Sports Bar Attendees - Need your insight

#1
VolinArizona

VolinArizona

not in Arizona anymore
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
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#1
Alright Vol Nation, you've been very good to me, and I trust your words on a lot of things. Now I need your help.

I have started a plan that will eventually move me back to Knoxville with the end result being that I open a sports bar on the Strip.

I have a really cool idea that will make the sports bar a little more exciting and my idea gives the place something different - a gimmick if you will. I don't really want to say what it is right now, as I think it would kind of be the first of it's kind.

Anyway, what I would like you all to help me with is what YOU, the sports bar consumer, like and dislike about the general sports bars. What things have you seen that have made you say "This place is awesome"? What things have you seen that have made you say "This place blows, we aren't coming back"? What kind of menus do you like at sports bars? What kind of drink specials?

I know what I, Doug, like and dislike at sports bars, but I need a lot of input from other people.

So, help me help you!
 
#3
#3
I don't really care for the stupid bar game trivia things that are on the TVs. I guess that's fine if there isn't an actual sports even on TV, but usually, that's why I'm there, so get the game on ALL the TVs!!!
 
#4
#4
rwemyss said:
I don't really care for the stupid bar game trivia things that are on the TVs. I guess that's fine if there isn't an actual sports even on TV, but usually, that's why I'm there, so get the game on ALL the TVs!!!
Click to expand...

Agreed. I hate those things.
 
#5
#5
For me it's the little things. How easy is it to get to, parking for example. Does the staff project that they wait on you cause it's their job, or do they seem glad to see you? And I think number 1 is immaculate cleanliness. The rest is hanging a dozen tv's and some 10k in sports memoribilia and your off.
 
#6
#6
rwemyss said:
I don't really care for the stupid bar game trivia things that are on the TVs. I guess that's fine if there isn't an actual sports even on TV, but usually, that's why I'm there, so get the game on ALL the TVs!!!
Click to expand...

That's funny. NTN Trivia is how I often pick which sports bars I go to when games aren't on. My wife and I go to one bar here in Boston all the time because they have it...there is pretty much no other reason we would go because there are a lot of closer bars. But, it's not really a Sports Bar. However, when I was in Knoxville, I went to Buffalo Wild Wings and Rick's Place a lot because they had it. (disconnected from when I would go there for games)
 
#7
#7
Nice, large TV's
Professional, well-attired, and courteous staff
Excellent smoke-removal system
Well-maintained pool tables and cues
 
#8
#8
I'm sure I'll think of other things, but the first peeve for me is when you call ahead and they say, yes, they will be showing the game.... then you get there and while they are showing it, they won't turn it up because other people are watching different games. I didn't come in just to watch for pete's sake....
 
#9
#9
some things:

1. $2 domestic pints should be mandatory on Friday, Sturday, and Sunday afternoons.
2. late night Happy Hour is a great idea. run drink and food specials from 10-12 or 11-1 for those of us who have to work later than the normal people.
3. are the girls that work there hot? do they flirt? i realize i won't go home with them, but it's nice to have something to look at.
4. it shouldn't take 6 hours to get the channel changed to the game you want. i can't tell you how many times i've requested a game that wasn't on at the time and the staff just looked at each other like 'Huh?'
5. along the lines of #3, make sure and guys on the staff aren't dbags.
6. if your staff is working at a sports bar, make sure they actually know something about sports. i can't even begin to tell you what it does for my appetite, (true story) while watching a Lakers game, for the server (male) to tell me that Kobe is the most overrated player in the NBA and isn't worthy of half the praise he gets.
7. i love chicken wings. they are a must for any bar. the more selections on flavors, the better.
8. if i come to the bar, i want to hear the sound. i could sit at home with the TV on mute. i'm at the bar because i want to watch the game with a bunch of fans like myself, not listen to Kiss or Metallica or whatever else the usual schmuck plays on the jukebox.
9. that said, the online jukeboxes are sweet. they are must haves for any bar.
10. darts should be free. seriously, it costs about 15 dollars for a cheap board and darts. i'm not there to play on some world class dart setup. i'm there to BS with my buddies while throwing some darts.
 
