As an event planner, you will have to organize different types of events at various types of venues. Some of these will be high-end affairs, and some will be more casual or intimate. If you’re looking for the perfect venue for a private party, there are many possibilities to choose from, including sports bars.Â
They play an important role in many communities and thus make ideal event venues. With the right approach, you can turn a sports bar into the ultimate party venue for your clients. Read on to learn how!
What Is a Sports Bar?
A sports bar is a licensed establishment that caters specifically to sports fans. It includes sports-oriented decor and memorabilia, and usually also has TVs with big screens to show live sports matches. Sports bars often serve snacks and light meals.Â
Sports Bars vs Other Types of Bars
There are many different kinds of bars. Cocktail bars, wine bars, and hotel bars offer patrons a very different experience than sports bars do. Each has a unique and distinct vibe and caters to a different type of clientele.Â
Sports bars are casual, lively establishments where patrons are united in their love of sports. Perhaps this is why they have been featured in so many movies and sitcoms with scenes of lively chatter, joking, and camaraderie.Â
Here are the factors that set sports bars apart from other bars.
Televised EntertainmentÂ
Many bars have TVs in them. Sports bars are not unique in this respect. But it is usually not seen as a necessity. In a sports bar, on the other hand, this is crucial, as it allows sports fans to watch their favorite sports matches and cheer for their favorite teams.Â
While other bars may focus more on live music entertainment, sports bars would not do so when a big game is on.Â
Lingering Patrons
Because they are watching sports and not just drinking, a sports bar’s patrons typically linger for longer than at other bars. The reason for this is simple. If they are watching a football game while they hang out with friends and drink beer, they are likely to remain there for the entirety of the game.
They will probably arrive before it starts, and remain long after it finishes, discussing the highlights of the game with friends.
The MenuÂ
Although some offer wine and spirits, sports bars typically focus on beer. They may have an extensive range of beers, both local and imported. Craft beers may also be available.Â
Sports bars also usually have a food menu, but it’s often limited to only a handful of options. These range from snacks and light meals to grill items such as burgers and hot dogs. Some sports bars offer different food and drink specials on specific days.Â
Surroundings and Ambiance
Sports bar patrons go there to watch a game, have a few beers and snacks, and discuss sports with their friends. These bars offer a very different vibe from hotel bars, wine bars, and cocktail bars. The decor is also much more casual than in most other licensed venues.Â
Benefits of Using a Sports Bar for a Party
Although it may at first seem too niche to be truly versatile, a sports bar offers many possibilities. So, what are the benefits of using a sports bar for a party venue?Â
Alcohol and Snacks are Already Available
Will alcohol be served at the party? A sports bar is already licensed. You won’t have to stress about getting a liquor license for your event, and they will already have alcohol available to serve large numbers of people. If the sports bar serves tasty snacks, and most do, that’s one less thing to worry about.
A Casual and Welcoming Environment
Many clients prefer a casual environment to an upmarket venue for their parties. Sports bars have the ideal vibe for small, casual events like adults’ birthday parties. You also won’t have to do much in the way of decoration if the party has a sports theme.Â
Ensures Guests Attend, Even When There’s a Big Game On
The date of the party might clash with the date of a big sports match during football season. If your client does not want to or cannot change the date, hosting the party at a sports bar solves the problem. Guests can stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the game while socializing with other guests.Â
Challenges of Using a Sports Bar as a Party Venue
Sports bars have distinct differences when compared to other bars. Therefore, they sometimes present a few challenges when considering them for a party venue.
- A party at a sports bar can only work if your client is into sports, or the majority of their guests are. It may take some convincing for your client to consider it as a viable party venue. Also, guests who are not into sports might be hesitant to accept the invitation.
- Hosting a party at a private residence or a party venue is a different thing entirely from hosting it at a bar. This could affect the attendance of people who do not drink alcohol, or those who were thinking of bringing children along.
- Now for the biggest challenge when using a sports bar as your party venue. It’s much harder to book one for a private party during busy sports seasons. Therefore, we recommend that you have alternate options to choose from if the client’s party will take place on the day of a big game.
What Types of Events Can You Have at a Sports Bar?
Are you considering using a sports bar for an upcoming event but you’re unsure if it’s the right fit? A sports bar can be used to host everything from birthday parties to retirement parties, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, holiday festivities, and even engagement parties.Â
In our experience, even small companies’ year-end parties can be accommodated at a sports bar. If you are looking for ideas for a corporate function, read our guide to creative team-building events. Â
Always consider the number and type of guests who will be attending, though. Sports bars are ideally suited to smaller, private, and casual nighttime events. These venues are often not very spacious and may also lack the natural light preferred for daytime parties.Â
If the party you are planning is a daytime one, look at ways of introducing more light. You may need to do this for nighttime parties, too. Even with all the lights on, sports bars can seem a bit dark.Â
Can You Have a Party at a Sports Bar Without a Sports Theme?
