Hysteria Sports Bar launches in Oakland with packed debut event

Hysteria Sports Bar officially launched in Oakland with more than 200 supporters at Xingones Cantina, drawing local officials and representatives from Bay Area pro and college women’s sports programs. The women-founded venture is now fundraising and scouting a permanent site as it aims to open Oakland’s first bar and restaurant dedicated to women’s sports.

Why it matters: - Hysteria Sports Bar is positioning itself as Oakland’s first bar and restaurant dedicated to women’s sports. - The launch drew more than 200 supporters, signaling early demand for a permanent women’s sports gathering place in the city. - The venture is still fundraising and looking for a location, so the launch served as both a milestone and a proof point.

What happened: - Hysteria Sports Bar officially launched last night at Xingones Cantina in Oakland’s Jack London Square. - The event brought out local elected officials, representatives from four professional sports organizations, and leaders from two Bay Area university athletic programs. - Oakland Councilperson Rowena Brown attended the launch. - Representatives from the Golden State Valkyries, Bay FC, Oakland Soul, and the Golden State Storm were present. - The Stanford Alumni Association and UC Berkeley’s women’s basketball team were also represented.

The details: - Hysteria Sports Bar was founded by four Oakland women: Erin Waddell, Meadow Holmes, Mayra Velazquez and Audacious Wilson. - Waddell and Holmes are the co-founders. - Velazquez is the founder of Xingones Cantina and a co-owner of Hysteria. - Wilson is a community organizer behind the People’s Watch Party and Watch Her Ball. - The launch event was held at Velazquez’s restaurant, where Hysteria has hosted watch parties over the past year. - Hysteria’s food program was developed at Xingones Cantina. - The venture has hosted 15 watch parties across Oakland over the past year. - Hysteria has built partnerships with Bay FC, the Bay FC Bridge Brigade, Cal Women’s Basketball, ValQueeries, American Outlaws Oakland and other organizations. - The project has grown to more than 1,100 Instagram followers and 370 newsletter subscribers before securing a permanent location.

Between the lines: - The turnout and the mix of sports and civic leaders suggest Hysteria is building beyond a single bar concept and into a broader community hub. - The presence of representatives from women’s professional and college programs points to a growing Bay Area ecosystem around women’s sports. - Velazquez’s comments frame the launch as evidence that customers want a dedicated place to watch women’s games together.

What’s next: - Hysteria Sports Bar is actively scouting an approximately 2,000-square-foot location in one of Oakland’s walkable neighborhoods. - The team is continuing to raise money through its Starting Squad campaign. - Supporters can contribute through the Starting Squad campaign. - The goal is to open a space where women’s games are the main event.