Over the years, Intewump Sports Bar has been the venue where countless sports fans have experienced moments of glory, heartbreak, and pure adrenaline. Our walls have witnessed the collective gasps, cheers, and occasionally tears of Sydney's most passionate sports lovers. Here, we look back at five unforgettable sporting moments that brought our patrons together and created memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Australia's 2015 Cricket World Cup Victory
When Australia faced New Zealand in the 2015 Cricket World Cup final at the MCG, Intewump was packed to the rafters. The atmosphere was electric as Mitchell Starc took that crucial early wicket of Brendon McCullum, setting the tone for the match.
By the time Michael Clarke's men lifted the trophy, the celebrations in our bar rivaled those at the ground itself. Beer flowed, strangers embraced, and impromptu renditions of "Advance Australia Fair" broke out across the venue. What made this moment so special was seeing fans from all walks of life, many who'd never met before, sharing in this collective national triumph.
One regular, Dave, even had us store the coaster he was using that day in our display cabinet – it remains there to this day as a memento of that special afternoon.
2. The 2016 NRL Grand Final's Final Minutes
When the Cronulla Sharks faced the Melbourne Storm in the 2016 NRL Grand Final, few expected the nail-biter we witnessed. The Sharks, seeking their first premiership in their 50-year history, led 14-12 as the clock ticked down.
The final seven minutes of that match created an atmosphere in Intewump unlike anything we'd experienced before. Every Storm attack was met with groans of anxiety, every Sharks defensive effort cheered like a try.
When the final siren sounded and the Sharks had held on, the bar erupted. Sharks supporters, who'd endured decades of heartbreak, were in tears. Even supporters of rival teams couldn't help but be moved by the moment. The celebrations continued well into the early hours, with several Sharks fans returning the following weekend to recreate their "lucky" seats for their team's victory parade.
3. Buddy Franklin's 1000th Goal
When Lance "Buddy" Franklin approached his 1000th AFL career goal in 2022, the anticipation was building for weeks. Would he do it at the SCG? How would the crowd react? What would the moment feel like?
When the moment finally arrived during the Swans' clash with Geelong, Intewump reached a decibel level we're sure violated some noise regulations. The iconic image of thousands of fans streaming onto the SCG was mirrored in our bar by patrons leaping from their seats, drinks spilling, and high-fives being exchanged among complete strangers.
We had several die-hard Swans supporters who'd been coming to watch games at Intewump for years, and seeing their emotional reactions to witnessing such a historic AFL moment was something special. One patron even joked that he wanted us to erect a small plaque on the barstool where he was sitting when Buddy kicked the milestone goal.
4. Nick Kyrgios' 2022 Wimbledon Final Run
When Nick Kyrgios made his unexpected run to the 2022 Wimbledon final, we decided to open early for the matches despite the challenging time difference. What followed were several late nights/early mornings of tennis drama that brought together a community of tennis fans we didn't even know existed among our regular clientele.
The semi-final victory was particularly memorable, with a core group of about 40 die-hards staying until the early hours to watch Kyrgios secure his place in a Grand Slam final. The atmosphere was unlike our usual sports viewing experiences – more subdued and tense, with polite applause rather than raucous cheering, mirroring the Wimbledon crowd itself.
Although Kyrgios ultimately fell to Djokovic in the final, those Wimbledon mornings created a new tradition at Intewump, and we now regularly open for major tennis tournaments, cultivating a dedicated tennis community within our sports bar family.
5. The Matildas' 2023 Women's World Cup Semi-Final
The most recent entry on our list is also perhaps the most significant in terms of its cultural impact. When the Matildas made their historic run in the 2023 Women's World Cup on home soil, the nation was captivated. But few could have predicted just how transformative the tournament would be for women's sports in Australia.
Our bar was filled with families, including many young girls watching their new heroes. The quarter-final penalty shootout victory over France created scenes of jubilation we'll never forget. And though the semi-final against England ended in heartbreak, the collective pride and emotional connection to that Matildas team was unlike anything we'd seen before.
What made these moments special was seeing a new generation of sports fans being born. We had fathers bringing their daughters to watch women's football in a sports bar – something that might have seemed unlikely just a few years ago. The diversity of the crowd during those matches represented everything we've always hoped Intewump could be: a place where everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can come together through their love of sport.
Honorable Mentions
- The Socceroos qualifying for the 2022 World Cup via penalty shootout against Peru
- Sydney FC's last-minute winner in the 2017 A-League Grand Final
- The 2020 NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne, played during COVID restrictions
- The 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast, particularly the swimming events
These moments remind us why sports bars like Intewump exist – not just to watch games, but to experience them together. The shared emotions, the collective memories, and the sense of community that sport creates are why we open our doors every day.
We're looking forward to many more unforgettable sporting moments in the future, and we hope you'll be here to experience them with us. After all, the best sports memories are the ones shared with others.
What's your most memorable sporting moment at Intewump? Let us know next time you visit, or share it with us on social media!
