Known to the locals as “Sporties” and rarely referred to by its full name, this gay owned and operated pub will soon qualify as a local institution, having first opened its doors in 1989.

Since that time it has thrived as a meeting place, a mixing pot, a pool parlour, a breeding ground for drag artistes and an unpretentious alternative to Brisbane’s more dance-oriented gay venues.

In the afternoons and early evenings, Sporties’ bistro is a friendly spot in which to grab an inexpensive meal or snack. It is the only Brisbane gay venue to offer meals.

But after 9pm most nights, Sporties’ company of drag stars steals the spotlight.

Downstairs on Saturdays, Sporties is home to alternating community groups such as men’s leather group, the Boot Co and Brisbears, and on Friday nights, the women of Shibar take over.

Sporties is also the only gay venue to offer accommodation. There are 10 rooms available with shared facilities such as cooking facilities, a TV room, sun deck and bathrooms.

Sporties holds several special events throughout the year, including the Miss Sportsman drag pageant (November), Mr Sportsman pageant (March), Boy’s Own Charity Bake-Off (August) and “Orphan’s” Christmas Dinner. It also hosts several events for the Boot Co’s annual Corium festival (July).

Queen Bees: Wanda d’ Parke, Tara Moore, Sasha Trajic-Mole

Turntable Wizards: Merlin  

Mondays
Queer as Folk on the big screen between 6pmand 9pm. Lunch from Midday until 2pm and dinner from 6pm - 9pm.
 
Tuesdays
Trivia, Superquiz with Max Rowley from 7.30pm. Win $80 cash, $30 and $15 Bottle-O- Vouchers and a rolling major cash jackpot. Lunch from Midday until 2pm and dinner from 6pm-9pm.
 
Wednesdays
Karaoke with Paul J and Maree from 8pm. Pool Comps from 7.30pm. Lunch from Midday until 2pm and dinner from 6pm-9pm.
 
Thursdays
Wanda d'Parke and Candy Surprise sing totally live at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm. Lunch from Midday until 2pm and Dinner from 6pm-9pm. Purchase two meals Thursday night and get the second meal of equal or lesser value for only $5.00.
 
Fridays
Fab Fridays hosted by Wanda d'Parke with special guests each week, shows at 10.30pm, 12 Midnight and 2am. DJ Merlin from 9.30pm. Lunch from Midday until 2pm and dinner from 6pm-9pm.
 
Fridays Downstairs Bar
Karaoke downstairs, except on the third Friday of each month, which is women's club Shibar (see specialty events below).
 
Saturdays
Unleashed Ella Va'Lay, Martini Ice and Taylor with dancers Evan and Steven. Shows at 10.30pm, 12 Midnight and 2am. DJ Merlin from 9.30pm. Dinner from 6pm-9pm. Women's pool comp every second Saturday from 3pm.
 
Saturdays, Downstairs Bar
1st Sat of the month: Boot Co with DJ Tim. 2nd Sat: Sports-n-Shorts with DJ Craig Fussell, wet jock comp at 1am. 3rd and 5th Sat: Bris Bears Social Night with DJ Retrosexual and the Double Up Bears. 4th Sat: Grunt -- High Standards ... Low Morals with DJ Craig Fussell. Doors open from 8pm.
 
Sundays
Sporties Sunday Session with Pool Comps in the main Bar at 5pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Sasha Trajic-Mole hosts Work For The Mole: If you can't get the dole, come and work for the Mole. With special and amateur guests each week. Shows at 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm. Dinner from 6pm-9pm.


Specialty events

Sunday August 31: Annual Charity Bake Off with all proceeds to PFLAG and ATSAQ.

Thursday  September 4: Meet the Press. Drinks and nibblies with Queensland Pride from 6pm.

Friday September 19: Shibar women's bar with Simone Townshend.

Saturday September 27: CWC Cabaret with Tracey Turnblad, Divine and Toye de Wilde.

Sportsman Hotel: 130 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill, Brisbane

www.sportsmanhotel.com.au