Sidelines Cyclones Victorious At The World Series! 

The Sidelines Cyclones, Sidelines Sports Bar’s sponsored softball team captured the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) World Series Championship. The win makes the Cyclones part of an elite few for Fort Lauderdale’s gay softball league as the C-Division’s National Champions! The 15-player team was one of forty-nine (49) C-Division competing teams, the largest amount of C-Division teams to ever compete at a World Series event. During the three-day competition, the Cyclones played like professionals, winning all seven of their games, going undefeated against competitors from Seattle, Austin, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Oklahoma City, Birmingham, Boston, and a coalition team from Norfolk, Richmond, and Greenville NC.

The Gay Softball World Series was held from August 31 – September 5, 2009 and welcomed over 4,000 participants and fans from 37 leagues in North America to Milwaukee, WI. The Series is the world’s largest annual LGBT sporting event which strives to strengthen the LGBT athletic presence in communities throughout the US and Canada. Teams are ranked by skill level from those that exhibit advanced physical skills and knowledge of the game (A & B Divisions) to players who demonstrate good solid skills and knowledge of the game (C Division) to those new to the game with a competitive and challenging desire to play (D Division).

The Sidelines Cyclones’ final Championship game, against the Seattle Maulers, ended with a double play by the Cyclones and a final score of 11 to 6. The most valuable players of the game as voted by the team’s coaches were Eddie Bailey, at Pitcher, and Tony Butkevich at 3^rd base. Manager Robbie Chaw was still enjoying the victory and commented “all the hard work, dedication and discipline finally paid off! Thanks to all of our Florida fans that cheered us on in the stands and back home! “We still can’t believe it, but it’s been a great ride for all of us!” 

Laurie Whittaker and Marty Kildea, owners of Sidelines Sports Bar boasted “their trophy will be prominently displayed in the bar. After only three years, we feel both proud and humbled to support such a great group of athletes! Congratulations Cyclones!”

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – July 1, 2009 – Sidelines Sports Bar is delighted to announce its inaugural sponsorship of the SMART Ride 6, the two-day, 165 mile, bicycle ride from Miami, FL to Key West, FL. The SMART Ride, also known as The Southernmost AIDS/HIV Ride, is a fundraising effort, born out of a vision that 100% of what the participants raise could go to charity, and could maintain some control over the distribution of their funds. Last year alone The SMART Ride raised almost $600,000 for a number of charitable organizations.  

The Ride begins in Miami, FL on Friday, January 8, 2010 with Opening Ceremonies and an early morning Ride Out to Duck Key, where riders will stay overnight. Then on Saturday, January 9, the Ride Out begins and ends in Key West, FL with a much heralded Closing Ceremony. The Ride is fully supported and is designed to allow riders of all different degrees of experience to participate. The Ride is not a race, it is a ride. This year’s benefiting agencies include AIDS Help, Inc., Broward House, Compass, Hug Me, The Center for Positive Connections, and Metropolitan Charities, Inc. 

Sidelines Sports Bar will also be joining this year’s ride with “Team Sidelines”, a group of committed individuals who desire to give of themselves for this worthwhile cause. The team is made up of staff, loyal patrons, friends and family who see this as another opportunity to give back to the LGBT community. Each member of Team Sidelines has committed to raise $1,250 as part of their participation in the Ride. Sidelines will also host a “Party for Charity” – details coming soon. 

“We are faced with many friends suffering from this awful disease and we wanted to do something together as a team that can help these friends in a real way”, commented Lori Tanner, Team Sidelines’ Captain and a favorite Sidelines’ bartender.

SIDELINES SPORTS BAR SPONSORS TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF STONEWALL STREET FESTIVAL 

Candlelight Procession Planned For Parade

Happy 3^rd Birthday Sidelines!

Sidelines Sports Bar is celebrating its third anniversary next month and is planning many fun and festive activities to mark the occasion. The celebration will be spread over three days, beginning on Saturday, May 9 until Monday, May 11, 2009. On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, the actual date of their anniversary, Sidelines will host a “Let’s Start Our Fourth Year Right” party with all day drink specials, giveaways, an open buffet, and a very special raffle for fantastic prizes. Details of dates, times and specials will follow shortly. 

