On Tuesday evening, the streets of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood were abuzz with excitement as a crowd of women and men, mostly dressed in jerseys and hoodies emblazoned with local team logos, gathered outside Rikki's, the city's first women's sports bar. The air was electric with anticipation as fans waited to enter the bar, which was hosting a soft launch for donors and supporters. As the doors opened, a woman exclaimed, "Can you believe it's finally here?!" - a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd who had been waiting for a space like Rikki's to come to fruition.
The brainchild of co-founders Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich, Rikki's is named after Rikki Streicher, a late community activist and owner of several queer and lesbian bars throughout the city. Streicher's legacy was honored earlier in the evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. Lurie, a self-proclaimed fan of women's sports, commemorated the occasion by flying a Valkyries flag at City Hall, while Mandelman presented Thoe and Yergovich with a "Certificate of Honor" for their contributions to the neighborhood. The Castro, known for its LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, has historically been dominated by bars owned by gay men, making Rikki's a welcome addition to the community.
As the crowd filed into the bar, they were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates women's sports in all its forms. The walls are adorned with photos of local women's sports history, framed jerseys, and banners, including one that reads, "Do Right And Fear No Man." The bar's decor is a testament to the rich history of women's sports in San Francisco, and the owners' commitment to creating a space that is welcoming to all. Rosemary Gardner, the director of community programs for the SF LGBT Center, expressed her hope that Rikki's would become a place where all communities can feel "safe, affirmed, and relaxed." With its inclusive atmosphere and dedication to women's sports, Rikki's is poised to become a hub for fans from all over the city.
For many in attendance, the opening of Rikki's marked a significant milestone in the city's women's sports scene. Nancy Dito, a 77-year-old member of the Warrior Girls Basketball League, a predecessor to the WNBA, was overjoyed to see Rikki Streicher's name and image featured prominently in the bar. Dito, who was a regular in the women's sports scene of 1970s San Francisco, noted that there used to be more safe spaces for women to gather, but "they all disappeared." The opening of Rikki's, she said, was a heartwarming reminder of the progress that has been made. As the night wore on, the bar filled with supporters, all of whom were eager to experience the unique atmosphere that Rikki's has to offer. With its winning combination of great food, drinks, and sports, Rikki's is set to become a beloved institution in the city's sports scene.
As the evening drew to a close, co-founder Danielle Thoe took to the mic to express her gratitude to the crowd, saying, "Every day can be a watch party at Rikki's." The sentiment was met with applause and cheers, as the crowd celebrated the dawn of a new era in women's sports in San Francisco. With Rikki's now open for business, fans of women's sports finally have a dedicated space to call their own, and the city's sports landscape will never be the same. As one supporter, Manisha, who plays for Oakland's Bay Area Falcons, observed, "This is an untapped market. It always has been." With Rikki's leading the way, it's clear that the future of women's sports in San Francisco is bright indeed.