For 16 years, Charlotte’s only gay sports bar has been LGBTQ+ haven
On a recent Thursday night at Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards, Charlotte’s first and only gay sports bar, laughter and groans can be heard from the direction of the pool table as customers gather around it, watching someone take their shot.
Patrons trickle in to order drinks at the place decorated with Pride colors, sports flags and neon beer signs. A mirror behind the bar makes the space feel endless.
Longtime customers gather outside, enjoying their beers and familiar company. Others chat next to a dartboard.
Donna Summer and Beyonce songs blast through the speakers, and then “Break Free” by Ariana Grande (Ft. Zedd) comes on. The crowd reacts, singing along loudly: “This is the part when I say I don’t want ya.”
This is what it feels like to spend time at Sidelines, Charlotte’s gay sports bar that has been a staple for 16 years.
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ABOUT: Friends Kevin Cooper and Alex Sinclair opened Sidelines in 2007. Cooper wanted a fresh start from his family and Kentucky, and Charlotte was a six-hour drive away: A perfect place to start over.
Cooper had previous experience working in bars and restaurants. He had owned a successful bar with a past partner before they decided to part ways. Sinclair found the right space, then Cooper came up with the perfect name: Sidelines.
16 YEARS LATER: Cooper said back in 2007, people used to buy Bud Light and shots. Now, customers want craft cocktails and specialty drinks. “The nicest thing about the crowd [is] that it’s always been diverse — we get gays, straights and lesbians,” Cooper said.
Today’s clientele also includes more transgender and straight people, compared to the early days. With more people moving into the city, Sidelines is also capturing more regulars.
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Sidelines works with Bar Argon, a gay dance bar located next door that both Cooper and Sinclair own, to host special events. It has been the location for engagement parties and for receptions and vow renewals. Cooper says it is a testimony to the bar’s welcoming atmosphere.
“I guess the core of it has always been the same — that’s people just wanting that safe space where they can feel comfortable,” Cooper said.
Of course, not everyone who has walked through the door has been comfortable once inside. “I had this guy yell at me because his girlfriend brought him here and didn’t know it was a gay bar,” Cooper said.
COMMUNITY: Some people are also surprised to find customers enjoying sports at the bar. Sidelines works with LGBTQ+ and ally sports teams such as Stonewall Sports, The Rainbowlers and The Charlotte Royals.
The Charlotte Royals recently hosted its tournament at Sidelines, where about 600 people from different states come here to play rugby.
Shawn Scango has been coming to Sidelines for more than 10 years.
“Everything about this place is about community or at least building it,” Scango said.
He found the space through his softball and bowling teams, which would regularly visit Sidelines for a few drinks. Although he now lives in Columbia, South Carolina, he still loves making the drive up to get a few drinks and play pool.
Sidelines also works with RAINN, Carolinas Care, Twirl to the World and Time Out Youth to give back to the LGBTQ+ community.
“We also work with other gay bars to let each other know if there’s an event or a problem arising,” Cooper said. He said they “keep an eye out for each other.”
LOOKING AHEAD: While facing the possibility that Sidelines’ building will be torn down soon, Cooper’s future goals are to move to a bigger space to accommodate more people and add food items to the menu.
Cooper also hopes to start a “gayborhood,” bringing both Argon and Sidelines together.
“Our goal is to work with the community so you’re a part of the community,” Cooper said. “If you’re not giving back, then you’re not a part of it.”
But back to this recent Thursday evening.
Customer Libby O’Hara has only newly discovered the place, yet she’s been at Sidelines for two nights in a row. She rocks a gothic-style outfit with flared-bottom pants and a black top while playing pool with her friends. She enjoys a raspberry vodka and cran, which she says tastes like Swedish Fish.
“The owner is super nice, he remembered my name instantly,” O’Hara said.
Cooper hopes that everyone who comes to Sidelines can feel comfortable and have a good time. He loves when people bring their family members and tell him what a fun time they’ve had that night.
“When they leave with that smile, you know you’ve achieved it,” he said.
Sidelines Sports Bar & Billards
Location: 4544 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Instagram: @sidelinessportsbar.clt
Correction: The headline had a misspelling but has been corrected.
