Sports Bars 101
When you’re traveling around the world, or even just your hometown, you may encounter sports bars. There is a whole sub-culture present in these places, and we will tell you what you can expect to find, should you ever visit one of these fine establishments.
Sports
Regular bars might have a TV. They might not as well. A sports bar will have at least two TV sets to follow the latest sporting events, especially major ones, like the World Cup, the World Series, or the Olympics. Sometimes, it even has another one that follows the latest sports results in order for punters to see whether their Bet Regal bonus came in handy. In fact, you will find that most of the tables, stools, and chairs are positioned in such a way that it makes following the action on the screen easier. To compensate for potential loud cheering, there is usually a strong sound system.
Depending on where in the world you are, the most popular sports you can hope to find on the screen are soccer, American football, basketball, ice-hockey, and rugby. Some bars welcome customers that like to bet, so it isn’t uncommon for the bar to broadcast some horse and dog races, as well.
Game Night
It may be difficult to get into a sports bar during a major game or tournament. During a game night, fans will be on every conceivable surface inside the bar, wearing the colors of their team and cheering like crazy. Getting a drink should be easy while getting food will very likely pose a challenge.
Fans
They can be loud and energetic, but no decent sports bar can exist without them. The atmosphere is cheerful and friendly most of the time. The truth is that many sports bar tend to cater to one sports team and, while neutral parties are usually welcome, it might be a good idea to stay away from bars that are filled with fans of the team that is the arch-nemesis of your idols.
Beer
Lots and lots of beer. While bars serve other drinks as well, don’t expect to find a fine glass of Chardonnay. It is possible, but not very likely. The target demographic enjoys beer, so there will be many different kinds to choose from, both domestic and imported. Sports bars are a perfect place for the micro-breweries to test out their product. Wheat, dark, lager, and special blends wait for you there.
Food
This is, hands down, the best thing about sports bars. Sports fans like their beer, and it goes great with the greasy, fatty, and juicy delicacies that come from the bar’s kitchen. If you’re a fan of grilled meat, fries, peanuts, and chicken wings, sports bars are there to provide you with sustenance while you are watching that history-making tournament.
Sports Décor
As mentioned before, there are bars that follow a single team almost religiously. It is for this reason that you will find the decorations that follow the theme of a particular sport or the colors of a team. There is usually some sports memorabilia as well, like a famous jersey, a ball, a puck, or really anything related to the bar’s favorite sport.