Game-changer: First women’s sports bar in Nebraska opens on Husker game day

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) – The first sports bar in Nebraska devoted to women’s sports opened its doors Friday.

Set the Bar is designed to celebrate women’s sports, from the fans to the food to the full-screen TVs showing nothing but women’s sports.

“I want a place that’s bright, that’s airy, that’s feminine and good sports on TV all the time,” owner Molly Huyck said. “And that’s what I’ve created here.”

The bar’s grand opening sent a message: Women’s sports deserve the biggest screens, the loudest cheers and a permanent place in sports culture.

Huyck said she wants her bar to be a place where everyone is welcome to cheer on female athletes.

“Women’s sports is not easily accessible,” she said. “Only 15% of women’s sports is on mainstream media. Whether you’re young or old whether you’re male or female, you are welcome here to celebrate the athletes, the sports and the fans.”

And Friday’s main event was clear: Husker women’s basketball.

“We absolutely wanted to be live for March Madness, and no better time than when the Big Red is playing,” Huyck said.

But she said it is not only about Friday night, but about the push she plans to make in the years ahead.

“I would love to see us as, like, as the home bar for all women teams, for fans here in Omaha and beyond,” said Caitlin Osborn, the community engagement and brand manager. “I know that there’s such a big market here for women’s sports and the fan base just keeps growing and growing.”