Austin’s dedicated women’s sports bar will close Aug. 30, 1972 Women’s Sports Pub co-founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis announced on Instagram. The closure comes months after the founders announced that the pub will have to relocate due to construction for Austin’s light rail project.
“In such a short time, you filled these walls with friendship, joy, unforgettable games and so much love for women’s sports,” the owners wrote online. “We’re forever grateful for every cheer, every watch party and every person who walked through our doors.”
Dig deeper
While the location on The Drag is closing, 1972’s owners assured fans that it won’t be the end of the pub’s story.
“We do not have immediate plans to relocate, but we’re not ready to let go of the vision,” the owners wrote. “We’re open to new ideas, new possibilities and new ways to grow the 1972 Pub brand and keep building spaces where women’s sports can thrive.”
The owners welcome potential collaborators to reach out with new ideas on how to continue the pub’s mission.
The background
The sports pub first opened in spring 2025 on Guadalupe Street next to The University of Texas at Austin campus. 1972 Women’s Sports Pub predominantly streams women’s sports, offering a communal spot for fans to gather, eat and drink. The pub features a full bar and food menu with bites like burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads and loaded fries.
In mid-May, the owners shared that the pub’s building is one of the properties being acquired through eminent domain for the transit project. The light rail project is part of the Project Connect transit program, which was approved by voters in 2020, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The light rail project spans 10 miles and totals $7.1 billion.
What’s next
As the pub prepares for its late-August closure, the owners encourage patrons to visit, raise a glass and continue making memories at 1972 before the month is over.
“Thank you for showing up, believing in this vision and making 1972 Pub what it is,” the owners stated.
