Pub Match Day Marketing Ideas

Match days can be your busiest and most profitable days of the week. But with so many pubs showing sports, you need more than just a big screen to stand out.

more revenue potential on big match days compared to regular evenings

Pub showing live football with fans watching — A great match day atmosphere cannot be replicated at home

Get Your Online Presence Right

When fans search for "pub showing [match] near me", will they find you?

Sports Pub Visibility

Add 'sports pub' and 'live sport' to your website
List which channels you subscribe to: Sky Sports, TNT Sports, etc.
Update your Google Business Profile with 'sports bar' as a category
Post about upcoming fixtures on Google and social media

This basic SEO work means you appear when sports fans are searching. Don't assume they know you show sport - tell them.

Promote Specific Fixtures in Advance

Generic "we show live sport" messages get lost. Instead, promote specific matches:

High-Value Fixtures to Promote

Big Premier League clashes
Champions League and Europa League nights
Six Nations and autumn internationals
Major boxing and UFC events
England tournament matches

Post about these matches 2-3 days before on social media. Fans planning their viewing will see your pub as an option.

Create Match Day Deals

Give fans a reason to choose your pub over watching at home or going elsewhere:

Match Day Deal Ideas

Bucket deals: 4 bottles for a set price
Match day burger and pint offers
Sharing platters for groups
Happy hour pricing during early kick-offs

"Liverpool vs Man City this Sunday - bucket deals all match" is more compelling than either message alone. Combine fixture + deal.

Take Bookings for Big Matches

For major fixtures, offer table reservations. This serves two purposes: fans get guaranteed seating, and you get guaranteed custom.

"Want the best seat for the cup final? Book your table now." This fills your pub before the day and creates anticipation.

Charge a deposit or set a minimum spend for popular tables near screens. Fans will pay for the best viewing experience.

Build Atmosphere and Experience

The pub experience is about more than just watching on a bigger screen. Create an atmosphere fans cannot get at home:

Atmosphere Essentials

Good sound quality through proper speakers
Multiple screens so everyone can see
Pre-match build-up on screens
Staff who understand the sport and can engage with fans
Half-time entertainment or predictions competitions

Busy pub atmosphere during a big match — The shared experience of watching together is what brings fans to pubs

Run Predictions and Sweepstakes

Simple competitions keep fans engaged and create regular visitors:

Competition Ideas

Score prediction boards with small prizes
First goalscorer sweepstakes
Season-long prediction leagues
Fantasy football leagues with pub prizes

Cater to Different Sports

Football is not the only sport that brings crowds. Consider dedicating screens or spaces to:

Sports Worth Showing

Rugby: Six Nations, autumn internationals, Premiership
Cricket: The Ashes, World Cup, T20
Tennis: Wimbledon is huge for pub trade
Golf: The Open, Ryder Cup
Boxing and UFC: Later events suit late-night trade

Higher Spend

Rugby and cricket crowds often spend more per head than football fans

Use Social Media on Match Days

Match Day Posting Schedule

Morning: 'Doors open at 11am for the early kick-off'
Before kick-off: Photo of the pub filling up
During: Atmosphere shots and score updates
After: Celebration or commiseration posts

Match day is not just about screens. It is about creating an atmosphere fans cannot get anywhere else.

Need Help with Match Day Marketing?

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