Running a bar means more than just serving drinks; it’s about creating an engaging atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. One of the best ways to attract patrons—especially sports fans—is with the right TV provider for bars and programming that caters to their interests. For sports bars in particular, access to popular sports packages like the NFL Sunday Ticket can be a game-changer, drawing crowds on Sundays and increasing your bar’s revenue.
Here’s a guide on choosing the best TV provider for your bar, including why NFL Sunday Ticket can be a critical addition.
1. Define the Entertainment Experience You Want to Offer
Before diving into package options, take some time to outline what you want from your TV service:
- Attracting Sports Fans: If sports are a primary attraction for your bar, look for a provider that offers a robust lineup of sports channels, especially NFL, NBA, MLB, and college games.
- Filling Slow Periods: For non-peak hours, general entertainment channels (news, popular shows, or music channels) can keep customers engaged and add to the ambiance.
- Special Events or Pay-Per-View: If you want to host specific events, like boxing or UFC fights, make sure your provider offers options for pay-per-view and special event channels.
Understanding your entertainment goals will help you choose a package that aligns with your bar’s atmosphere and target audience.
2. Consider the Importance of NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket is a premium package that allows viewers to watch all out-of-market NFL games, a huge draw for football fans. For bars, it can mean the difference between a slow Sunday and a packed house full of enthusiastic customers. Here’s why NFL Sunday Ticket can be a major asset:
- All Out-of-Market Games: NFL Sunday Ticket offers access to games beyond your local market, which is especially important for fans following teams from other cities. With NFL Sunday Ticket, you can show every NFL game, so patrons are more likely to choose your bar over one without this package.
- Increased Revenue on Sundays: Football season is a prime time for sports bars, and NFL Sunday Ticket can attract groups of friends and fantasy football leagues. A packed bar during Sunday games can lead to higher sales of food and drinks, turning Sundays into one of the busiest days of the week. Learn more here.
- Improved Customer Loyalty: By offering NFL Sunday Ticket, your bar becomes a go-to spot for football fans, encouraging them to return every week. Fans who know they can catch all the games at your bar are more likely to become loyal patrons, and word-of-mouth recommendations can bring in new customers.
3. Look for Business-Specific TV Plans
Many providers offer business-focused TV plans tailored to meet commercial needs. These plans often include the licensing rights to broadcast live TV to the public, which standard residential packages typically don’t cover. Business packages also come with added perks like multiple screen options, sports-specific add-ons, and the ability to customize channel lineups.
Here are a few popular TV providers that offer business-specific plans with sports packages:
- DIRECTV for Business: Known for its comprehensive sports options, DIRECTV offers NFL Sunday Ticket for bars, making it one of the most popular choices for sports bars. They also provide MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, and other sports packages.
- Comcast Business TV: Offers reliable service with customizable channel packages, including sports channels like ESPN and regional networks, though they may not offer NFL Sunday Ticket. Comcast is a good option if you want flexibility but don’t need the NFL Sunday Ticket.
- DISH Business TV: Another provider with sports-focused business packages. DISH includes add-ons for college sports, NBA, and MLB but, like Comcast, lacks NFL Sunday Ticket.
4. Evaluate Channel Packages and Sports Add-Ons
Beyond NFL Sunday Ticket, it’s essential to review the entire channel package and available sports add-ons:
- Sports Networks and Regional Channels: Check for channels like ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional sports networks (RSNs) that cover local games and college sports.
- Seasonal Sports Packages: Beyond football, consider adding seasonal packages like MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, and NHL Center Ice. Offering a variety of sports options can help you attract customers year-round.
- International Sports: If your bar attracts a diverse crowd, you may want to include international sports channels, especially for soccer, rugby, or cricket. Options like Fox Soccer Plus or beIN Sports can appeal to fans of European soccer leagues and international tournaments.
5. Choose a Plan that Accommodates Multiple Screens
Most sports bars rely on multiple screens to ensure that all guests have a clear view of the games. Business TV packages often include multi-screen options, making it easier to set up different games on various TVs:
- Multi-Screen Viewing: Look for a package that allows you to broadcast different games on multiple screens without a complex setup.
- Multiple Feeds of NFL Sunday Ticket: DIRECTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket for bars provides access to multiple game feeds, so you can show different games across various screens, giving fans more choice and creating a lively atmosphere.
6. Check for Flexible Contract Terms
When comparing providers, pay attention to contract terms and policies:
- Long-Term vs. Short-Term Contracts: Some providers require a minimum contract length (often one to three years) with penalties for early termination. Others offer shorter, flexible contracts, which may be beneficial if you’re testing out different options.
- Seasonal Packages: Some providers offer seasonal plans or “football season only” options, which could help you save on costs during the off-season if football is your primary draw. Click here to learn more.
7. Consider Streaming Services as a Complement
While traditional cable or satellite services are usually best for bars, streaming services can be a cost-effective supplement, especially for non-sports content. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and ESPN+ offer a variety of live and on-demand options without the need for cable infrastructure.
Keep in mind: Streaming services may not have commercial licensing rights, so they might not be legal to use for public viewing in a bar setting. Verify each streaming platform’s commercial use policies before incorporating them into your setup.
8. Evaluate Total Cost and Hidden Fees
For small businesses, staying within budget is essential. Be aware of potential costs associated with business TV packages:
- Equipment Fees: Some providers charge for necessary equipment like satellite receivers or additional set-top boxes. DIRECTV, for example, may require equipment rentals for multiple screens.
- Installation Fees: Many business TV providers charge installation fees, especially for complex setups with multiple TVs. Some providers offer promotional discounts for new business customers, so be sure to ask about current offers.
- License Fees for Public Viewing: Showing live TV to the public typically requires a business license, which comes with added fees. Confirm these costs upfront to avoid unexpected charges.
9. Ensure Strong Customer Support
Reliable customer support is essential, especially during peak game times. Choose a provider with a reputation for responsive, dependable customer service, including:
- 24/7 Support: Many business providers offer round-the-clock support, which is crucial if issues arise during evening games or on weekends.
- Proactive Support for Sports Bars: Providers that cater to bars often have specialized support teams who understand the unique setup and needs of sports-focused businesses.
10. Test the Service if Possible
If the provider offers a trial period or demo, take advantage of it to ensure the picture quality, reliability, and overall service meet your bar’s needs. Many bars find that a high-quality TV experience can make a substantial impact on their bottom line, so testing the service before committing can help confirm you’ve made the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right TV provider and sports packages, especially NFL Sunday Ticket, can give your bar a competitive edge. With the right service, you’ll attract more patrons, keep them engaged, and ensure they come back for future games. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive sports options, flexible contract terms, and dependable customer support to keep your customers entertained and your business thriving on game day and beyond.