Because of the slow economy, Tempe sports bars are making over their images and marketing schemes this football season in hopes of attracting more customers.
Football is the biggest season for local sports bars, especially during Sun Devils and Cardinals home games according to Michael Peters, general manager of Fumbles.
"Football games are nuts, absolutely ridiculous [and] it's great," he said.
The Tempe smoking ordinance that prohibits smoking inside restaurants and bars is one of the reasons for the changes in marketing, said Dan Berard a security guard for McDuffy's and education major at Scottsdale Community College.
"It's hurt business, but hasn't killed it," Berard said.
McDuffy's has renovated their outdoor facilities in order to cater to their smoking customers.
Jill Calkins, McDuffy's marketing director, said they have added eight TVs to their outside patio and upgraded it to be larger and more appealing.
Berard added that McDuffy's had to step up its advertising in order to counter the sluggish economy.
"We do a fair amount of advertising, some radio and as many promotions as we can to make it more exciting," Calkins said.
"It's a very competitive time in bars," Peters added. "This year has been much slower, really competitive."
While football season brings in the most people, the economy, especially after Sept. 11, 2001, has contributed to the slow in business for sports bars said Phil Suazo, general manager of Six Shooters.
"[Revenue] has been a little slower," Suazo said. "We have felt a bigger impact [in profits] this year."
In response to the decrease in clientele, Six Shooters has done more in-house marketing distribution by increasing raffles, promos and giveaways.
David Niemann, an ASU education junior, said he has noticed an increase in advertising from watching TV and listening to the radio.
"The economy has changed [sports bars] a lot," he said. "Sports bars used to be packed, but there isn't as many people as there used to be."
Despite the increase in advertising, Niemann said it's the football game that draws him to the bars.
"I like the atmosphere [at sports bars]," he said. "It's nice to be around other people that are all in a good mood. Sports bars have a more relaxed feel to them whereas clubs feel like people are out to impress everyone."
Reach the reporter at samantha.xanthos@asu.edu.
