As the Phoenix Mercury gear up for their first home game of the WNBA Finals today, October 8, Phoenix businesses are reveling in the surge of support from the local community. Title 9 Sports Grill, a bar that pays homage to women athletes and their achievements, has been a nerve center for Mercury fans, witnessing packed watch parties with fans who cling to every play on-screen.
In anticipation for the upcoming games, Title 9 has been shaking things up, bringing in extra tables and rearranging furniture to accommodate more people. Faith Brenneman, a bartender at Title 9, shared with FOX 10 Phoenix, "We brought in multiple tables, many chairs, so we can try to fit as many people as we can in here without being too much." She further stated, "It’s been very chaotic in a good way." According to Brenneman, they're ensuring they don't have to turn away any fans eager to cheer on the Mercury.
Another hotspot for fans is Greenwood Brewing on Roosevelt Row, also woman-owned. Megan Greenwood, the proprietor, has set up a dedicated projection screen and additional TVs for the watch parties, distributing Phoenix Mercury merchandise to fans during the game. Greenwood Brewing also brewed a collaboration beer dubbed "Herstory Brew" to coincide with the Mercury's finals run. "We’re getting more in just to support our fans that are looking for this collaboration," Greenwood told FOX 10 Phoenix while discussing the beer that celebrates and supports the team.
Fervor for the Mercury isn't waning, with fans at Title 9 Sports Grill speaking to their unwavering support for the team. "I love the Mercury. It's really the only women's professional team we have in Phoenix," Julie Strouss said, conveying her adoration for the team’s strength and spirit in an interview acquired by Yahoo Sports. Audrey Corley, owner of Title 9, expressed her pride, "It just it's a testament to women's sports right now and the movement behind that," she added, reflecting on the significance of the community's turnout to support the women's team.
Whether at local businesses or other gathering spots, the community has transformed into a sea of support, echoing the sentiments of Brenneman who told FOX 10 Phoenix, "It’s been nice to have a place where we can all get together and have fun—something that we all love—and it’s just been great experience."
