For Marsha’s first customers, being in Philly’s first sports bar for gay women is “super emotional.”

Less than a month after opening, Marsha’s has already amassed a devoted following. For many of the first customers, staying at Philadelphia’s first gay sports bar evoked… visceral reaction – and not just for the nail-biting finishes.

“It was super emotional,” he said Jessalyn Grant-Bier, 25.”… This space was needed, wanted and deserved. I’m happy to give this place all my money, and I hope it stays here for decades to come.”

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At a viewing party Wednesday for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals and Game 3 of the Phillies-Dodgers NLDS series, one thing was clear from the cramped venue and passionate atmosphere: Marsha’s came to the right place at the right time.

Many people said they were there for opening night too and were met by a three-hour line that stretched around the entire block. Grant-Bier, who moved to West Philly from the San Francisco area less than a year ago, called September 19 “the most fun I’ve ever had in a row.”

Molly McVety/Philly Voice

On Wednesday, a large crowd came to Marsha’s to watch Game 3 of the WNBA Finals

Owner Chivonn Anderson had a specific vision to celebrate queer history in a welcoming space that centers women and Philly sports. The place has an unapologetic character – named after transgender LGBTQ+ activist Marsha P. Johnson, whose portrait is displayed behind the wooden bar beneath an American rainbow flag.

“This is our first time here, and we are so excited,” said Chloe Adkins, 27, of Fishtown, who was sitting with her wife Kaybree. “There aren’t many lesbian queer spaces, so we’re really happy. It’s nice to find another space that’s actually for queer people.”

Molly McVety/Philly Voice

Chloe and Kaybree Adkins of Fishtown expressed excitement about the opening of Marsha’s, an LGBTQ+ bar centered around women’s sports on South Street.

Pendo Kamau, 23, of Media, agreed.

“For Philly, a city that prides itself on having so many types of people and cultures, I think it’s really important that there are physical locations where women can be together, queer people can come together and feel celebrated.” Kamau said.

On Wednesday, customers were treated to two high-stakes games. The Las Vegas Aces held off a late run by the Phoenix Mercury to win 90-88 and take a 3-0 series lead in the WNBA Finals, and the Phillies posted an 8-2 win over the Dodgers in Los Angeles — though fans know all too well how that series ended.

Philadelphia doesn’t yet have its own professional women’s sports team, but if the atmosphere at Marsha’s is any indication, the city is more than ready for the arrival of the new WNBA franchise in 2030.

Molly McVety/Philly Voice

Jessalyn Grant-Bier, Evan Jones and Carter Strear attend Marsha’s viewing party for the WNBA Finals and Phillies playoff game on Wednesday.

“I’m a big sports fan and I’ve always felt like women’s sports are so under-respected,” said Evan Jones, 23, of West Philly. “We are all very excited about the 2030 team and I imagine this will be a big part of it when the time comes.”

Janelle Ingram, a 32-year-old from Mount Laurel, picked a prime spot against the bar’s window, with a view of almost every TV. Despite calling the Phillies a “disgrace,” perhaps foreshadowing the next night’s heartbreaker, seeing the crowd and Marsha’s excitement gave her hope for the next generation.

“I’m super excited just because our young kids are growing up,” she said. “It’s starting something big. It should have happened a long time ago and it’s really nice to see.”