All bars and restaurants have different audiences and customer needs, and it’s important to adjust your live sports strategy to accommodate those. But, with so many different options available, it can be challenging to determine which sports content delivers the best impact for your establishment.The key to this isn’t to show every event, or take on every subscription. The content you choose should reflect your audience, your space, and your overall goals.Â
Here is a full breakdown of how you can do that.Â
1. Know Your Audience
To be successful, you must understand what your customers actually want to watch. Start by observing your regular crowd and ask yourself these questions.Â
- What time of day do they consistently show up?
- What time of day are you looking to boost revenue? Maybe your lunch hour is light, but your dinner time is packed.
- What local teams are they passionate about?
Another way to easily gather insight is by leaning on your staff, such as bartenders and servers, because they are your front line workers who receive content questions and are privy to fan conversations.
When your sports lineup matches your audience’s interests, customers are far more likely to choose your location over other options nearby. It also impacts how long they stay. Our research with Technomic discovered that 87% of customers say they’re likely to stay longer when their favorite event is being shown, which can lead to additional food and beverage purchases and a more energetic atmosphere in your bar. When fans know they can count on your establishment to show the games and events they care about most, they’re more likely to return regularly.
2.Consider Your Setup and Screen Capacity
Your sports content choice should also align with the number of TVs and viewing spaces you have in your establishment.Â
Bars with multiple screens have the flexibility to show different events simultaneously, which could appeal to multiple audiences at once. This is your best chance at creating a lively environment where customers feel like they are part of a shared experience.Â
If your bar has limited viewing space and screens, focusing on high-demand content could deliver a better experience for a smaller crowd.Â
Either way, the goal is to always ensure every screen adds energy to your viewing space.Â
3.Show Content That Sets You Apart
One of the best ways to stand out from competition is by showing content that sets you apart.
Think about what will make your venue different. That could mean consistently showing premium fight nights, offering access to games that aren’t widely available on standard residential services, or becoming known as the go-to spot for certain sports or teams.
For example, some bars build a reputation around big fight nights, while others attract loyal crowds by showing exclusive games or regionally interesting matchups that fans can’t easily find elsewhere.
When customers know your bar reliably shows content that other venues might not, it creates a competitive advantage. Over time, that reputation can turn your establishment into a destination for fans looking for the best place to watch live sports.
4.Work With A Trusted Content Provider
Navigating this strategy for your establishment can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the amount of content that is available to bar and restaurant owners. That is where Joe Hand Promotions comes in.Â
Our team works with businesses across the country to identify the sports content that fits their audience, establishment size, and business goals.
We help bars and restaurants access premium live sports—including UFC, boxing, and ESPN+ for Business programming—so they can create an exciting atmosphere for fans and maximize revenue opportunities. The value of working with the right content partner is clear: in our recent study conducted by Technomic, 98% of operators said partnering with companies like Joe Hand Promotions helps boost sales and customer traffic. With the right sports lineup and the right support, your bar can become the go-to destination for fans looking to catch the biggest eventsÂ
Choosing the right sports content isn’t just about filling screens—it’s about creating an experience that keeps customers coming back.
When you combine the right events, consistent programming, and strategic planning, live sports can become one of the most powerful drivers of traffic and revenue for your bar.
If you’re looking to enhance your sports lineup, Joe Hand Promotions can help you find the events that will bring the biggest impact to your business. Browse our lineup of content on our upcoming events page and contact at 1-800-557-4263 to get started.