NBC Takeover of English Premier League Coverage Could Mean Big Business for Soccer Bars Locally and Represents a Shift in America's Attitude Toward Soccer
(PRWEB) August 15, 2013 -- With NBC preparing to show extensive coverage of the English Premier League for the first time ever, soccer bars anticipate even more U.S. fans showing up in a big way. From the huge Billboard in Times Square to the hilarious Jason Sudeikis spoof as a Tottenham F.C. manager going viral, word is getting out that soccer fans now have a major network broadcasting “American’s 5th-favorite sport”. Ratings have been on the rise for the past 2 years on ESPN and Fox, but the recent Gold Cup final drew the highest overnight rating for a soccer match in 2013 on any network and FOX's second-highest overnight rating for a soccer match ever. American sports fans see the NBC takeover as the biggest indication that the American soccer fan is worth the investment. Soccer bars around the city already know this of course and, on Saturday August 17, Fado Irish Pub will open its doors early to celebrate the launch of the 2014 Premiership season, anticipating 150+ fans by mid-morning.
Fado Irish Pub is a top soccer bar, with winner of numerous ”best of” awards and soccer fans call it headquarters. To be the best soccer bar in the city requires a few key ingredients but the most important being the fans who make up the various supporters clubs of the biggest teams in the world. Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspurs, and Chelsea rank among the most popular teams in the EPL and for over 40 weeks out of a year, their local supporters clubs make the weekly pilgrimage to the pub on game day.
“This is an important year for soccer fans,” explains David Herman, Director of Marketing for ONE UNITED USA, the Manchester United Membership and Supporters Club of America. “For years, soccer fans have known that they could come to Fado to catch an EPL game and that they would be sitting amongst 200 other passionate club supporters. We hope that the NBC take over this year finally legitimizes soccer as a top sport in America”.
Opening weekend fixtures line up all the top teams from the Premiership starting Saturday, August 17 with Liverpool at 7:45 am and Manchester United and Arsenal matches at 10 am and Chelsea FC kick off against Hull on Sunday, August 18 at 11 am. Fans can expect the veteran staff at Fado are prepared to accommodate the live coverage and UK kick-off times with plenty of coffee, hot food and cold beer all morning long.
For more information, contact Ellen Peacock at epeacock(at)fadoirishpub(dot)com or 404-455-5940.
Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant is a favorite of International, US, and MLS soccer fans. Fadó is a proud member of the Official US Soccer Bar program and is the city's go-to spot for English Premier League, USA Men's, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Scottish Premier League, World Cup and much more.
Ellen Peacock, Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant, http://www.fadoirishpub.com/, 404-848-8433, [email protected]
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