Across Maine, fans of women’s sports have spent years asking for the game to be turned on, searching for a place where women’s sports aren't just an afterthought, but the main(e) event. We are opening The Sports Bra Maine, a restaurant and bar built specifically to televise, celebrate, and elevate women’s sports. From the NWSL and WNBA to college athletics, international tournaments, and local matches, this is a space where every game gets prime time. Located in Portland, Maine's Deering Center neighborhood, The Sports Bra will be a family-friendly bar and restaurant offering delicious drinks and made-from-scratch food, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. And, yes, pizza too!
This restaurant is different. It’s a hub and a home base built for and by the community. We launched this Crowdfundr because we want to recruit you for our starting lineup from day one. By supporting The Bra, you are funding a small business. More importantly, you are helping establish a landmark gathering place for women’s sports fans across Maine.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS: CREATING THE ULTIMATE FAN EXPERIENCE
Every dollar raised through this campaign goes directly into creating the best possible place and premier fan experience for women’s sports. The funds will directly support top-tier audiovisual tech to ensure clear sound and prime sightlines from every seat, streaming packages that guarantee access to every game from the NWSL to international tournaments, and comfortable furnishings designed for high-energy watch parties. By backing this project, you help us create a modern, welcoming space where the atmosphere matches the fans' passion.
Please review the Disclaimer tab prior to contributing.
Photo credits: Cindy Russell, @cindyrussellphoto
Perks
- 14 claimed
- 486 remaining
Every dollar is an investment in women’s sports, and we want to include all the folks who contribute at every level. Game Changers earn a spot for your name on our Opening Season Supporters Wall. And you'll get a limited edition Sports Bra Maine Supporters sticker - only available through this Crowdfundr!
- 8 claimed
- 242 remaining
At this level of support, your name will be on the Opening Season Supporters Wall, and you'll receive a limited edition Sports Bra Maine Supporters Varsity pin - only available through this Crowdfundr.
- 15 claimed
- 135 remaining
In addition to your name on the Opening Season Supporters Wall, our MVPs are recognized with a Limited Edition Opening Season Raglan T-shirt, again, only available through this Crowdfundr. You will also have the a priority opportunity to make a reservation during our first month of operations.
- 9 claimed
- 66 remaining
Get the Champion package including your name on the Opening Season Supporters Wall, the Limited-Edition Opening Season Raglan T-Shirt, 2 invites to our Friends and Family Opening Night, and priority Grand Opening seating.
- 4 claimed
- 21 remaining
Includes VIP Priority Booking for 1 year (2-week advance table reservation window for major matchdays, championship finals, and watch parties), 2 VIP Grand Opening tickets (including dinner on the house), plus the Champions of the Game perks: your name on the Supporters Wall, the Limited-Edition Opening Season Raglan T-shirt, and 2 invites to our Friends and Family Opening night.
Highlights
See all activity51This Crowdfundr campaign is offered by Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC, an independently owned and operated franchisee of The Sports Bra, doing business as The Sports Bra Maine. This campaign is not offered, sponsored, or administered by The Sports Bra Franchise LLC or its founder. Any contribution to this campaign is a one-time show of support. In return, participants receive various incentives (e.g., stickers, shirts, invitations depending on support level). Incentive will NOT be shipped and must be picked up in person at the Sports Bra Maine within 1 year of the opening of the bar. A contribution does not constitute an investment, a loan, equity, membership interest, or any ownership stake in Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC or in The Sports Bra franchise system, and carries no expectation of financial return. Additionally, this Crowdfundr campaign, and any contribution to it, is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise, and does not constitute the sale, offer, or purchase of a franchise or any interest in a franchise. Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC has the right to approve all names and text submitted for inclusion on the Supporters Wall, and inclusion on the Supporters Wall is at the sole discretion of Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC.
Q: What is The Main(e) Event: Building Maine’s First Home For Women’s Sports project?
A: The Main(e) Event: Building Maine’s First Home For Women’s Sports is a pre-opening campaign for The Sports Bra Maine, which is independently owned and operated by Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC. It gives fans a chance to directly support building the establishment. All supporters are recognized as their names will be displayed on the Opening Season Supporters Wall.
Q: Where does my money go?
A: The majority of the proceeds from this initiative go directly to Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC for the final buildout phase of The Sports Bra Maine. A small percentage will go to Crowdfundr to account for their fees (unless you opt to cover the fees). Your support will fund final construction costs, in particular, a state of the art AV system for optimal women’s sports viewing.
Q: Is this an investment or equity offering?
A: No, this is a retail reward purchase, not an investment. You are purchasing the inclusion on the Supporters Wall and the incentive that corresponds with your level of support such as a sticker, glass, shirt, or invitation. It does not confer equity, ownership, voting rights, or profit sharing in Watch Women’s Sports ME, LLC or The Sports Bra franchise network.
Q: Do I have to have my name printed on the Supporter Wall?
A: No, you do not have to include your name on the Supporter Wall. You will have the opportunity to indicate whether you would like your name on the wall or not at the time of check out.
Q: Can I include my family or my partner’s name on the Support Wall.
A: Yes! You can include your name, the name of a family member and yourself, or your family name. We are limiting the naming opportunity to individuals and their families, and not teams or organizations. Please note, the name you select is subject to character limits and our brand and value guidelines.
Activity
- 14 claimed
- 486 remaining
Every dollar is an investment in women’s sports, and we want to include all the folks who contribute at every level. Game Changers earn a spot for your name on our Opening Season Supporters Wall. And you'll get a limited edition Sports Bra Maine Supporters sticker - only available through this Crowdfundr!
- 8 claimed
- 242 remaining
At this level of support, your name will be on the Opening Season Supporters Wall, and you'll receive a limited edition Sports Bra Maine Supporters Varsity pin - only available through this Crowdfundr.
- 15 claimed
- 135 remaining
In addition to your name on the Opening Season Supporters Wall, our MVPs are recognized with a Limited Edition Opening Season Raglan T-shirt, again, only available through this Crowdfundr. You will also have the a priority opportunity to make a reservation during our first month of operations.
- 9 claimed
- 66 remaining
Get the Champion package including your name on the Opening Season Supporters Wall, the Limited-Edition Opening Season Raglan T-Shirt, 2 invites to our Friends and Family Opening Night, and priority Grand Opening seating.
- 4 claimed
- 21 remaining
Includes VIP Priority Booking for 1 year (2-week advance table reservation window for major matchdays, championship finals, and watch parties), 2 VIP Grand Opening tickets (including dinner on the house), plus the Champions of the Game perks: your name on the Supporters Wall, the Limited-Edition Opening Season Raglan T-shirt, and 2 invites to our Friends and Family Opening night.
