3 rookie promos for football season

Football fans nationwide are preparing for the start of the season. Thanks to modern technology, viewers can get the in-game experience from the comfort of their homes. This is pushing operators to further enhance their football-related promotions not just for gameday restaurant visits, but for off-premise occasions as well. Although food specials remain a fixture around gameday promotions, some operators are stepping outside the box to attract today’s customers. Incentivized visits—such as providing gift bags for hosting fantasy drafts—are now trending among sports-themed bars and grills.

Here are a few restaurants currently marketing for football season.

WingHouse is offering fantasy football players a draft party full of perks. For starters, all attendees receive buy-one-get-one pitchers of Miller or Coors Light, and a fantasy football kit equipped with posters, player stickers, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a 10% off season card. Each league manager also receives a VIP Commissioner swag bag filled with various goodies thanking them for booking their draft party at the WingHouse.

Additionally, a “legendary party” host, better known as a member of the WingHouse team, will monitor the group and photograph all the draft-day emotions, which will be shared via social media. Finally, WingHouse provides every party with a Toilet Trophy for its eventual last place finisher—"to remember when the losing truly began.”

Draft party reservations opened on August 16 and can be made through September 6 at all Florida WingHouse locations.

Hooters’ Fantasy Football Draft Party Sweepstakes offers incentives to groups who host their draft parties at one of the casual-dining chain’s locations. League commissioners are given a draft kit equipped with koozies, thundersticks, a draft board, markers, stickers and over $200 worth of Hooters coupons.

Moreover, every draft-party participant is automatically entered to win a trip for two to Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII. This grand prize includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and the opportunity to tailgate with former NFL tight end, Tony Gonzalez.

Registration for the Sweepstakes began last month and contestants have through September 3 to register.

The Texas-based barbecue establishment is promoting mail-ordered group meals for this upcoming football season. These delivered meals comprise any combination of brisket, turkey, chopped meat, pork loin, or sausage and a side of sliced pickles, onions, jalapenos or fresh bread.

Additionally, the chain is offering gameday catering options. Rudy’s catering team arrives to the viewing party and sets up and serves for one hour, buffet-style, ensuring everyone can enjoy the games from their sofas. Similar to its group meals, catering options include smoked meats and signature sides.

Offerings and pricing will vary by location.