Rough & Tumble Announces Second Location
Rough & Tumble, the world’s first sports bar built for gender equity in sports viewing, announced today it is making history as the first women’s sports bar brand to operate multiple locations.
Founded in 2022 by entrepreneur and gender-equity leader, Jen Barnes, Rough & Tumble has become both a beloved community hub and a global model for inclusive sports hospitality. By putting women athletes and women’s sports at its center, it has earned countless “best-of” awards and coverage by The New York Times, Vogue, Bon Appétit, Forbes, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and more.
Rough & Tumble’s expansion comes as women’s sports surge globally. When it opened in 2022, just 3-5.5% of global sports media coverage was dedicated to women athletes. In less than three years, that number has climbed to 16% today – a number projected to reach 21% before year end. And, just six months into 2025, the global women’s sports industry surpassed Deloitte’s initial annual revenue projection for the year of $2.35 billion.
The world’s first sports bar to prioritize gender equity in sports viewing and fandom expands — becoming the first women’s sports bar brand to open a second location.
“When I launched Rough & Tumble less than three years ago, there wasn’t a single place dedicated to showing women’s and men’s sports equally. Opening a second location isn’t about ambition; it’s about meeting a clear demand. We’ve proven that women’s sports fans are a viable market and far more than a movement or a moment. Prioritizing gender equality isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart, sustainable business that redefines how women are valued far beyond sports.”
“The success of Rough & Tumble belongs entirely to the fans who show up every day to celebrate the strength and power of incredible athletes. More than a sports bar, Rough & Tumble is a flywheel in the women’s sports ecosystem. We don’t just air the games, we amplify them generating hype, driving visibility and creating spaces where inclusive fandom thrives.”
What Folks Are Saying
“I’m excited that Rough & Tumble is opening its next location. Rough & Tumble is about celebrating all of women’s sports and creating safe, inclusive spaces where fans can come together, connect, and be inspired. This is a powerful moment for our community.”
“Rough & Tumble is a place where women’s sports aren’t just shown but celebrated—where fans can gather, connect, and belong. This expansion isn’t just about two locations; it’s about creating a true home base for women’s sports fandom. For me, and for women’s soccer especially in Seattle, Rough & Tumble has always felt like home, and seeing it continue to grow only deepens that connection.”
“Rough & Tumble was born from the bold idea that women’s games deserve an equal spotlight. Jen and R&T have proven that centering gender equality while creating true third spaces where fans gather and celebrate is both smart business and essential to building lasting culture in women’s sports.”
“Seattle has become the capital of women’s sports, and Rough & Tumble is a vital part of that story. Its expansion shows just how strong and passionate women’s sports fans are — not only in Seattle but across North America. That kind of energy is exactly what’s fueling the rise of professional women’s hockey and the PWHL.”
“Walking into Rough & Tumble for the first time, I was in awe—women’s sports on every wall and community in every corner. Jen built something historic, and seeing it expand signifies the incredible growth and interest in women’s sports. Sign me up!”
“This expansion marks a pivotal moment for the women’s sports ecosystem. Having places to congregate and watch women’s sports is game-changing, and Rough & Tumble is blazing trails. To think these types of spaces didn’t even exist a few years ago makes this moment more than exciting, it’s transformational.”
“An environment to watch, cheer and support your favorite athletes is so critical to the success of women’s sports. I had an opportunity to go to Rough and Tumble and I was ecstatic about having a hometown bar where I can go and enjoy watching and supporting fellow athletes while eating great food. PS: try the Knight’s cheese curds!”
Your Next Home for Women’s Sports
Rough & Tumble will be the next steward of the space most recently home to another beloved
woman-owned Seattle institution, the Columbia City Ale House.
Located in the heart of the Columbia City Historical District, renovations will honor both the history of the building and neighborhood.
The newest member of the Rough & Tumble family will echo the flagship Ballard location with its bright design, large windows, and iconic green-tiled bar.
Rough & Tumble’s award-winning food, craft cocktails, and curated draft pours all spotlight women-owned makers and will be set against a legendary gallery of women’s sports memorabilia.
The new location is slated to open October 2025.