On May 12, 2006, Sidelines first opened its doors to a somewhat uncertain and skeptical South Florida gay and lesbian community - unsure that a gay sports bar would work here. Both Laurie Whittaker and Marty Kildea, owners of Sidelines, thought differently and worked diligently in a short amount of time to create a place where one could come to play a round of pool or darts, watch their favorite sports teams compete or simply relax amongst friends in a clean, comfortable and friendly setting. While sports became the unique attraction to Sidelines, add in one of the friendliest staffs in Wilton Manors and the resulting concoction has rapidly become a popular neighborhood sports bar. Sidelines became best known as a “Gay Cheers”. 

“We are so happy to be celebrating our third anniversary and starting our fourth year”, commented Laurie Whittaker, co-owner of Sidelines. She continues, “Three years surely goes by quickly, but we could not have made it this far without the loyal patrons, supporting friends and dedicated employees we’ve come to count on”. “Our most heartfelt thanks”, echoed Marty Kildea, co-owner.

Football’s 2009 NFL Draft Gives Fans Something To Cheer About!

Just when we thought football was over until the fall, much to the chagrin of die-hard football fans, the NFL brings a cherished off-season event for fans around the globe. The 2009 NFL Draft takes place April 25-26, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Teams select college players in seven rounds, spread out over two days. Each team’s draft position is determined by reverse order of finish and is broadcast on NFL Network. 

Fans gather in the infamous auditorium to make their wishes known by cheering on their team’s eligible picks. In the draft’s back war rooms, coaches, owners, agents and scouts, study in-depth analysis on prospective draft choices, breakdowns of each team's needs, and finally emerge to announce their choice within the time-limited selection process. 

Sidelines Sports Bar will show all the excitement LIVE on Saturday and Sunday, April 25 & 26, 2009 respectively. “This is a time-honored tradition for football fans everywhere. It’s terrific we can offer it to our gay and lesbian football fans, too!” commented, Laurie Whittaker, co-owner of Sidelines.

Sidelines’ Party for Charity Celebrates Community Spirit & Commitment to Stop The Spread of Hiv/Aids

Florida AIDS walk Benefit at Sidelines Sports Bar in WilMa

i Events, Map, Address and Archived Photos of Sidelines

ß View Sidelines Photo Gallery

The recent fundraiser held at Sidelines Sports Bar was heralded by most as an awesome success, raising nearly $8,000 for the Florida AIDS Walk, the annual 10k walk to be held on March 15, 2009 in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Huizenga Plaza.

Sidelines Sports Bar, Wilton Manors’ popular gay nightspot, hosted an exclusive three-hour charity celebration with open bar and hors d’oeuvres for the who’s who of gay Fort Lauderdale. Loyal patrons, media representatives, community leaders and many of Team Sidelines’ walkers were on hand to show their support and offer donations for this important cause. One hundred percent of the funds raised during the Party for Charity and at the Walk will benefit HIV/AIDS organizations in Florida, such as AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Broward Human Rights Initiative, Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC), and Pet Project.

“The warmth we felt as a result of the outpouring of community spirit was so overwhelming. The charitable feeling filled the air and shows what can be accomplished when we, as a community, support each other in standing together for a cause”, noted Jennifer Morales, director of marketing for Sidelines Sports Bar.

About Florida AIDS Walk

In April 2008, thousands of caring and thoughtful individuals from across the state gathered in Fort Lauderdale for the Florida AIDS Walk and demonstrated their commitment to reversing the course of the AIDS epidemic in Florida. In 2009, the Florida AIDS Walk will recruit participants statewide to raise awareness that nearly 125,000 Floridians are living with HIV/AIDS. Take action and participate to help raise awareness that the battle against AIDS is not over. Visit them online at www.floridaaidswalk.org.

Sidelines Sports Bar Sponsors A Green Solution!

The Green Hopper Begins Shuttle Service in Wilton Manors

Sidelines Sports Bar is delighted to announce its support of the new “green” shuttle service in Wilton Manors, the Green Hopper. The owners of Sidelines have been proactively searching for ways to help alleviate the parking challenges faced by patrons when visiting the city as a result of the diminishing number of parking spaces along “the Drive”. One such solution was found in the Green Hopper.  

