As many as 75 per cent of Brits will be watching sport this summer, spending more than 21 hours in the pub – sipping 24 drinks and singing along to 23 songs or chants.
A study of 2,000 adults found that of those tuning into the summer of sport this year, almost half of them will be watching the tennis and a third watching the F1. Two thirds of those will head down to the pub to watch an average of nearly seven different sporting events – spending more than three hours in their local each time. An average of nearly four drinks will be purchased during each event, with fans expecting to part with £83.30 when visiting the pub to watch sport this summer. The research was commissioned by VELO, which has pinpointed the towns where it will be easiest to get a seat in the pub to watch sport over the next few months. According to its data, Doncaster is the place where people are most likely to get a seat. In London, it is the City of Westminster for the win.
The research from VELO has revealed the UK towns and cities you’re most likely to nab a seat in the pub to watch the sport (and their top-rated pubs):
Doncaster, The Eagle & Child
Rotherham, The Boatman’s Rest
Lancaster, The Gerrard Arms
Gateshead, The Black Bull
Horsham, The Labouring Man
Folkestone and Hythe, The Ship Inn
Canterbury, Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn
Dudley, The New Inn
Chesterfield, Glassworks
St Albans, The Queen’s Head
Meanwhile, it’s bad news for sports fans in these areas as they’ll struggle to find a boozer to watch the games:
Sutton Coldfield
Leicester
Bournemouth
Aylesbury
Blackburn
Birmingham
Slough
Luton
East Kilbride
Swindon
VELO spokesperson, Alina Ustymenko said: “There’s nothing quite like watching sport with a crowd, whether it’s belting out a chant, celebrating a score with a high five or pretending you know the rules of F1. The research shows fans are really throwing themselves into a summer of sport, with pubs set to be packed with fans, songs, snacks and hopefully enough seats to go around. “Getting there early to claim your seat is going to be key ahead of some of the biggest sporting events of the summer.”
The study also found that simply wanting to watch with friends, family, or other fans is the top reason 51 per cent of pub goers head to their local to watch a game. But 49 per cent like the better atmosphere and 45 per cent claim it feels like more of an occasion. Others like the bigger screens (30 per cent) and having more food and drink options (18 per cent).
In fact, 76 per cent said watching sport with others at their local turns a match into a shared occasion. When choosing a pub to watch a sporting event, 50 per cent look for one with a good atmosphere, while 48 per cent prioritise a big screen and a clear view. While 31 per cent will opt for one with plenty of seating to ensure they have somewhere to sit down. With pub goers arriving an average of 31 minutes before the start of a match or game to ensure they get a seat. But when it comes to celebrating, 37 per cent of all adults, polled via OnePoll, have lost their voice from cheering or singing at a sporting event, while 32 per cent celebrate by jumping up and down. Others sing or chant (27 per cent), share high-fives with others (18 per cent) or even hug those nearby (15 per cent).
VELO spokesperson, Alina Ustymenko added: “What really stands out is just how much excitement there is for a proper summer of sport down the pub.
“Turning up early to bag a decent seat, knowing exactly what snacks they will be grabbing and getting ready to cheer on their teams its clear fans are treating these matches like a real occasion. “Whether they’re shouting at the screen, joining in with chants or just soaking up the atmosphere, the pub remains a huge part of how people enjoy sport together.”