LOS ANGELES, CA – In a notable development for sports enthusiasts and a reflection of the growing prominence of women’s athletics, the city of Los Angeles has welcomed its first dedicated women’s sports bar. Named Untamed Spirits, the new establishment officially opened its doors in the vibrant Silver Lake neighborhood in early June, strategically coinciding with Pride Month.
Located at the former site of the popular bar Trophy Wife, Untamed Spirits represents a significant step in providing a dedicated space where women’s sports are not merely an afterthought but the central focus. The venture is the brainchild of wife-and-wife duo Stephanie and Janie Ellingwood, longtime residents and passionate sports fans who identified a clear need for such a venue in the sprawling metropolis.
The Genesis of Untamed Spirits
The inspiration behind Untamed Spirits stems from the Ellingwood’s personal experiences. Stephanie and Janie, avid followers of teams like the L.A. Sparks and Angel City Football Club, frequently encountered a common frustration in traditional sports bars: the lack of priority given to women’s games. Often, screens were dominated by men’s sports, and it was challenging to find venues consistently showcasing women’s leagues and events with the same enthusiasm and prominence.
“It became clear that if we wanted a space where women’s sports were celebrated and easily accessible, we might have to create it ourselves,” explained one of the co-owners. This realization fueled their ambition to build a bar where fans of women’s soccer, basketball, tennis, and countless other sports could gather, watch, and connect without having to request coverage or feel their interests were secondary.
A Welcoming Environment
Untamed Spirits is designed to be more than just a place to watch games; it aims to be a community hub. While its primary focus is on showcasing women’s athletics, the bar maintains a broad sports programming policy, showing “all kinds of sports” to cater to diverse interests while ensuring women’s events are always featured prominently, particularly during significant games and seasons.
The location in Silver Lake, known for its eclectic and community-oriented atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for this inclusive concept. The bar’s owners have also made a conscious effort to ensure the space is accessible and welcoming to a wide audience. During daylight hours, Untamed Spirits is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, allowing families and pet owners to enjoy the sports action and atmosphere together.
Offerings and Atmosphere
The menu at Untamed Spirits includes a range of beverage options to suit all preferences, featuring both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. A highlight of the bar’s offerings is its signature Angel City pink punch, a nod to the popular local women’s professional soccer team, Angel City FC, which holds a special place in the owners’ hearts.
The interior is set up to maximize viewing experiences, with multiple screens strategically placed to ensure every seat offers a good perspective on the action. The ambiance is intended to be energetic and celebratory, mirroring the passion of the fans it serves.
Tapping into a Growing Movement
The opening of Untamed Spirits comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with a period of significant growth in interest in women’s sports globally. Major leagues like the WNBA, NWSL, and international competitions in soccer, basketball, and other disciplines are seeing unprecedented levels of viewership, investment, and fan engagement. Athletes are gaining greater visibility and commanding larger platforms, turning individual events and entire seasons into major cultural moments.
The Ellingwood’s believe Untamed Spirits is not just opening a business but participating in and amplifying this larger trend. They view the bar as a tangible manifestation of the increasing demand for spaces that acknowledge and celebrate the athleticism, skill, and excitement of women’s sports.
“It’s more than just a bar; it’s a movement,” remarked one of the owners, echoing a sentiment shared by many involved in advocating for and promoting women’s athletics.
By establishing the first bar of its kind in Los Angeles specifically centered around women’s sports, Untamed Spirits is poised to become a landmark venue for fans, providing a much-needed platform for visibility and community building within this rapidly expanding sector of the sports world.
