Sky unveils pub sport portal
Broadcast giant Sky is launching a new website to make promoting sporting events a breeze for licensees.
Featuring all the latest live sports listings, PreviewLIVE will allow pubs to get all the information they need on live sports and events. The site also includes a comprehensive guide for licensees to make the most of live sport events by creating merchandising materials specifically for their needs.
A Sky spokeswomman said: "For instance a bar that has a big football following can create posters with football images as well as populate with forthcoming football fixtures of their choice.
"The site is sure to be a hit with Sky customers, giving them access to some truly unique tools that will help the licensee promote sport and drive footfall."
Sky unveiled details of the website, which is due to go live before the new Premier League season kicks-off, as it signed up as an official sponsor of The Publican's Proud of Pubs Week.
And licensees logging on to PreviewLIVE will also be able to access the latest news from The Publican via a news feed to the site.
It will also feature news from Sky Sports and video content from the Pub Channel online.
Sky has also revealed that pubs are set to benefit this year from an expansion of its 3D coverage.
It plans to broadcast two major sports events a week in 3D, including cricket, darts and rugby league all for the first time.
Details of Premier League games to be shown in 3D will soon be announced but preparations for the season can already begin with Sky revealing the first fixtures it will screen.
The first game on Saturday August 14 will see Spurs taking on Manchester City in a lunchtime kick-off, with Roy Hodgson¹s first game as Liverpool manager, against Arsenal, the 4pm game on Sunday, August 15.
For the full list of Premier League games being broadcast live visit www.skysports.com
Sky Tips
As part of its support for Proud of Pubs Week Sky is offering the following tips to licensees:
- Make sure your customers know when your next big event is. Internal advertising through posters and leaflets allows customers time to plan
- Split your pub into zones to create maximum appeal to a broad range of customers. Have a designated area for customers who want a quiet drink, but also cater for those looking for great match atmosphere
- Shout about the things you do well and your USP to attract potential customers that have not yet visited your venue. Utilise outdoor advertising space to get the message across to passers-by
- Understand your customers who they are, what they like about your bar, what they want more of. Thinking about these questions will help you retain a loyal customer base
- Think about generating a database so you can then email/text/blog to inform customers of the latest news and offers at your pub.
