Summer is just around the corner, which means basketball and hockey will wrap up and baseball will have its time to shine in the sun.

Baseball is a bit of a double-edge sword for sports bars marketing to fans. On one hand, the games tend to drag on, meaning guests stay longer and (in theory) spend more money on food and drink over that time. On the other hand, long and drawn-out games aren’t always as much fun to watch, especially for the casual fan.

So how can sports bars get fans through their doors and into seats for the games? Let’s explore a few quick ideas you can implement.

Double-Header Discounts

A baseball batter hitting a ball.

Double-headers in baseball are rare – just 30 total happened over the course of 738 games during the 2024 season (4%). But they are not so rare that you can’t have a promotional idea in your back pocket ready to go.

If your local team has a night-day doubleheader, try to find ways of keeping guests in their seats or coming in for both games.

For example, you could give folks who came in for Game 1 a discount on their bill for Game 2. Similarly, you could also host special Double-Header Watch Parties, too, to keep the energy up during and between games.

The goal is to incentivize your guests to watch both games at your sports bar.

Prediction Contests

Close up of a baseball score sign.

Baseball is as much a game of statistics as it is running bases and fielding balls. Look for ways to tap into fans need to flex their baseball IQ and stat nerdery.

Run contests where guests have to make a stat prediction about the game. If they get it right, they win a prize (or discount). Some examples to get you started:

  • Total strikeouts. This can be across both teams or just one of them. If you’re worried about tie-breakers, have folks split their prediction into strikeouts looking vs. swinging.
  • Longest homerun. Baseball fans at your bar have to predict how far the longest homerun in the game will be. The fan who came closest to the actual distance wins!
  • Scorebox. Ask your guests to fill out a scorecard for the game – runs, hits, and errors – and see who comes the closest. You can give out one prize or multi-prizes for each stat.

Big Plays, Big Celebrations

A baseball player sliding into a base

Some events in baseball are also just so rare, it’s worth celebrating with everyone. If one of these events happens during the game, give your guests watching with you an extra reason to celebrate with a prize or discount.

  • Grand slam
  • Hitting for the cycle
  • No-hitter
  • Perfect Game
  • Back-to-back homeruns
  • Stealing Homeplate

Make it big. Make it fun!

If You Don’t Tell Them… They Won’t Come

Of course, don’t forget to tell your guests about these promotions and special events. If they don’t know about it, they won’t show up. Use every marketing medium at your disposal – email, social media, in-house flyers and table tents, etc.