Top tips for the Interior Design of a Sports Bar
The interior design for a sports bar involves creating a space that is engaging, comfortable, and functional for sports fans. The space must be carefully planned in a dedicated area with the ability to create visual and acoustic privacy. Here our our top 10 tips for the interior design of a successful sports bar:
Space planning and AV are two of the key factors in the success of the interior design of a sports bar.
1. Define the Theme and Concept
Choose a theme to define the interior design: Classic sports bar, high-tech lounge, retro, team-specific, or upscale sports club.
Decide on the target audience: Casual sports fans, die-hard fans, families, or high-end clientele.
Pick a name that reflects the brand and theme. This will come through in the interior design.
2. Interior Design & Styling
Sports Memorabilia: Display memorabilia reflective of the interior design or theme. This may include jerseys, signed equipment, and vintage items.
Team Colours & Logos: Incorporate local or popular teams’ colours into the interior design.
Lighting: Use adjustable lighting that can dim for game nights and brighten for dining. This will enhance the customer experience.
Interactive Walls: Consider digital walls that display stats, game history, or customer messages.
3. Space Planning
Zoning: Create designated areas for dining, bar seating, and lounge-style viewing.
TV Placement: Ensure multiple high-definition screens are visible from every seat. Consider a large central screen for major events.
Bar Positioning: The bar should be a focal point with ample space for seating and bartending efficiency.
VIP or Private Areas: Consider exclusive booths, game rooms, or rentable party areas.
4. AV Experience
TVs & Projectors: Install large 4K TVs and a central projector for big games. This should be a focal point in the interior.
Sound System: Use a multi-zone audio system to control sound levels in different areas and to enhance the customer experience.
LED Tickers: Display live scores and game updates for an immersive customer experience.
Acoustic Design: To ensure the comfort of members and gusets both inside and outside the sports lounge.
5. Entertainment - Not Just Sports
Games & Activities: Pool tables, dartboards, arcade machines, or sports simulators.
Themed Nights: Trivia, karaoke, or meet-and-greet events with local athletes.
Fantasy Sports Integration: Provide live stat updates and host fantasy league competitions.
6. Technology = Convenience
Wi-Fi & Charging Stations: Provide strong Wi-Fi for guests checking fantasy sports or streaming highlights. This will keep members and guests at the venue longer.
Self-Service Ordering: Use QR codes or mobile apps for easy ordering.
POS System: Have a fast and reliable point-of-sale system to handle high-traffic nights.
7. Outdoor Space (If Available)
Patio or Rooftop: Provide outdoor seating with additional screens. Ensure undercover areas.
Heating & Cooling: Use heaters or misting fans to ensure comfort year-round.
8. Seating and Comfort
Offer a variety of seating: high-top tables, booths, bar stools, and lounge chairs. Ensure a tiered seating system to maximise visibility to screens.
Ensure comfortable and durable furniture, easy and light weight to move. Wide enough for all shapes and sizes. Include arms for the elderly.
Allow for easy movement between tables without obstructing sight lines, when space planning.
A strong bar/ kitchen layout, not just sports and insta-worthy areas will ensure the successful interior design of a sports bar.
9. Food & Beverage Setup
Bar Design: Stock a variety of beers on tap, craft cocktails, and themed drinks. Locate the font in an easy to access location with plants of space around for customer flow, and ordering during busy periods. When space planning, consider a tower beer font in tight spaces to maximise the customer experience and allow more operational space behind the bar for staff to serve customers.
Kitchen Layout: Ensure an efficient flow for preparing bar food and quick bites. Getting the flow right when space planning is crucial
Signature Dishes: Offer unique menu items that set the bar apart.
10. Branding & Marketing
Social Media Presence: Include instagram-able areas in the interior design.
Loyalty Programs: Include reception desks and promotional areas in the space planning to sign guests up for discounts or rewards for repeat customers.
Merchandise displays: Create a dedicated display when space planning, for branded apparel, mugs, and memorabilia.
Would you like help with a specific aspect of your sports bar design? Get in touch, we would love to help. Starting with a complimentary review of your space. hello@xpluso.co