DraftKings Announces Plan For Nashville Sports Bar

Late last week, online sports betting brand DraftKings announced the potential for a sports bar in Nashville, Tennessee. Having teamed up with Sports & Social, a dining and entertainment concept company, the two have plans to bring a unique retail concept to Music City and Detroit, Michigan.

In Tennessee, this is big news as sports betting is limited to the online sector. There are no casinos or other gambling facilities in the state, so services were only provided via desktop or mobile devices when the industry launched. With a retail location, sports fans could hang out with friends and bet in a social setting. Betting must still occur on mobile devices, but the DraftKings sports bar location would create a fun atmosphere for sports fans who like to wager on their favorite teams. The retail spot would further promote the DraftKings brand and its betting services.

Sports & Social/DraftKings Plans

In Nashville, gaming regulators must approve the concept before DraftKings can bring its retail concept to life. The company plans to provide engaging and interactive experiences to sports fans via this new venture.

Chief Business Officer for DraftKings, Ezra Kucharz, commented that there is a major focus on the mobile technology aspect of betting in today’s sports betting environment. However, the in-person factor is an integral part of the overall experience. If the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation approves the idea, then DraftKings can move forward with its sports bar plans.

“We look forward to advancing alongside Sports & Social’s premier dining and entertainment offerings.”

Sports & Social are known for creating an upscale gaming parlor environment with the latest technology in video and audio displays used within each property. The new locations would have a sports focus, with ICRAVE taking on the design concept.

Downtown Focus?

The possible location of the DraftKings sports bar is unknown at the moment. However, if we are speculating, it would be a smart move to add the bar in the city’s downtown area. Late last year, DraftKings announced a partnership with the Nashville Predators, the NHL team that calls Bridgestone Arena home.

Bridgestone Arena is at the center of downtown Nashville, located on Broadway, next to bars, honky tonks, restaurants, and clubs. With a sports bar located downtown, the property would be a hot spot for Predators fans and the tens of millions of people who travel to Music City each year searching for entertainment and fun.

The NFL team plays at Nissan Stadium, situated downtown and within walking distance of bars and restaurants. Along with the Predators calling Nashville home, the downtown area also plays host to the Tennessee Titans. While the Titans signed a sports betting partnership deal with BetMGM, DraftKings will undoubtedly welcome the NFL team’s fans into its new sports bar with open arms.

If DraftKings can gain approval for a sports bar and construct it in the downtown area, it would mean big business for the company. A large percentage of travelers to Nashville are either young people or sports fans. With the right atmosphere and marketing, DraftKings could boost its online sports betting totals in the region without even offering physical wagering in the bar location.