A new destination for women’s sports enthusiasts is set to open in Philadelphia this summer. The Stoop Pigeon, created by Watch Party PHL, will debut with the slogan “Philly is a Women’s Sports Town.” The founders, Jen Leary and Lori Albright, established Watch Party PHL almost two years ago to fill a gap in the local viewing options for women’s sports.
The concept was born from the overwhelming response to the NCAA Women’s Championship Game featuring local star Dawn Staley and her competitor, Caitlin Clark. “There was so much demand for that game,” Leary stated in an interview. “I decided to throw a pop-up for that game, and it rocketed from there immediately.” The success of the pop-up events led to a series of watch parties that expanded to include various sports, reflecting a growing interest in women’s athletics.
Located at 337–41 S. Broad St. in Center City, the Stoop Pigeon aims to be more than just a sports bar. The founders chose this iconic location for its significance in Philadelphia’s sports culture. “You walk out our door, and to the right is City Hall, and to the left is the Super Bowl Championship parade,” Leary explained. Broad Street has long served as a central gathering place for celebrations of local sports achievements.
The name “Stoop Pigeon” captures the essence of Philadelphia’s community spirit. Leary noted, “Philly rides with Philly. It’s where the community and friends gather to hang out.” The choice of the pigeon as a mascot also symbolizes local pride, as the first pigeons in America arrived in Philadelphia.
The Stoop Pigeon will feature a family-friendly atmosphere, offering a restaurant, daytime co-working space, and a coffee bar. “We talked about having coffee all day long, having an extensive NA menu, making it so that kids can come in, people who don’t drink can come in, and people who do drink can come in,” Leary said, emphasizing inclusivity.
Inside, the venue will showcase memorabilia celebrating Philadelphia’s women athletes. Leary mentioned items such as a signed poster from the Philadelphia Rage and a signed t-shirt from Natasha Cloud. The decor will also include a mural and a graffiti wall honoring contributors to Watch Party PHL’s Kickstarter campaign.
The Stoop Pigeon is forging collaborations with local businesses, such as Rival Bros. Coffee Bar and Sterling Pig, to create a special “Philly is a Women’s Sports Town” pilsner. The food menu will offer “elevated bar fare with Philly flair,” ensuring a unique culinary experience.
Looking ahead, Leary expressed excitement about becoming part of the vibrant Center City community. “I can’t wait to be neighbors with everyone. It’s wild that we are leasing a space at Broad and Pine in Philadelphia,” she said. The Stoop Pigeon aims to open in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the city, further positioning itself as a central hub for women’s sports in Philadelphia.
For updates and more information, interested individuals can visit the Stoop Pigeon’s website and follow their social media channels.
