by Jason Dydynski
Just like clockwork, February is right around the corner. And with February comes one of the television events of the year: the Super Bowl. And what better excuse for attracting more customers than throwing a massive party at your bar or restaurant business?
We hear you. If you own a bar that is NOT a sports bar, why would you want to host a Super Bowl Party? Well, most importantly, the Super Bowl is so much more than a football game. It brings together fans from all across the country to cheer on two teams they would otherwise not likely support. And even if you don’t like football at all, you watch the Super Bowl for the half-time show, not to mention all the water cooler moments and fancy commercials that people talk about for weeks after.
At its core, the Super Bowl is a pop culture event that year after year, people continue to get behind in order to be together with friends and family, eat some junk food and have some drinks. In other words, it's the perfect occasion for bringing a new audience of customers into your bar or restaurant business and giving them a reason to come back again and again. So, why not take it an extra step further.
We’ve put together some Super Bowl party ideas to try out in your establishment. Check out our list below:
1. Host a pre- or post-game karaoke party
Adding karaoke equipment to your business is a surefire way to increase sales and foot traffic. Not only is it a unique feature, but it turns any themed party into the ultimate themed party. What’s more, karaoke is a great icebreaker for those looking to get in on the pre-game fun. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, karaoke can start or end the evening in the best way possible.
Fans of the Super Bowl champs can take a victory lap by singing some celebratory tunes, while fans of the losing team can drown their sorrows with some classic ‘sore loser’ tracks. Either way, karaoke brings everybody together.
If your bar or restaurant has the space (and even if it doesn’t, there are still plenty of options available), all you need is the equipment and a good karaoke software. Singa is THE karaoke software that includes catalogs featuring thousands of tracks and artists – including today's most popular singers. Connect Singa to your venue’s computer or smart TV. Thinking of giving it a shot? If you’re interested in adding karaoke to your bar or restaurant in time for your next Super Bowl party, learn more here.
2. Put together a proper tailgate party
One of the true staples of both American football and American cuisine is the tailgate party. That's where you host and cook an informal and impromptu meal and serve it from the back of a parked vehicle – and typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium. Nothing says a Super Bowl party more than a tailgate. So, if your bar or restaurant has a parking lot, and it can accommodate at least one cook to churn out charbroiled burgers, sausages, and ribs, you've got an extra addition to your space to fit new customers. You might have to get a special permit to have alcohol outdoors, but the barbecued goodness should be ready to serve before, during, and after kick-off.
3. Consider bringing in an MC
Everybody knows that the Super Bowl is a LONG affair, with not much actual football. In fact, during an average 3-hour televised football broadcast, constant clock stoppage and commercial breaks mean that only about 18 minutes of the action takes place. Crazy, I know! Needless to say, there's a lot of dead air to fill during a Super Bowl party.
So, why not hire a local comedian or football expert to lead the audience for the night? They can provide running commentary or tell funny football-themed anecdotes during long periods of inactivity, thus keeping customers excited and engaged. Nothing major – better yet, if you have any members of staff on-hand who could wrangle a restless crowd, you won't have to spend any extra cash on hiring a one-time guest.
4. Curate the menu
One of the best things about the Super Bowl is the unfussy eating habits of just about everyone involved. It's practically a national holiday – but without the turkey. Everybody loves Super Bowl party food: nachos, chicken wings, pizza, cheese on carbs, beer, and more beer. While bar and restaurant owners can always put some thought into a truly unique football-style feast if they've got the time, as long as you've got good, solid pub food on the menu, Super Bowl customers will be happy. Just make sure that you've got enough – consider doubling the food delivery order before the big game.
5. Dress the part
Who doesn’t love a costume party? Okay, a lot of people don’t, but that’s still no reason not to have your staff dress up in their best football-themed gear to really hammer home the Super Bowl spirit. Maybe some cheerleader outfits for the girls, and some oversized jerseys and cleats for the boys? Or vice versa? Whatever your crew is comfortable with, and however over-the-top you want to go with it, a bar or restaurant business that really commits to the theme can often see greater sales while endearing themselves to customers. Because after all, people just want to have a good time. And a few laughs to go with their nachos and wings.
