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When a great sports match and iconic tunes collide, it’s akin to a power play in hockey or a Hail Mary pass in football—undeniably thrilling and game-changing. Much like LeBron James flawlessly landing a three-pointer, integrating the perfect soundtrack to your sports bar during a big game can take the atmosphere from baseline to buzzer-beating.

The MVP of the Atmosphere: Music

Music is the secret sauce, the ‘Space Jam’ secret stuff if you will, that transforms your venue from just another pit stop to the ultimate fan destination. When you sync your music with the spirit of the game, you create an immersive atmosphere that drives fan engagement, fires up the camaraderie, and creates a home-turf advantage right in your venue.

Choose Your Starting Line-Up

Crafting your sports-themed playlist is like selecting your starting lineup; you need to set the pace and get the crowd pumped up. Begin with anthems that fans associate with the sport—think ‘We Will Rock You’ by Queen for an adrenaline-charged atmosphere or ‘Sweet Caroline’ for that communal sing-along experience often associated with a good ol’ baseball game.

The Halftime Show: Your Chance to Shine

Don’t underestimate the power of a good halftime show. We all remember the left-shark incident during Katy Perry’s Super Bowl performance, right? Halftime is your chance to steal the spotlight and keep the energy flowing. No, you might not have a left shark, but blasting a crowd-favorite like ‘Uptown Funk’ or ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ can have your patrons up on their feet, singing along, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Scoring with Digital Signage

As you perfect your game-night playlist, don’t forget to add the power of digital signage to your game plan. Think of it as your playbook, strategically revealing messages at key moments. With the right integration, your digital signage can become a dynamic part of the experience. Digital signage can amplify the connection fans have with the game and their teams, adding a multi-sensory appeal to their visit. It’s the perfect assist to your music, creating an atmosphere that’s more electrifying than a last-minute goal. With digital signage, you’re not just showing the big game, but elevating it into an unforgettable, immersive experience.

The Post-Game Party

When the final whistle blows, whether it’s tears of joy or sighs of “we’ll get them next time”, the music shouldn’t stop. Round off the night with tunes that make people want to stay, celebrate, or even commiserate. From ‘We Are the Champions’ to ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, ensure your venue is the place to be, even post-game.


Syncing your music to the big game creates an unforgettable experience for sports enthusiasts. It’s the Vince Lombardi trophy of fan engagement, the ‘Eye of the Tiger’ of game-night atmospheres. So next time you’re hosting the big game, remember: Music isn’t just the warm-up act; it’s the headline player that keeps the night going.

Jim Juniper

Jim is a Co-founder at Control Play. He is an evangelist for strategic content curation. His passion is helping successful, growing businesses create guest entertainment experiences that make their customers happy! Connect with Jim on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimjuniper/