The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched international sporting event, turning bars and restaurants into exuberant watch parties that bring the whole community together. Local economies can capitalize on the excitement by enhancing experiences through RSVP seating, themed menus, family game rooms, raffles, digital integrations, and merch.      

1. RSVP Experiences 

Similar to the Olympics, the World Cup is held every four years. Viewers put a lot of time into planning their watch parties and choosing local venues to watch the matches. You also have after-work crowds that make a tradition out of watching the World Cup at their local dive bar. 

Implementing RSVP seating gives viewers a chance to secure a seat after a busy workday or book a table with friends. You can also sweeten the deal by offering free drinks or appetizers with every RSVP purchase. 

Consider adjusting your hours around the World Cup. You could offer special early-bird hours, where patrons can order breakfast and watch morning matches. Promote an “Early Bird” deal on your storefront windows, website, and social media, using a cute baby chick hatching out of an egg to kick a soccer ball. 

DEEPER DIVE: Read all the Ranking Arizona Top 10 lists here

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

 2. Themed Experiences for Tourists

Also, remember that the World Cup is held throughout Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. in cities like NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. 

If you run a local establishment in a host city, you can capitalize on World Cup tourism by offering themed “à la carte” menus for hungry tourists who flew in for matches. Consider partnering with hotels to offer exclusive dinner-and-drinks deals. 

Post World Cup venue safety tips for staying hydrated, securing valuables, identifying exits, and keeping phones fully charged. As a small business owner in a host city, you could also post information on how to properly buy World Cup Tickets from trusted ticketing platforms.  

After a match, watch party viewers and ticketholders with RSVPs can enjoy take-home winners’ buckets stuffed with soda, snacks, t-shirts, and coupons. You could even offer free “consolation cocktails” for guests whose favorites didn’t win.  

Inquire about event sponsorships early. Local food and beverage companies could sponsor your World Cup experiences, leading to more product giveaways, branded swag, and cross-promotion on their social media channels.  

3. Family-Fun Areas

The World Cup is also a family-friendly event, which gives you a chance to really open up your establishment to the greater community. 

If you operate a local restaurant, you could section off areas for family zones, where kids can enjoy World Cup-themed coloring books, puzzles, cartoons, and party favors. Update your menu with limited-time kids’ menus with world cuisines, such as mini burritos, tacos, and poutine. 

Does your establishment have backyard seating or a large porch? 

Those areas are perfect for family fun zones, including World Cup face painting, where kids can have the flags of their favorite teams painted on their faces. You could also host soccer ball cookie decorating parties. 

4. Local Entertainment

Invite local bands to perform at your World Cup viewing parties, along with DJs, bilingual party emcees, and “party squads” who can hype up the event by tossing out shirts, coupons, plushies, and bumper stickers. 

Strengthen your community impact by holding themed fundraisers, where proceeds go to supporting local youth sports teams, Ronald McDonald houses, and soccer camps. At the end of the party, host a raffle, where winners can win swag baskets, with proceeds going to the cause of their choice.  

5. Digital Integrations

The World Cup is a perfect opportunity to host a hybrid event, merging both in-person and virtual experiences. 

First, create a hashtag for your event that guests can use when documenting their experiences on Instagram and Facebook. Examples include #WorldCupBlockParty or #FIFAFridays. 

Hire a videographer to record the event while your in-house marketer streams the event live on social media. Create event recap videos, encouraging patrons to share recaps on their own socials. 

Hybrid watch parties are also an opportunity to promote mobile ordering. Include links to digital menus on your live feeds and recap posts. Fans can quickly order takeout, enjoying the watch party while they wait.  

Create a mobile ordering station near the entrance, as orders will likely spike during halftime breaks.

Get Ready for the World Cup

The World Cup is a wonderful opportunity to build community. Lead the way by hosting watch parties with RSVPS, themed experiences, family-friendly fun, local entertainment, and hybrid events. 

Discover more ideas for your World Cup weekends. Follow us for party recipes, local events, and more!