The Green Hopper, a new local shuttle service, provides safe, convenient and free transportation aboard their 100% electric and zero emission 5-passenger vehicles around Wilton Manors’ Island City area. Once aboard, residents and visitors can enjoy a no-fee ride anywhere in Wilton Manors. While the Green Hopper does not charge a fee to ride, funding is generated by customer’s generous tips to their drivers and paid advertising sponsors, such as Sidelines Sports Bar.  

The inaugural ride of the Green Hopper was on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2009, and the reception from both commuters and gay businesses along the drive was extraordinarily positive and supportive. Riders were flagging down the Green Hoppers and hopping aboard only to be dropped off at their favorite hot stops, while others were calling ahead for scheduled pick-ups. The Green Hopper was busily hopping around Wilton Manors taking its many riders to their chosen locations in comfort and style.

“We are so excited to be the very first advertiser of this unique and fun service. The Green Hopper has carved out a niche by providing an alternative to driving around town looking for a parking space. Our customers and our community now have an alternative to getting around easily and safely”, stated Laurie Whittaker, owner of Sidelines Sports Bar. “Kudos to the Green Hopper!” 

About The Green Hopper

The Green Hopper is the brainchild of Alan Carter, a longtime Wilton Manors’ resident, who saw an opportunity to offer his community something fun, safe, and sensible. Mr. Carter and his business partner, Angelo Bartolome, have been developing this idea for over a year. The Green Hopper is Wilton Manors’ newest and most affordable and convenient transportation system, consisting of 100% electric, zero emission, 5-passenger vehicles. The seats are comfortable and seatbelt equipped for safety and protection. Their drivers are personable and maintain a high degree of customer service skills. For more information about the Green Hopper’s coverage area, hopper stops, or hours of operation, visit them online at www.thegreenhopper.com.

Join Us To Party For Charity!

Fundraising Event for the Florida AIDS Walk 2009

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – January 20, 2009 – While most are feeling hopeful about the future despite the recent challenging and tough economic times, there are those living with HIV/AIDS that remain struggling to make ends meet and stay healthy. That is why Sidelines Sports Bar will host a “Party for Charity” on Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM as part of their commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. As one of the Principal Sponsors for the Florida AIDS Walk to be held on March 15, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sidelines will offer its customers, walkers and teams an exclusive three-hour party with open bar on all drinks (excluding champagne), a light buffet, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of Floridians living with HIV/AIDS. 

The cost to join the fun is $50. Tickets may be purchased at Sidelines Sports Bar or by contacting Mark Bode, Events Coordinator, for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation at 954-522-3132. Tickets will go on sale beginning Sunday, February 1, 2009 (cash or checks only). 

All monies raised from the “Party for Charity” will benefit HIV/AIDS organizations in Florida, such as AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Broward Human Rights Initiative, Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) and Pet Project. Plus, all monies donated to the Florida AIDS Walk stay in Florida and benefit the needs of those in our community. 

“We are both humbled and thankful for our success during the last few years, but we can never forget our friends, loved ones, and family who have lost their lives in the struggle with HIV/AIDS. Please come by on February 19^th and help stop the spread of HIV by joining us as we “Party for Charity”, lobbied Jennifer Morales, director of marketing for Sidelines Sports Bar. 

About Florida AIDS Walk

In April 2008, thousands of caring and thoughtful individuals from across the state gathered in Fort Lauderdale for the Florida AIDS Walk and demonstrated their commitment to reversing the course of the AIDS epidemic in Florida. In 2009, the Florida AIDS Walk will recruit participants statewide to raise awareness that nearly 125,000 Floridians are living with HIV/AIDS. Take action and participate to help raise awareness that the battle against AIDS is not over. Visit them online at www.floridaaidswalk.org.  

About Sidelines Sports Bar

Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other video games, strives to provide a fun, friendly and relaxed environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar. Sidelines Sports Bar opens at 2:00 PM on Monday – Friday and Noon on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

A NEW YEAR … A NEW REASON TO COME TO SIDELINES!

Sidelines Sports Bar announces a new incentive to come to the already popular gay sports bar on Thursdays. Sidelines presents “T.G.I. Thursday”, a new drink special offering customers 2-4-1 pricing on all well drinks and domestic draft beers from open to close on Thursdays. This new offering takes effect on January 1, 2009 and replaces the $3 Svedka drink special. 