6. Deck the hallways
A Super Bowl party is no party without the proper décor. Whatever the style of your current bar or restaurant, you should probably take things over the top come Sunday afternoon. We’re talking football helmets, flags, pennants, jerseys, balloons – the lot! Don’t worry if your wall accessories border on cheesy. Super Bowl comes but once a year.
7. Throw a wild after-party
Unless your team is one of the two playing in the Super Bowl, chances are you don’t care that much who wins and who loses. So, once the hours-long game and constant sitting down are finally over, you might want to get up and move around. That's where bar owners can really capitalize. Clear a space for a dance floor (if you've got the room – if not, improvise), blast some nostalgic rock jams from the stereo, switch on the strobe lights (or pick up an inexpensive system just for the occasion) and turn a post-football Sunday night into the dance party of the new year!
There you have it! Some killer Super Bowl party ideas to try out in your bar or restaurant business. Don’t fumble this February – see how many concepts and tips you can recreate in time for kick-off.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
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Regarding the concepts used in the article about hosting a Super Bowl party at a bar or restaurant, let's discuss each one:
1. Host a pre- or post-game karaoke party
Adding karaoke equipment to your business can be a unique and fun way to increase sales and foot traffic during a Super Bowl party. Karaoke can serve as an icebreaker and provide entertainment for customers before or after the game. Singa is a popular karaoke software that offers a wide selection of tracks and artists, including popular singers. By connecting Singa to your venue's computer or smart TV, you can provide a karaoke experience for your customers.
2. Put together a proper tailgate party
Hosting a tailgate party can be a great addition to your bar or restaurant if you have a parking lot. This informal and impromptu meal served from the back of a parked vehicle is a staple of American football culture. By offering charbroiled burgers, sausages, and ribs, you can create an authentic tailgate experience for your customers. It's important to check if you need a special permit to serve alcohol outdoors, but the barbecued goodness can be enjoyed before, during, and after kick-off.
3. Consider bringing in an MC
The Super Bowl is known for its long duration and frequent breaks. To keep customers engaged during periods of inactivity, you can hire a local comedian or football expert to provide running commentary or share funny football-themed anecdotes. This can help create a lively atmosphere and keep customers entertained throughout the event. If you have staff members who are skilled at engaging a crowd, you can utilize their talents instead of hiring an external MC.
4. Curate the menu
Super Bowl parties are known for their unfussy eating habits and popular party foods. While you can put thought into creating a unique football-style feast, it's important to have good, solid pub food on the menu. Nachos, chicken wings, pizza, and beer are all popular choices. It's advisable to ensure you have enough food by considering doubling the food delivery order before the big game.
5. Dress the part
Hosting a costume party can add to the Super Bowl spirit and create a fun atmosphere. Encourage your staff to dress up in their best football-themed gear, such as cheerleader outfits or oversized jerseys and cleats. By fully committing to the theme, you can enhance the experience for your customers and create a memorable event.
6. Deck the hallways
Decorating your bar or restaurant with football-themed items can help create a festive atmosphere for the Super Bowl party. Consider using football helmets, flags, pennants, jerseys, balloons, and other decorations to transform your space. Embrace the spirit of the event and go all out with the decor.
7. Throw a wild after-party
After the Super Bowl game is over, you can capitalize on the post-game excitement by clearing a space for a dance floor and turning your bar or restaurant into a dance party. Play nostalgic rock jams, set up strobe lights, and create a lively atmosphere for customers to enjoy. If space is limited, you can improvise and still create a fun post-football dance party.
These are some of the concepts and tips mentioned in the article for hosting a Super Bowl party at a bar or restaurant. By implementing these ideas, you can attract new customers and provide a memorable experience for Super Bowl enthusiasts.
