For the avid sports fan there are three main ways that we watch sports. We watch in the comfort of our own homes either surrounded by friends or alone. Sometimes we attend live sporting events to get an up close view of the action. Yet there is one place that stands above all: The sports bar. The sports bar is that sacred place that offers food, fan support and premium viewing. When it’s done right there is no better place to view multiple games simultaneously. If a bar is run correctly all the owner should have to do is sit back and let the patrons come to him or her.
A sports bar is like a living being. There has to be coordination in many areas to keep the bar in working order. The management represents the brain. The staff represents the arms. The television is the heart of the bar and the food is soul. The bar is going to need good staff and it doesn’t hurt if there are some hot ladies on said staff. Most of the patrons will be men between the ages of 18 and 35, so why not give them some eye candy? These are the type of decisions that make or break bars in every city.
The management of the bar should have a good grasp on the local sports landscape and the interest of the patrons. Too often a good bar is ruined by horrible management. Managers are responsible for making sure there are good food specials and keeping the televisions on the most important games for the patrons in attendance. One particular horrible sports bar manager told me that she (that’s right SHE) determined what games would be highlighted on the main screen by the order that fans arrived to the bar. Because of this unusual policy she ended up broadcasting a Bills game in Charlotte, NC during the middle of a pivotal Panther’s game. Needless to say my stay was cut short and I’ve never returned. This same manager also decided to play music over the announcing during the second half of the game. Unbelievable.
Televisions should be set up in an arrangement that is pleasing to the eye. If the viewers have to strain to watch different games then it won’t take long before they are completely annoyed. I’ve almost gotten whip lash from turning my neck at rapid speed to try to catch the tail-end of a spectacular play that was located on a TV in an odd position. The bar only gets one chance at making that first impression on a sports fan. The TV set-up probably makes the biggest impression right off the bat.
The final piece of the puzzle for a successful bar is the food. No one expect fine dining when eating at a bar but having a good spread can really put a bar over the top. Throw in a beer special or two and the fans will flock to the bar in droves. In some ways food can make up for some of the short comings in other areas.
A good sports bar reflects the personality of the local fans. Many places can’t seem to get it right but when it all comes together there is nothing more beautiful in the world of sports viewing. The bond created in these establishments can transcend race, age, gender and politics. I could be dwelling in the land of hyperbole. You may be reading this and thinking that I’m off my rocker. Maybe I’m over stating the value of a good sports venue or maybe you just haven’t been to the right bar yet. There’s only one way to find out. Let’s get out there and watch some games.
