Super Bowl and Sports Event Signage for Bars and Restaurants

The Super Bowl. March Madness. The World Series. UFC fights. Major boxing matches. These events transform ordinary Sunday afternoons or Saturday nights into can't-miss occasions when sports fans pack bars and restaurants to watch together.

For bars and restaurants, these events represent major revenue opportunities. But capturing that revenue requires letting people know you're the place to be. Signage plays a crucial role—letting potential customers know you're showing the game, promoting your specials, and creating the atmosphere that makes sports viewing memorable.

At InstaSIGN, we've helped Palm Beach County bars and restaurants gear up for major sporting events since 1986. From simple specials boards to full promotional campaigns, we know what works for sports venue signage.

Planning for Major Events

Know Your Calendar

The biggest sporting events are predictable. You know the Super Bowl is coming in early February. March Madness brackets start mid-March. The timing is set years in advance.

Yet many bars wait until the last minute to order promotional signage, then pay rush fees or miss opportunities. Build sporting events into your annual signage planning:

• Super Bowl (early February)
• March Madness (mid-March through early April)
• Kentucky Derby (first Saturday in May)
• NBA Finals (June)
• MLB playoffs and World Series (October)
• NFL season and playoffs (September through January)
• Major boxing and UFC events (throughout year)

Order signage weeks ahead, not days.

Know Your Audience

Different events attract different crowds:

• Super Bowl — Broad appeal, casual fans plus diehards, significant food and drink sales
• March Madness — College basketball fans, bracket pool participants, afternoon crowds
• Boxing/UFC — Dedicated fight fans, often pay-per-view requiring cover charge
• Local team games — Loyal fans of specific teams, regular occurrence throughout season

Signage should speak to your specific audience's interests and behaviors.

Know Your Offerings

What makes your venue the right choice for this event?

• Multiple screens? How many?
• Sound? Will people be able to hear?
• Food and drink specials?
• Cover charge or free entry?
• Reservations available or first-come seating?

Your signage should communicate your actual differentiators, not just "we're showing the game" (which customers assume anyway).

Exterior Signage for Game Days

Banners and Flags

Temporary banners announcing major events create visibility and energy. "Super Bowl Sunday—Watch Here" on a well-designed banner catches attention from traffic.

Placement options:

• Building facade
• Parking lot perimeter
• Street-facing fencing
• Light poles (if permitted)

Flutter flags and feather banners add movement and height that static signs lack. They're particularly effective for drawing eyes from a distance.

A-Frame Signs

Sidewalk signs capture pedestrians and parking lot traffic:

• Daily specials for the event
• Kickoff time and featured matchup
• Special promotions or giveaways
• Cover charge information if applicable

Position where foot traffic flows naturally. Update for each event rather than using generic sports messaging.

Window Graphics

Larger window graphics transform your storefront:

• Team colors and imagery (be careful of trademark issues—more on this below)
• Event name and date
• Your special offerings
• Multiple TV callouts

Temporary vinyl is designed for short-term use and easy removal. No reason to leave Super Bowl messaging up in March.

Digital Signs

If you have digital signage, leverage it:

• Rotate between upcoming events
• Show countdowns to kickoff
• Display current specials
• Feature drink promotions with appetizing images

Digital flexibility lets you change messaging in real-time—adjust pricing, announce sold-out items, or update kickoff times if events run late.

Interior Event Signage

Specials Boards

Your game day specials deserve prominent display:

• Food specials (wings, nachos, sliders, etc.)
• Drink specials (beer pitchers, cocktail specials)
• Bundle deals (food plus drinks packages)
• Happy hour extensions or modifications

Chalkboards, printed boards, and digital displays all work. Choose what fits your venue's aesthetic.

Table Tents and Cards

Every table is a marketing opportunity:

• Current specials for the event
• Upcoming events to build future traffic
• Loyalty programs or check-in incentives
• Social media handles and hashtags

Table tents are inexpensive to produce and easy to swap for different events.

TV and Screen Identification

If you have multiple viewing areas:

• Label which screens show which games (important for March Madness with simultaneous games)
• Sound availability (which area has audio)
• Reserved vs. open seating areas

This helps guests self-sort and reduces staff questions.

