectly. The pub already pulls in crowds for international matches, including women’s soccer and rugby from Europe. With this tie-up, they plan to ramp up showings of US leagues like the WNBA and women’s pro soccer.
The idea sparked from a watch party for the Women’s Euros, which lit a fire under a national push for partner pubs. Directors from Her Game Too USA say The Botanical inspired the whole campaign, leading to more bars joining in to highlight female athletes.
Creating Safe and Fun Spaces for Fans
Safety stands out as a key goal in this effort. Her Game Too pushes tools to help women feel secure in sports bars. Partner spots like The Botanical put up posters in bathrooms with QR codes for quick reports if someone feels uneasy.
This setup lets fans enjoy games without worry. It also opens doors for events like watch parties and talks that raise awareness about women in sports. Gooding noted that their pubs draw a mix of fans, and this step will make sure everyone feels at home.
Young girls get a boost too. The group wants to show kids that women belong in sports, from playing to refereeing or just cheering. By teaming with family-friendly spots, they hope parents bring their daughters to see role models in action.
Here are some ways the partnership helps build inclusive environments:
- More TV time for women’s events like basketball and soccer.
- Special nights for big games to draw crowds.
- Tools for reporting issues to keep spaces safe.
- Outreach to schools and clubs for education on equality.
Growth of Women’s Sports Bars in the US
Women’s sports bars are popping up more, riding the wave of rising interest in female athletes. Viewership for events like the NCAA women’s basketball finals hit record highs in 2024, beating the men’s side for the first time. This trend fuels spots dedicated to showing these games.
In places like Portland, bars focused on women’s sports have turned into hot spots, drawing diverse crowds. The Botanical joins this movement by blending international flair with local appeal in Northwest Arkansas.
Experts point to broader changes, like more media coverage and sponsorships for women’s leagues. Data from 2025 shows women’s sports revenue grew by 20 percent over the last year, per industry reports. This partnership taps into that energy, aiming to grow the fan base in the region.
| Key Stats on Women’s Sports Growth | 2024 Figures | 2025 Projections |
|---|---|---|
| WNBA Viewership Increase | 15% | 25% |
| NCAA Women’s Basketball Attendance | 1.2 million | 1.5 million |
| Global Women’s Soccer Revenue | $500 million | $650 million |
| US Bars Showing Women’s Games | 200+ | 300+ |
Local Impact and Future Plans
In Bentonville, this deal comes at a busy time with college students flooding back to nearby University of Arkansas. Local shops see a rush, and sports pubs like The Botanical expect more foot traffic from fans seeking inclusive vibes.
The pub’s third location in Fayetteville opens soon, timed with the school year start. This could pull in students and families looking for spots to catch games together.
Looking ahead, Her Game Too plans to expand partnerships nationwide. They aim to host clinics and events that teach about equality in sports. For The Botanical, it means more than just games, it’s about building a community where women lead the cheers.
What do you think about this push for more women’s sports in bars? Share your thoughts in the comments or pass this story along to fellow fans to keep the conversation going.
