5 Ways Bars are Attracting More Customers to Watch the World Cup

Berlin’s Fanmeile can host up to 100,000 visitors across two kilometers while broadcasting matches on huge screens. That’s more than most stadiums can hold. But you don’t actually have to be this big to leverage the power of the masses. If nothing else, recreate crowd appeal by investing in some expansive cinematic screens and excellent sound to make the game larger than life. If you can, set up a large screen outside to draw in more foot traffic.

Offering fans new ways to show off their team pride is guaranteed to get their attention, and this innovative collaboration between Budweiser and Ripples does just that. The beer giant and beverage-top media pioneer partnered up to capture the World Cups’ most exciting moments in real-time and print them directly onto fans’ beer foam! Goals, game statistics, players of the match, fan messages, and more – all available in Budweiser’s signature shade of red using flavorless plant-based vegetable extract as ‘ink’ . The best part? Fans can snap photos of their personalized beer and share it on social media for all to see exactly where their team loyalty lies.

It’s one of the most challenging problems a football fan can face. What to do when important World Cup matches are scheduled during work hours? The folks at London’s TOCA Social have come up with a truly clever tongue-in-cheek solution that is based on a Watch and Work philosophy. Guests can reserve private booths with co-workers, including complimentary Wi-Fi and free coffee refills to ensure “maximum productivity” while the games are streamed on huge nearby screens.  There’s even dedicated quiet zones for meetings.

Turn important matches into all-out watch parties with DJs at half-time, live hosts, dedicated drink specials if the house team wins and more. This approach offers something for everyone – not the least of which is your business. Fans of losing teams will appreciate the opportunity to drown their sorrows; fans of winning teams will be in the mood to celebrate; and non-football fans can simply enjoy the hoopla.

This approach takes its cue from the VIP boxes at stadium games. Plush seats, fancy tasting menus, high quality audio and video so fans can feel like they’re right there at the game – only better because they get to watch in comfort with a tasty alcoholic beverage in hand. (The picture below is coffee, with our friends from Espresso Mobil (because it’s Qatar) but you get the idea).

Even in the States, where soccer (football) is really a once every four years occasion, we’re seeing an explosion of people showing up at bars en masse to cheer on the national team and participate in this amazing global phenomenon. Make each match a special, shared experience for stalwarts and new fans alike and they’ll keep coming back – maybe next time for the hometown heroes. Bring these ideas to your team and you may just be the Man of the Match.