Score Big with Game Day Restaurant Traffic: Your Indianapolis Restaurant’s Playbook for Success
Indianapolis thrives on its love of sports, making restaurants the go-to spot for locals to celebrate big wins and turn game days into social occasions. From the roaring crowds at Lucas Oil Stadium during a Colts game to the electric energy of a Pacers matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse—and even the loyal following of nearby college teams—game days bring an undeniable surge in foot traffic. For restaurant owners, general managers, and event managers across the Circle City, this wave of excitement presents a powerful opportunity to turn casual fans into loyal, long-term customers.
But how do you cut through the noise and ensure your establishment is the go-to spot before, during, and after the big game? It’s all about creating an unforgettable experience. Here’s your playbook for scoring big with game day traffic and growing your restaurant:
1. Theme It Up: Transform Your Space
Transforming your restaurant into a game day haven is more than just hanging a few jerseys. It’s about creating an immersive atmosphere that gets fans in the spirit.
- Team Colors & Decor: Go all out with team colors. Balloons, streamers, tablecloths, and even staff uniforms in blue and white for the Colts, or blue and gold for the Pacers, can make a huge impact. Consider subtle touches like football-shaped platters or basketball-themed coasters.
- Photo Booth Fun: Set up a simple photo booth with props like oversized foam fingers, team helmets, and funny signs. Encourage guests to share their photos on social media with a unique hashtag for your restaurant.
- Pre-Game Tailgate Vibe: If you have outdoor space, consider a mini-tailgate setup with cornhole boards and outdoor seating. Even indoors, you can create a similar feel with designated standing areas and high-top tables.
2. Craft Winning Menus: Food & Drink Specials
Your menu is where you can truly shine on game day. Think beyond the usual and offer creative, themed options that tantalize taste buds and celebrate the sport.
- “Touchdown” Tacos or “Slam Dunk” Sliders: Turn classics into crowd-pleasers with sports-inspired names. Offer a lineup of slider favorites like pulled pork, mini cheeseburgers, or buffalo chicken, or set up a build-your-own taco bar. Add a local twist by incorporating regional flavors and playful nods to hometown teams.
- Signature Cocktails: Develop special game-day cocktails. For instance, a “Colts Kickoff” (blue curaçao, vodka, lemonade) or a “Pacers Punch” (orange juice, rum, grenadine). Offer them at a special price during the game.
- Local Brews & Buckets: Partner with local breweries to offer a rotating selection of craft beers. Promote beer bucket specials – a great way to encourage groups to stay longer and order more.
- Halftime Heroes: Consider optimizing your menus. During halftime, offer a special discount on a specific appetizer or dessert. It encourages diners to stay put and adds an element of surprise.
Punch Bowl Social, Tripleseat Customer, Highlights Game Days for Indianapolis Fans
3. Engage & Entertain: Beyond the Screen
While big screens showing the game are a must, what else can you do to keep the energy high and encourage repeat visits? Set the scene for a true experiential event.
- Game Day Bingo or Trivia: Create simple bingo cards with common game events (e.g., “first down,” “foul shot,” “interception”). Offer small prizes for a completed card. Sports trivia during commercial breaks can also be a hit.
- Jersey Raffles: Encourage guests to wear their favorite team’s jersey and enter a raffle to win a gift card or a team-related prize.
- “Predict the Score” Contest: Before the game, have guests write down their score predictions. The closest prediction wins a prize. This creates engagement and friendly competition.
- Sound On! Ensure your sound system is top-notch and the game commentary is clear and audible. This is crucial for creating an authentic game-watching experience.
4. Promote Your Playbook: Get the Word Out
Having the best game day experience means nothing if no one knows about it!
Social Media Blitz: Announce your game day specials and events well in advance on all your social media channels. Use relevant hashtags (#IndyColts, #Pacers, #IndianapolisEats, #GameDayIndy). Post appealing photos or short videos of your themed decor and food.
- Email Marketing: Send out dedicated emails to your customer list detailing your game day offerings. Make the subject line enticing and clear.
- Local Partnerships: To cross-promote your events, collaborate with local sports blogs, fan clubs, or even sports radio stations.
- In-Restaurant Signage: Remember to advertise your game-day specials within your restaurant in the days before the game.
By implementing these strategies, your Indianapolis restaurant can transform game days from just another busy shift into a thriving, memorable event for your customers. You’ll not only capture that valuable game day traffic but also build a reputation as the ultimate sports-watching destination in Indy, ensuring fans keep coming back, win or lose!
Game days bring the crowds—Tripleseat helps you turn them into loyal customers. See how Tripleseat makes it easy to book, manage, and promote your events. Schedule a demo today.
