Crystal Palace and Manchester City will go head to head at Wembley Stadium tomorrow (Saturday 17 May) and pubs are preparing for what could be a £500m boost for the sector.
The women’s FA Cup final will also take place at Wembley Stadium this weekend, on Sunday 18 May.
Licensee of the the Gardeners Arms / Murderers, Norwich, Norfolk, Philip Cutter, which was crowned the Best Pub to Watch Sport at last year’s Great British Pub Awards, told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) FA Cup final day is “always good for trade.”
However, while big games are good for trade, Cutter warned preparation was the key to success when it comes to drawing in the crowd.
He said: “We only get one chance to get things right. Ensuring that we have enough beer and staff is essential.
Faster service
“Prompt service, means guests don’t miss much of the action when visiting the bar. We have also recently had branded pint poly-carbon glasses made for us.
“They ensure a much faster service for the customers, and are much easier to stack and collect during busier sessions.
“Emptying our ice machine in advance, and putting extra into ice caddies, also means we not going to run out of ice and we have extra handy.”
Creating a great pre-match atmosphere also ensures operators draw in the crowds early.
Cutter added: “Guests expect something they can’t create at home - so offering superior picture quality and sound systems can be advantageous - and advertising in advance that you’ll be showing the big matches.
“Offering ‘free to air sport’ can be quite limiting, and sports subscription’s have financial implications - however, offering, and using sports subscriptions as part of a businesses offer, creates consistency for customers, and the confidence that you’ll be able to show a wider variety of sports.”
He continued: “The ‘neutrals’ love to watch the Cup final, and with Crystal Palace being the under-dogs this year, I think we’re likely to have a full house by the time kick off comes around.”
Blockbuster match
According to new research from Carling - the official beer partner of the tournament - the final games of the FA Cup could see more than £500m spent across the on-trade, with some 14m people expected to watch the matches in pubs or bars.
The data showed more than half (55%) of Brits plan to watch one or both of this weekend’s finals, with two in five (40%) choosing to do so at a pub, bar or other venue.
Fans heading out for the games are expected to spend on average £35 per person during their visit.
When it comes to matchday drinks, beer was the clear favourite, preferred by 42% of respondents compared to just 10% who chose wine and 6% opting for spirits and mixers.
Carling brand director at Molson Coors Beverage Company Lee Willett said: “The FA Cup is such a special tournament in both the men and women’s games, and a real key date in England’s sporting calendar.
“Few things pair better with a blockbuster match than a proper pint, and the numbers back it up. If you’re screening the game, make sure the bar is well-stocked with go-to lagers brands that football fans look for.”