Yes, you can! Maybe the only available venue is a sports bar, or perhaps you have chosen it for other reasons. You can host a party at a sports bar without a sporty party theme. However, you will need to adapt the decor a bit.
Ask the bar owner or manager if you’ll be allowed to cover, hide, or move sports memorabilia while the party is in swing. As long as you agree to put everything back the way it was, most will agree to this request.
As for the TVs, simply leave them switched off. Better yet, if they are smart TVs, incorporate them as monitors.Â
With the client's permission and cooperation, you could show images or video clips that they feel are appropriate for the event. An example would be photographs or video footage of previous years’ birthday and holiday parties, or photographs of the couple at an engagement party.Â
Another idea is to use the TVs to play song lyrics if you’re hosting a karaoke evening.
7 Top Tips for Using a Sports Bar as a Party Venue
A sports bar can be the perfect location for a party. But before choosing your venue and planning your event, read through our tips below.Â
Consider the Needs of Less Able-Bodied Guests
Bar stools are not ideal seating for older or less able-bodied people. Ask your client if any of their guests have mobility issues. Ensure that comfortable seating is available to them. Bars that also have booth seats and occasional sofas or armchairs will meet this need.Â
If these are not available, you’ll need to bring in extra chairs. If any of the guests use a wheelchair or other walking aid, check that the bar has wheelchair access before booking the venue.Â
Make Things Easier by Sticking to a Sports Theme
If you’ve decided to use this type of as a party venue, consider a sports theme. Sports bars already have sports memorabilia, so you can build your theme around what’s already there. This makes planning a sports-themed party much quicker and easier.Â
Continuing the sports theme, if you arrange outside catering, give items on the menu things sporty names. Names like the “Super Bowl” would be perfect for tasty dishes at a sports bar. With a little imagination, a sports bar is the ideal fit for a themed party.
Check the Menu and Adapt Where Necessary
Sports bars serve mostly beer, and the food options may be limited. Check what they offer, and if they can include other alcoholic or food items for your event. If they cannot provide them, ask if they are happy for these to be brought in.Â
An elaborate menu is not suitable for a party in a sports bar. Opt for party platters on the bar counters, where guests can help themselves to tasty bites. Remember to check beforehand if any guests are vegetarian or vegan, or have special dietary needs. Â
Need inspiration for memorable party food? Check our A-Z list of tapas ideas.Â
Create a Party Atmosphere
You’ll have smaller dimensions to work with than a traditional party venue, but it’s still possible to create a party atmosphere.Â
Bar counters are the ideal backdrop for party banners. Bar tables throughout the establishment can hold colorful centerpieces. Most sports bars have a vintage look with lots of dark wood, but some are more light and colorful. Choose party decor that blends well with the surroundings for a more cohesive look.
Add Some Party GamesÂ
This is the type of venue suitable for lively parties, so throw in some bar games. Party games are a great icebreaker if many of the guests don’t know each other.Â
Sports bars often offer darts, pool tables, and jukeboxes. Incorporate these into the party. Inform guests that these and other games will be available. Games are also essential if it’s a small company’s team-building party.Â
Ensure Guests Know the Party is at a Bar
Make it clear in the invitations that the party is being held at a bar. For those guests who do not drink alcohol, ensure they know that non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. If the bar offers a wide range of beers but not wine or other liquors, arrange for these additional alcoholic drinks to be brought in.
Recommend a Casual Dress CodeÂ
Sports bars are very casual by nature, so we advise that you stipulate a casual dress code in the invitations.Â
If your client has agreed to a sports theme, suggest to them that guests be asked to come dressed in sportswear or athleisure. Guests could also be asked to wear sports-related items (football jerseys, baseball caps, etc).Â
Conclusion
A sports bar is a versatile option for parties and brings an element of fun into almost any occasion. With the right planning, it can be turned into the ultimate party venue.Â
As an event planner, you know the importance of selecting the perfect venue for your clients’ celebrations. That’s why so many event planners trust the Perfect Venue Marketplace for finding the right party venue. Search for venues quickly and easily based on location, number of guests, or event type.
The ultimate party venue is just a few clicks away. Explore our listings and get the party started today!