Wayfinding

During busy events, help guests navigate:

• Restroom directions (crowds mean longer walks)
• Bar locations (if multiple)
• Outdoor seating availability
• Exit routes for safety compliance

Clear wayfinding reduces frustration during chaotic high-volume periods.

Legal Considerations: Trademark and Licensing

The Trademark Problem

"Super Bowl" is a registered trademark of the NFL. "March Madness" is trademarked by the NCAA. Team names, logos, and colors are all protected intellectual property.

Using these without authorization in commercial advertising—including signage—can create legal liability. The leagues actively enforce their trademarks.

Safe Alternatives

Most bars work around this with generic language:

• "The Big Game" instead of "Super Bowl"
• "College Basketball Tournament" instead of "March Madness"
• "Watch the Game Here" without team-specific references
• Football imagery that's generic rather than team-specific

This reduces legal risk while still communicating effectively to customers who know what you mean.

When Authorization Exists

Some venues have official partnerships or licenses that allow trademark use. If you have such agreements, great—use them. If you don't, assume you can't use protected marks.

When in doubt, consult an attorney. We can produce whatever signage you approve, but we can't provide legal advice about trademark use.

Creating Atmosphere

Themed Decorations

Beyond functional signage, themed decorations create event atmosphere:

• Team color balloons and streamers
• Sports-themed centerpieces
• Photo opportunity backdrops
• Ceiling hangings and wall decorations

These items are typically purchased rather than custom fabricated, but they complement signage in creating the overall environment.

Staff Participation

Consider signage that involves staff:

• "Ask me about our specials" buttons
• Team jersey or color coordination
• Prediction boards where staff make picks

Staff enthusiasm is contagious, and signage that supports staff engagement amplifies the effect.

Social Media Integration

Create shareable moments:

• Photo backdrops with your branding
• Hashtag displays encouraging posts
• Selfie spots with game-day themes

User-generated social content extends your reach beyond the people physically present.

Post-Event Considerations

Removal Timing

Remove event-specific signage promptly after the event. Super Bowl signage in March makes you look inattentive. Build removal into your event planning—not just installation but takedown.

Storage vs. Disposal

Some signage can be reused:

• Generic "Watch the Game Here" banners
• Sports-themed decorative elements
• Reusable A-frame graphics

Event-specific items (this year's matchup, specific dates) typically can't be reused. Dispose responsibly.

Evaluation

After major events, assess what worked:

• Did signage drive traffic?
• Did customers mention seeing specific signs?
• What questions did staff answer that signage should have covered?
• What will you do differently next time?

This learning improves each successive event.

Budget Management

Where to Invest

Prioritize signage that drives traffic:

• Exterior visibility (banners, sidewalk signs)
• Event-specific promotions (specials boards)
• Differentiators (your unique offerings)

Where to Economize

Save on items with limited impact:

• Overly elaborate decorative signage
• Items only visible to guests already committed
• Premium materials for temporary signs

Match investment to expected return. The Super Bowl may justify significant investment; a regular season game may not.

Building a Reusable Kit

Develop signage assets that work across events:

• Blank banners with permanent "Watch Sports Here" messaging and changeable event details
• A-frame signs with changeable inserts
• Digital content templates modified for each event

Reusable frameworks reduce per-event costs while maintaining fresh, current messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I order event signage?

Three to four weeks before the event is comfortable. Major events (Super Bowl) may have longer lead times if custom fabrication is involved. Last-minute orders often incur rush fees or face limited options.

Can I use team logos on my signage?

Not without authorization. Team logos, names, and official trademarks are protected. Most bars use generic sports imagery and language to avoid legal issues.

What size banner works for announcing events?

Depends on viewing distance and available space. For building facades, 3x8 feet or larger catches attention from traffic. Smaller banners work for closer viewing. We can recommend sizes based on your specific location.

How do I handle signage for multiple simultaneous games?

Label screens clearly—"Game A on Screens 1-3" or "NCAA Games Here, Sound at Bar." Table tents can also communicate which games are showing and where.

Is it worth investing in signage for regular season games?

Depends on your market. If you're in an area with dedicated fan bases for specific teams, yes. General "Watch Sports Here" messaging requires less frequent updates than event-specific promotions.

---

Ready to gear up for the next big game? Contact InstaSIGN at (561) 272-2323. We'll help you create signage that fills your bar and builds your reputation as the place to watch.