“We wanted to give our loyal fans something new for the New Year and we believe this special will offer them a value added incentive to visit us on Thursdays”, stated Marty Kildea, co-owner of Sidelines.    

Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other video games, strives to provide a fun, friendly and relaxed environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar. Sidelines Sports Bar opens at 2:00 PM on Monday – Friday and Noon on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

Sidelines’ Q-Ball Pool Team Wins Championship!

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – November 22, 2008 – Sidelines Sports Bar’s sponsored pool team, “Sidelines 4”, won the seasonal finals in the Q-Ball Pool League’s recently held finals at New Moon Bar in Wilton Manors, FL. Sidelines 4 racked up 132 wins out of 188 games to pull off the win and secure the title. 

“Sidelines 4” team members are Chris Simbulan, Larry Caldwell, Paul Draznin, Mitchell Lambert, Todd Katkow, Tommy Demos and Bob Oelke.  The team defeated Georgie's Alibi #2 in the semi-finals, 6-4, and Johnny's pool team in the finals, 6-2.   

“Sidelines 4” is part of Fort Lauderdale’s Q-Ball Pool League, a social billiard league for gay men and women. Beginning its 19^th season in January 2009, the league plays on Tuesday evenings at various bars in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.  There are two seasons each year, each lasting 16 weeks where players compete in “Bar Room 8-ball”.  Teams consist of 5 to 8 players and there are no entry fees for players. Hosting bars pour each player a drink each Tuesday and team sponsors contribute for an end-of-season banquet, trophies and other prizes.   

“Congratulations to Sidelines 4! Q-Ball pool is such a fun and friendly way to make new friends while competing in an intensely skilled indoor sport”, commented Laurie Whittaker, co-owner of Sidelines.

'Tis The Season! To celebrate the coming holiday season, Sidelines Sports Bar is offering some holiday cheer!  From December 1 - 30, 2008, Sidelines' new Super Premium Vodka drinks will be available at 2-4-1 prices from Open to Close!

Last summer, Sidelines Sports Bar introduced its own private-labeled, high-quality vodka. It was a big hit amongst loyal Sidelines customers and discerning vodka drinkers; so much so, they had to place a new order from their distributor.

If you didn't get the opportunity to try our new vodka, you can be assured that the finest distilleries throughout Europe and the world created these exceptionally smooth vodkas with a superbly clean finish. What sets this vodka apart from all the others in the category is a purity, smoothness and clean taste that only a "small batch" process can deliver.
 
So, please join us to celebrate the holidays and try Sidelines' Super Premium Vodka during this special season. We appreciate your business and hope you'll visit us soon!

Sidelines Gets Another “Best” Nod From Voters

For the third year in a row since its opening, Sidelines Sports Bar was voted the winner in not just one, but two categories of South Florida Blade’s “2008 Best of Gay South Florida” annual readership poll. The popular gay sports bar in Wilton Manors, Florida was named “Best Casual Bar” and “Best Place to Go Out by Yourself” in the local gay newspaper’s online survey. 

After weeks of voting and thousands of entries, the winners were officially announced in print in last week’s issue of South Florida Blade. Of course, the businesses, organizations, and people receiving awards are not necessarily “gay” themselves; their recognition merely reflected the popularity within the GLBT community. While Sidelines received countless votes as the “Best Sports Bar”, they also won big for friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and popularity among sports fans. “At Wilton Manor’s neighborhood gem Sidelines, you’re bound to connect with another living, breathing human being”, stated the editorial staff of South Florida Blade. 

Both owners of Sidelines, Laurie Whittaker and Marty Kildea, had this to say abut the awards: “Our deepest, most heartfelt and sincere thanks go to our loyal customers and dedicated staff!  Without them, we could not enjoy this success or recognition. Thank you all for your support and encouragement!” 

Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and even a free foosball table, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

During the months of October and November, Sidelines Sports Bar is once again collecting cans of food for the underprivileged and hungry. Donations will be accepted at Sidelines Sports Bar by placing non-perishable canned foods in specially-marked containers. For those customers donating five (5) cans of food, Sidelines will offer the patron one free domestic draft beer. To redeem this offer, please see the Manager on duty for a free domestic draft coupon. 

