A new hub dedicated to women’s sports is set to open in Philadelphia. The establishment, named The Stoop Pigeon, will operate under the slogan, “Philly is a Women’s Sports Town.” This initiative comes from Watch Party PHL, a pop-up venture founded by Jen Leary and Lori Albright nearly two years ago to address the growing demand for spaces to watch women’s sports in the city.
The impetus for creating this hub originated from the overwhelming interest in the NCAA Women’s Championship Game, featuring local icon Dawn Staley and star player Caitlin Clark. “There was so much demand for the game,” Leary explained. “I decided to throw a pop-up for that, and it rocketed from there immediately.” The original event quickly transitioned into a series of watch parties for various women’s sports, expanding from the WNBA to the Olympics and beyond.
As the popularity of these events soared, Leary and Albright recognized the need for a permanent venue. The Stoop Pigeon will be located at 337–41 S. Broad St. in Center City, an area rich in Philadelphia sports culture. “We couldn’t have scripted a better location,” Leary remarked, noting the proximity to City Hall and the Super Bowl Championship parade route. Broad Street has long served as a gathering point for Philadelphia sports fans during significant victories.
The name “Stoop Pigeon” reflects the local culture, with “stoop” representing community gathering spaces and “pigeon” paying homage to the city’s history. “Philly rides with Philly,” Leary stated, emphasizing the communal spirit that the venue aims to foster.
Beyond being a sports bar, The Stoop Pigeon will function as a family-friendly restaurant and a co-working space during the day. “We didn’t want to limit who was coming in,” Leary noted, highlighting plans for an extensive non-alcoholic menu and a welcoming atmosphere for families and non-drinkers alike.
The interior of The Stoop Pigeon will celebrate Philadelphia women’s sports history, featuring signed memorabilia from prominent local athletes such as Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper. The venue will also include a mural and a graffiti wall recognizing contributors to Watch Party PHL’s Kickstarter campaign.
Leary and Albright are committed to local partnerships, collaborating with Rival Bros. Coffee Bar and organizations like Philadelphia Sisters to create unique offerings, including a special pilsner titled “Philly is a Women’s Sports Town.” The food menu will showcase elevated bar fare with a distinctly Philadelphia flair.
With plans to open in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Philadelphia will host, Leary expressed enthusiasm for becoming part of the vibrant local community. “I can’t wait to be neighbors with everyone,” she said. “It’s going to be bananas in the best way possible.”
For the latest updates on The Stoop Pigeon, interested individuals can visit their website and follow them on Instagram.
