Following last night’s result, England are set to face Spain on Sunday in the Women’s Euros final, and football fever is sweeping the nation as fans are scrambling to secure the best spots to watch the big game.
After the Lionesses’ dramatic win on Tuesday in extra time, Access Hospitality analysed data from hospitality discovery platform, DesignMyNight, and can reveal there was a staggering 333% surge in bookings for venues showing the final – and that was in just 10 minutes after the final whistle.
With the Lionesses now just one match away from defending their European crown, supporters across the country are getting match-day ready. Access Hospitality also reports a 2,061% increase in searches for pubs and bars to watch the game on DesignMyNight on the day following the nail-biting win.
5 expert tips to get your venue match-day ready
Experts at Access Hospitality recommend the following for ensuring your bar or restaurant is ready for the big game:
- Prep your staff
Expect higher footfall and longer dwell times. Ensure you’re fully staffed across front of house, kitchen, and bar. Give staff a pre-shift briefing with game timings, key messaging, and upsell tactics.
- Check your tech
Create a fan-friendly atmosphere when showing the match on big screens with the sound on, it’s best to check in advance that everything is working properly.
- Extend booking capacity
Use every available space, make the most of the increased demand by opening up garden areas or function rooms with screens if you can.
- Streamline the menu and offer match-day promotions
Offering a reduced or match-day menu will keep service flowing quickly. Limited-time offers entice customers as they’re caught up in the excitement, and you can also run promotions before the match to encourage early arrivals.
- Prep for post-match rush (win or lose)
Have extra drinks stocked and food available after the game, especially if England wins and the crowd stays to celebrate.