Pick the perfect venue for your group
Choosing the right spot is crucial. Look for a venue with a reputation for stellar service, great food, and state-of-the-art viewing setups. Zach Jukel, VP of marketing for Carver Road Hospitality and Flanker Kitchen & Sports Bar at Mandalay Bay, suggests starting with award-winning locations.
“If they’re award-winning, they have enough cachet on their property where they have planning down to a science,” he says. For smaller groups, casual spots with a few screens might do, but if you’re hosting a crowd (10-15 people or more), it’ll be worth finding a venue that offers customized services like private dining rooms or VIP areas.
Book early
Planning ahead is crucial for securing the best location. We suggest getting a firm headcount and start calling around for open availability.
“The time of year plays a part, but typically, I would say to book a few weeks in advance or a month’s notice because of how packed and how crazy NFL season is,” Jukel says.
Get comfortable
For a truly immersive experience, look for venues with large, high-definition screens with booming sound systems. For example, at Flanker, you’ll find 50+ HD TVs, including a massive 30-foot LED screen, plus private dining rooms with their own TVs and sound systems. These rooms are a great option if your group has diverse interests, such as some people wanting to enjoy the game while others prefer something like karaoke.
The right menu
Game day and great food go hand-in-hand. Opt for a menu that balances classic snacks with hearty options. Burgers and chicken wings are fan favorites, but consider shareables like family-style nachos and a variety of dips for grazing throughout the game. A well-curated beer selection is also essential, so look for venues that offer rotating seasonal drafts, beer towers and a craft cocktail menu.
Set the scene
Don’t forget the vibe—watch parties are about more than just the game. If you’re planning for big events like the Super Bowl, consider a place that offers extra entertainment, like pre-game or after-party events with live DJs. And considering Vegas’ reputation for being a party destination, there will be plenty of options to choose from. Event coordinators at each Strip property can help with this.
Go big or … stay close to home
If you’re looking to skip the Strip and keep things local, Vegas’ neighborhoods are chock full of hidden gems that deliver all the excitement of a game-day rager without the crowds. From cozy bars to casual eateries, these places offer the perfect balance of bites, sips and a laid-back atmosphere. For a more personalized experience, ask about private viewing rooms or reserve community-size tables for you and your crew.
Our picks for watch party spots
Not sure where to host your away-from-home football bash? Try any of these favorites.
Aces & Ales 2801 N. Tenaya Way, 702-638-2337, acesandales.com.
Big Dog’s Brewing 4543 N. Rancho Dr., 702-368-3715, bigdogsbrews.com.
Born and Raised Multiple locations, bornandraisedlv.com.
Four Kegs 276 N. Jones Blvd. #B, 702-870-0255, fourkegs.com.
The Front Yard Ellis Island Casino, 702-733-8901, ellisislandcasino.com.
General Admission Uncommons, 725-780-1098, generaladmissionlv.com.
Jackpot Bar and Grill 4485 S. Jones Blvd., 702-463-0333, jackpotbarlv.com.
Mabel’s Bar & Q Palms, 702-944-5931, palms.com.
RedTail Sports Bar Resorts World, 702-676-7802, zoukgrouplv.com.
Stadium Swim Circa, 702-247-2258, circalasvegas.com.
SuperBook Westgate, westgateresorts.com.
Tailgate Social Palace Station, 702-221-6513, tailgatesociallv.com.
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