As we head towards the end the year, there’s still plenty of sport to keep members and guests packing out sports bars in 2023.
The footy codes may be heading to the end of their seasons, but there are so many other great sporting events in the broadcast calendar for the rest of the year.
Aussies have always been sports-mad, but we’re packing out club sports bars more than ever, so it’s crucial to know what big sporting fixtures are coming up, so your venue can plan and market them accordingly.
“Foxtel has plenty of sport showing throughout the spring and summer months that could introduce venues to a new crowd of customers. We know that live sport brings more customers to venues so clubs can capitalise during this time by advertising these fixtures in advance and showing them on their screens,” suggests Greg Bohlsen, national manager for licensed venues at Foxtel.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest fixtures over the next few months.
The summer of cricket
Nothing goes together like summer and cricket, and this year’s lineup does not disappoint. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India starts on 5 October, where the Australian team will be trying to take the championship off current holders, England. Matches will run from the afternoon to late night, suiting clubs well. In December, the KFC Big Bash League kicks off, as well as the NRMA Insurance Test Series with games against Pakistan and West Indies.
The women’s side will also be getting in on the action, with three one-day matches against West Indies from 1 October, and the Weber WBBL kicking off from 19 October.
Motorsport
As we get to the pointy end of Formula 1’s 2023 season, two upcoming races are at the perfect time for the Australian market. The Japan Grand Prix at the challenging Suzuka track kicks off at 3pm AEST Sunday 24 September, and the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, which incorporates the famed Strip, starts at 5pm AEST on Sunday 19 November.
The Supercars season will also be wrapping up over the next few months, with key fixtures including Repco Bathurst 1000 (5-8 October), Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 (27-29 October) and VAILO Adelaide 500 (23-26 November).
Main Event Pay Per Views
Hot off the heels of the UFC 293 in Sydney, October and November will see another two big bouts that will bring mixed martial arts fans to your venue. UFC 294, taking place on Sunday 22 October will be headlined by a rematch between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former champion Charles Oliveira. In November, UFC 295’s main card will see current heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former champion Stipe Miocic go head-to-head for the title belt once more.
Meanwhile in boxing, Canelo v Charlo will take place on Sunday 1 October, preceding the the hugely anticipated bout on Sunday 15 October where homegrown champion Tim Tszyu will defend his WBO title against interim champion Brian Mendoza.Expect this one to pack out your sports bars and beer gardens.
Best of the rest (alternatively the title could be ‘Netball, basketball and US sports’)
The Matildas’ recent success has driven the appetite for women’s sport, and next up is the Constellation Cup from 12 October, where Australia’s netball team will be looking to retain their title after an epic World Cup win. The Diamonds will then take on South Africa in a three-match series from 25 October.
In domestic basketball, the Hungry Jacks NBL tips off on 28 September and the season ends on 18 February. Looking to the US, American leagues continue to grow in popularity in Australia as a lunchtime watch, with seasons of the NFL, NBA and NHL all shown on ESPN throughout November to January.
For more information on upcoming fixtures, visit www.foxtel.com.au/venues