#10
#10
kiddiedoc said:
Excellent smoke-removal system
Well-maintained pool tables and cues
Click to expand...

agreed on these two as well. i'm cool paying a few bucks to play pool if the equipment is in shape.

and i vote for non-smoking bars all together.
 
#12
#12
My biggest complaint about Sportsbars is the lack of quality service. I would rather pay $1 more per drink, wings, etc. than have to wait 15-30 minutes between drinks for another round.

Also, there is no point in placing some TVs just to say you have that TV. If watching the TV is going to make the viewer strain in discomfort, then you might as well scrap that TV.

Also, the audio in sports bars should be the feed from the main game. I do not need to listen to crappy 80s rock while I watch a football game.

Just a few suggestions. Hope they help.
 
#13
#13
On the point of audio - I have a very cool idea for college football (mostly) and college basketball.
 
#15
#15
doozer said:
speakers on the tables? that would be sweet.
Click to expand...

Yes, and another idea that, in my mind, will make all of us college sports fanatics FLOCK to my sports bar. I need to do this, I think, for my own happiness and to create something new.
 
#17
#17
TuskALoosa said:
Instead of all of those big T.V.'s, maybe have some tables with their OWN T.V.
Click to expand...

I remember a bar on the strip that had a TV at every table (next to BP). It was ok but didn't really work. Maybe it was just the set-up.
 
#19
#19
other things...

Quality, comfortable chairs. I've gotten to be bigger in my old age, and I like to be able to sit comfortably.

Also, if I frequent your place often enough to be considered a regular, then I'm spending a fair amount of money with you. Remember my name, what I drink, and comp me one every now and then. I'll tip better and I'll be sure to come back often.

The biggest thing I've learned is that people have no problem paying more when what they get is better than average.
 
#20
#20
Be careful with the thought that giving better service allows you to charge more. While I agree with that premise, your customer base would be made up in large part of students I would think.
 
#21
#21
Maybe get a smaller menu also. Stick to wings, burgers, and cheese fries. If I wanted a taco salad I would have gone to Macho Taco. And actually put a little liquor in the mixed drinks.
 
#22
#22
allvol123 said:
Be careful with the thought that giving better service allows you to charge more. While I agree with that premise, your customer base would be made up in large part of students I would think.
Click to expand...
This is a good point. I've reached the place where I can afford a little more, but fair pricing would be important to maintaining traffic. College seems so long ago...
 
#23
#23
Also, include a weekly poker night. Put some money in to good tables, have your best (and best looking) female waitresses working that night, $5 or $10 cover, and penny pitchers.
 
#24
#24
therealUT said:
Also, include a weekly poker night. Put some money in to good tables, have your best (and best looking) female waitresses working that night, $5 or $10 cover, and penny pitchers.
Click to expand...
Macleod's already does that in Knoxville and the concept has been an utter failure. College kids aren't going to pay $5 plus drinks to do something they can do in their frat houses and dorm rooms.
 
#25
#25
1st rule of business - what the customer likes is more important than what the owner likes.

A few comments based on the thread so far:

NTN -- brings in regular customers and keeps them there (just don't let it prevent having enough TV's on the games).

Damon's had the audio controller at each table - you could select which game audio you wanted - kinda cool.

Flexible set-up -- some times (e.g. tourney weekend) will be slammed and you'll need to maximize the space - other times, too many tables/chairs is just clutter and makes it tough to get around.

Team neutral -- there are plenty of bars in Knoxville with UT stuff all over the place. If it's really a "sports" bar and not just a "Vols" bar, it should have balance. In Birmingham I go to OnTap because it doesn't have any Bama crap anywhere (or Auburn or UAB).

Speaking of OnTap - good beer selection will do wonders.

Good bar food - give people a reason to eat/drink and stay.

Location - the Strip is going to be college kid dominated -- is that the primary clientele you want?
 
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