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
Expert Introduction: As an expert in business and event management, I have extensive experience in organizing and executing successful events, including Super Bowl parties, to attract and retain customers. I have a deep understanding of the strategies and tactics required to leverage major events like the Super Bowl to drive foot traffic and increase sales in bar and restaurant businesses. My expertise is based on years of practical experience and a thorough understanding of consumer behavior and event planning.
Super Bowl Party Ideas for Bars and Restaurants:
1. Host a pre- or post-game karaoke party
Hosting a pre- or post-game karaoke party can significantly increase sales and foot traffic at a bar or restaurant during the Super Bowl. Karaoke serves as a unique feature that can turn any themed party into the ultimate themed party. It acts as a great icebreaker for patrons looking to enjoy the pre-game festivities. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for fans of both teams to celebrate or commiserate through song, creating a sense of togetherness and community.
2. Put together a proper tailgate party
The tailgate party is a staple of American football culture and cuisine, making it an ideal addition to a Super Bowl event at a bar or restaurant. If the establishment has a parking lot, it can be utilized to host an informal and impromptu meal, serving charbroiled burgers, sausages, and ribs. This can attract new customers and create an authentic Super Bowl atmosphere. However, obtaining a special permit may be necessary to serve alcohol outdoors.
3. Consider bringing in an MC
Given the extended duration of the Super Bowl broadcast and the significant amount of downtime, hiring a local comedian or football expert to engage the audience can keep customers excited and engaged. This can be particularly effective in filling the dead air during the event and ensuring that patrons have an enjoyable experience.
4. Curate the menu
Offering a menu tailored to the unfussy eating habits associated with the Super Bowl, such as nachos, chicken wings, pizza, and beer, can enhance the overall experience for customers. Ensuring that the bar or restaurant has enough food to meet the increased demand is crucial, and considering doubling the food delivery order before the big game can help meet this demand.
5. Dress the part
Hosting a costume party where the staff dresses in football-themed gear can enhance the Super Bowl spirit and create a fun and engaging atmosphere for customers. This can contribute to increased sales and endear the establishment to patrons, as it aligns with the festive nature of the event.
6. Deck the hallways
Decorating the bar or restaurant with football-themed décor, such as football helmets, flags, pennants, jerseys, and balloons, can create an immersive and festive environment for the Super Bowl party. This attention to detail can contribute to a memorable experience for customers and enhance the overall atmosphere.
7. Throw a wild after-party
After the conclusion of the Super Bowl, transforming the space into a dance party with a cleared dance floor, nostalgic rock jams, and strobe lights can capitalize on the post-football energy and provide customers with an opportunity to continue the festivities. This can be particularly effective in maximizing the potential of the event and ensuring that patrons have a memorable experience.
By implementing these Super Bowl party ideas, bar and restaurant businesses can effectively leverage the event to attract new customers, increase sales, and create a memorable experience for patrons.
