10 Modern Sports Bar Design Ideas in 2024
For many, sports bars are places of excitement, community, and fond memories. It’s where you celebrate victories, commiserate losses, or simply wind down after work. But it’s obvious that sports fans won’t just go to any random bar out there when they want to watch a game – some places are simply frequented more than others. What’s that elusive quality that separates a regular sports bar from an iconic hangout spot?
The answer seems to lie in sports bar interior design. Whether you’re a sports fanatic dreaming of one day opening your own bar, or if you’re already a bar owner, we’ll give you some foolproof tips and sports bar design ideas that’ll take your business to the next level.
1. Select a Central Theme
The easiest thing you can do to instantly set your bar apart is to pick out a theme. Your place is going to become instantly recognizable and, depending on how unique your theme is in the area, you might even develop your own brand. It’ll keep people coming back. There are so many truly outlandish themes out there, even science fiction has become a common source of inspiration in the world of interior design. If you’d like to stick to everyday themes, here’s what you might consider:
- Local team pride
- Vintage
- Particular time period (80s, 90s,)
- Specific sport
A cool theme ties everything together—from the decor to the menu. Just like with the sport itself, creating an identity for your bar will make your visitors feel like they’re a part of a community.
2. Follow Tech Trends
If you want to stay ahead of the game, you need to keep up with the development on the technology front. The sports industry itself has changed immensely thanks to tech advancements, with HD broadcasts and streaming services bringing games to life across the world – and so has the online gambling industry.
You can even use some sites to stream games if you don’t have channels that cover those matches. What’s more you might be able to get affiliate deals from some if these sites should your customers get tempted to place a bet and follow one of those recommendations.
Nowadays, bettors who are on Gamstop or under self-exclusion can feel left out of that fun. But you might be able to direct them to non Gamstop betting sites that accept UK players. They tend to cover the same markets and sports, and in some cases even provide more competitive odds compared to locally available brands.
Some other ways you can incorporate tech in your sports bar interior design:
- Free Wi-Fi for all customers
- Interactive screens for live stats and scores
- Digital menus
- Touchless payment systems.
- VR games
3. Seating Plan
A smart seating plan is often overlooked when talking about sports bar ideas design. Mix it up with a variety of seating options like cozy booths for groups, high-top tables for a casual vibe, and bar stools for solo patrons.
Make sure every seat has a clear view of multiple screens so no one misses a moment of the action. Arrange seating to promote easy movement and social interaction, creating a lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to include some private areas for parties or special events.
Also, if you organize live gigs, try to get the tables as far away from the speakers as possible. It can be very frustrating for guests that are seated right in front of them.
4. Lighting Design
Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to set the mood. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, while task lighting ensures key areas like the bar and tables are well-lit. Accent lighting can highlight the decor and create a vibrant, energetic vibe in your modern sports bar design. Many expert interior designers use neon lights to give a special touch to their clients’ establishments.
Dim the lights slightly during big games to enhance screen visibility and ramp up the excitement. It’s important to be precise about this and know exactly what kind of vibe you’re going for.
5. TV Placement
When talking about sport bar ideas design always seems to take precedence, but it’s also important to talk about functionality. Therefore, make sure that every seat in the house has a clear view of at least one screen by strategically placing TVs around the bar.
Mount large screens on walls and consider ceiling-mounted options in the center of the room to maximize visibility. Use a mix of big screens for major games and smaller ones for additional coverage, and avoid glare from windows and lights by adjusting angles and using anti-glare screens.
6. Sound Systems
Invest in high-quality speakers that deliver clear, powerful audio throughout the space and strategically place speakers so the sound is evenly distributed, with no dead zones or overly loud areas. Use zoned sound systems to control audio levels in different sections, allowing for quieter dining areas and louder fan zones.
Consider incorporating surround sound for a truly immersive game day experience. Additionally, ensure your system can handle multiple audio sources, so you can broadcast different games simultaneously.
7. VIP Lounge
This can add a touch of exclusivity and luxury to an otherwise regular bar, attracting high-end clientele and loyal patrons. Design the lounge with plush seating, such as leather sofas and recliners, to offer maximum comfort. Install large, high-definition screens for an unparalleled viewing experience, and provide personalized service with dedicated waitstaff.
However, a VIP lounge isn’t exactly universally applicable as an idea. Depending on what your theme is and the vibe you’re going for, it might strike a wrong note or even alienate otherwise enthusiastic patrons. For instance, if you’re going for a homey atmosphere, a VIP lounge is going to stick out like a sore thumb. Take your overall vision into consideration before you introduce this perk.
8. Pool & Arcades
Pool tables provide a social activity that encourages friendly competition and interaction among guests. Complement these with a selection of arcade games, from retro classics to modern favorites. These features not only attract a diverse crowd but also extend the time customers spend in your bar, boosting overall sales.
By offering more than just sports viewing, you create a lively atmosphere that stands out from the competition and you’re also broadening your overall offer. You might spend extra on pool tables and all the equipment, but it’s a sound investment.
9. Sports Memorabilia as Decor
Adding these touches can do wonders for your small sports bar design. Display items like signed jerseys, vintage equipment, and framed photos of iconic moments.
These pieces not only enhance the theme of your bar but can also serve as conversation starters. Arrange the memorabilia thoughtfully, ensuring it’s visible without overwhelming the space. Swap out items periodically to keep things fresh.
10. Trivia Night
Though it’s not strictly a part of sports bar designs, hosting a trivia night in your sports bar is a fantastic way to draw in crowds and create a fun atmosphere. You can bring in a host to lead the evening and entertain the guests, or you can do it yourself and engage with your customers personally – this is another great way to bring business in and build a trustworthy image. Make sure to advertise the event well in advance and offer exciting prizes to entice participants.
