How to Plan a Sports Theme Party: Ideas for Sports Parties

With October in full swing, everyone seems to be breaking out their favorite sports jerseys more than ever. With baseball, football, hockey, and basketball on everyone's mind, it's the perfect time to throw a sports-themed party! Whether it's at your own place or at an event space, check a few sports theme party ideas below for some inspiration for your next event!

Sports Theme Party Ideas

Baseball Theme Party

With playoffs on everyone's minds, why not throw a baseball party? It’s a great way to get all your friends to watch the game in one place instead of heading to a crowded bar, and this party is great for kids, too! Start with some fun things for everyone to nibble on, such as sliders and fries, and even put together some cute peanut-filled cups to give that extra feeling of being at an actual baseball game. Put these smart snack cups into individual baseball mitts and set them up as party favors for a great gift that all your guests will love.

Keep the theme going by bringing in some sports gear to decorate the venue! A great way to keep the kids entertained is to set up a corner for them to play baseball, like the fun baseball dugout for kids at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Football Theme Party

We all know football is a time for all the guys to do their thing and watch the game together, but why not make it a fun event for everyone? Set up snacks and party platters to fit the theme.

A great way to keep the fun going during the event is setting up a mini-end zone for everyone to practice their touchdown skills. Set up a touchdown area in front of your trash can and recycling bin so that all your guests can practice their aim and help save the environment at the same time by recycling all canned beverages!

Sports Theme Party Decorations

From the field to the court, from touchdowns to slam dunks, create an energetic atmosphere that resonates with every sports enthusiast. Here's how to deck out your party venue:

• Choose team colors or go for a general palette like grassy greens, sky blues, and bright whites to mimic the atmosphere of outdoor games.
• Create miniature trophies filled with candies or sports balls arranged in decorative bowls for centerpieces.
• Use plates, cups, and napkins featuring various sports equipment or team logos.
• Incorporate grass or turf table runners for that on-field feel.
• Hang pennants and banners from your favorite teams, posters of famous athletes, and images of iconic sports moments.
• String lights in the shape of footballs, baseballs, or other sports balls.
• Spotlight areas with team-colored lights for a dramatic effect.
• Use chalk or tape to mimic court or field lines on the floor.

Remember, the key is to incorporate elements from a variety of sports or focus on a specific one, depending on the preference of the guest of honor.

Sports Theme Party Food

Score major points with your guests by serving up a feast fit for champions! A sports theme party offers a fantastic opportunity to get creative with both presentation and flavors. From stadium favorites to sporty takes on classic dishes, here are some menu ideas to fuel your guests:

• Layered nachos with cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings, served in mini helmets.
• Pretzel bites and mustard dip, just like at the ball game!
• Mini beef or veggie burgers decked out with team-colored toothpick flags.
• Rolled tortillas with various fillings, sliced to resemble sports ball patterns.
• Hotdogs and sausages with all the trimmings.
• Pizza slices are decorated like a basketball or soccer field using toppings.
• Ball-shaped cake pops decorated to look like mini baseballs, basketballs, or soccer balls.
• Brownie squares with white icing drizzled in a net pattern.
• Classic cola, lemon-lime, or root beer served in sports
• A veggie platter arranged to resemble a stadium.
• Cookie or chocolate medals on ribbons for guests to munch on and wear.

Pair the food with colorful, sports-themed tableware to enhance the theme. Whether your guests are there for the thrill of the game or the joy of good food, they're sure to leave with full bellies and fond memories!

Sports Theme Party Games

Elevate your sports-themed bash with a lineup of games and activities that will have your guests buzzing with excitement. Whether they're die-hard sports enthusiasts or just in it for the fun, these interactive challenges will keep everyone entertained and in high spirits:

• Set up mini-games, like a basketball hoop or soccer goal, for guests to play.
• Test guests' sports knowledge with trivia cards on various sports or famous athletes.
• Provide plain white tees, fabric markers, and stickers for guests to create their personalized sports jerseys.
• Create a photo booth area with props like jerseys, helmets, and bats for memorable snapshots.
• Play famous sports anthems or stadium sounds in the background.

To amp up the fun factor, consider offering small prizes or goody bags for game winners or participants. With this blend of activities, your sports-themed party will be an event everyone remembers for seasons to come!

Host Your Sports Theme Party with Help from EventUp

If you don't feel like bringing the party and the mess over to your own place but don't really feel up to fighting the crowds at a bar, check out one of our wonderful event locations, perfect for your own sports-themed bash!

Use EventUp to search, find, and book your sports party venue!

What are some of your favorite sports theme party ideas? Got some great ideas? Share with us below or on Facebook or Twitter!