Donated cans will be delivered to the Cooperative Feeding Program, Broward County’s federally recognized non-profit organization working to alleviate hunger. When families fall into economic hardship, the Cooperative Feeding Program provides counseling and support to help them out of the throes of difficult times. The CFP’s diverse family center offers hope, contact with community-wide services, and emotional support. The Cooperative Feeding Program can be visited online at www.feedingbroward.org.  

“At this time of anxiety and uncertainty, there are those unsure of where they’re going to get their next meal”, commented Marty Kildea, co-owner of Sidelines. He adds, “We think this is an effective way to make it easier for many people”. 

Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and even a free foosball table, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

Sidelines To Host “Get Out The Vote” Night

Sidelines Sports Bar will veer from their “all sports” core focus by hosting a historic evening as politicos from the GLBT community strive to “Get Out the Vote” in the upcoming elections. The Broward Human Rights Initiative (BHRI), the Lambda United organization of Nova Southeastern University Law School, and the “Say No 2” political committee of Florida Red & Blue, have joined forces with Sidelines to encourage their fans to vote in the National Elections on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.  

On Monday, October 20^th from 6 PM to 8 PM, each of these groups will be on hand to speak to those interested in learning about their programs. Food and drink specials will be provided by Sidelines and information will be available throughout the evening.

“It has become crucial that all of us get out and vote this year to ensure our rights will not be ignored, nor taken for granted”, stated Laurie Whittaker, co-owner of Sidelines Sports Bar. 

About the Broward Human Rights Initiative (BHRI):

Broward Human Rights Initiative (BHRI) is a program that provides legal protection for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community in Broward County. BHRI was also created to protect the civil rights of GLBT persons in Broward County through legal representation, community education, and community mobilization.  

About Lambda United:

Lambda United is a social, education, and support organization for Ft. Lauderdale's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) law student community. As a campus organization at Nova Southeastern University, Lambda United also seeks to promote education, awareness, and the elimination of discrimination and prejudice in the university and legal community.
 

About Say No 2:

Florida Red and Blue, the statewide bipartisan campaign fighting the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment, has launched the Say No 2 campaign, urging voters to Vote No on Amendment 2, which will be on the November ballot. Amendment 2 is also known as the "same sex marriage ban" amendment, but it's consequences and effects will harm ALL unmarried couples in Florida, whether they're gay or not.

The message of Say No 2 is simple: Say no to taking away rights, benefits and protections from unmarried couples, especially senior citizens. Say no to eliminating shared health care and pension benefits. Say no to someone else deciding who can visit you in the hospital. And say no to more government intrusion into your private life. 

Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other videos games, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

Sidelines Sports Bar has come up with a new reason for gay men and women to patronize their popular gay sports bar. Beginning on Monday, October 13, 2008, Sidelines will offer its customers the chance to play some of America’s most popular “parlor games”, such as checkers, chess, cards, and backgammon. Sidelines will supply all the game boards and pieces, offer them free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, and announce the start of each game, thereby allowing players to join in. Now, not only can fans play a game of darts or shoot a round of pool, guests can sit back, unwind with friends, and compete in a fun, relaxing game of chess, checkers, or backgammon. 

“We wanted to bring in something new and different to those folks who have not had the chance to experience what Sidelines has to offer”, commented Marty Kildea, co-owner of Sidelines. 

Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other videos games, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

Sidelines Sports Bar will be the place for darters to compete when the Paladins Athletic Organization holds its monthly dart tournaments on the last Saturday of every month, beginning on Saturday, September 27, 2008. Sidelines Sports Bar is one of the community sponsors of the Paladins’ five gay softball teams. The Paladins have aspired to provide its members opportunities to participate and volunteer in amateur athletics, with a special emphasis on giving back to our community.  All proceeds from the dart tournament’s entry fees will go to their efforts of sending teams to various tournaments throughout the country. Dart tournament registration begins at 3 PM and prizes will be awarded to the first and second place winners.

Don’t forget Sidelines’ weekly dart tournaments held every Wednesday at 8:00 PM.  Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other videos games, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. The gay owned and operated club has rapidly become Fort Lauderdale’s premier gay sports bar.

Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com. 

For more information about the Paladins Athletic Organization, visit them on line at www.paladinsathletics.com. 

For more information about Sidelines Sports Bar, please call Jennifer Morales at 305.519.1876 or send an e-mail to jennifer@sidelinessports.com.