The 11 Bxl: First pop-up bar for women’s sports in the capital enjoys successful run

The 11 Bxl, Belgium’s first sports bar dedicated to women’s sports, opened in Brussels on 3 September and will close on Sunday 11 September.

The pop‑up bar was launched to coincide with the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which ran from 4 to 13 September in Berlin. It was located on Place Rouppe in the heart of downtown Brussels.

Its opening party on 3 September was followed by a family day and an evening event that invited the queer community to celebrate women’s and queer sports. On 11 September the bar hosted a sports club day, allowing visitors to learn about local women’s sports clubs and to participate in a final tournament before the closing party on Saturday.

The initiative was conceived by Colombian sustainable‑mobility expert Juliana, a former triathlete, basketball player and football fan, and French offshore engineer Maéva, who is passionate about basketball, tennis and bouldering. The two met through an informal basketball group that brought together women from around the world.

They identified a lack of venues where women could watch female sports in a lively, inclusive atmosphere. Their concept focuses on visibility, inclusion and sharing: high‑quality screens, a welcoming environment for all, and the energy of a real crowd watching consecutive matches.

“The 11 Bxl was created to give women’s sports the visibility they deserve and to inspire fans to get involved, whether by joining a club or trying a new sport,” the founders said.

Although the pop‑up bar will close after this week, the founders are working to secure a permanent venue for women to watch female sport in Brussels. They thanked supporters for the enthusiasm and encouragement they have received.

Visitors still have time to experience the bar and watch the final games of the Women’s World Basketball Cup before it closes.

Article source: leuropeennedebruxelles.com | Image credit: The Bulletin