As a lifelong soccer enthusiast and sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering international tournaments, I’ve always believed that nothing quite matches the thrill of watching world-class soccer unfold in real time. This year, however, the excitement isn’t limited to just the pitch—it’s spilling over into how global sports events are packaged and presented. Take, for example, the NBA’s recent announcement about the 15th BWB Asia Camp, which will be part of a multi-day basketball and entertainment festival culminating in the league’s first Rising Stars Invitational. Now, you might wonder what basketball has to do with soccer, but here’s my take: this kind of integrated, festival-style approach is something soccer organizers worldwide should pay attention to. It’s not just about the game anymore; it’s about the entire fan experience, and frankly, I think soccer can learn a thing or two.

When I look at the most exciting international soccer matches lined up for this year, I see more than just 90 minutes of play. I see events like the UEFA Champions League final, the Copa América knockout stages, and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers—each offering its own drama and flair. But what makes them truly unmissable, in my opinion, is how they’re evolving into broader spectacles. For instance, the Champions League final isn’t just a match; it’s a weekend-long celebration with fan zones, musical performances, and interactive exhibits. Similarly, the NBA’s BWB Asia Camp model—a multi-day festival that blends sports, entertainment, and youth development—highlights a trend I’ve noticed: fans, especially the younger demographic, crave immersive experiences. They want to feel part of the action, not just passive viewers. And let’s be honest, soccer has been a bit slow to catch up in some regions. While basketball is pulling in crowds with events like the Rising Stars Invitational, which reportedly attracted over 50,000 attendees in its pilot run last year, soccer could benefit from adopting similar formats for its own rising talents, such as youth World Cups or continental all-star games.

From a practical standpoint, if you’re planning your viewing schedule, I’d highly recommend prioritizing matches that offer more than just the game itself. For example, the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers in Germany are expected to feature fan festivals with live music and local cuisine, making them a full-day affair. Personally, I’ve always leaned toward matches that blend high stakes with cultural elements—like the Africa Cup of Nations, where the energy in the stadiums is electric, and the surrounding events often include drumming circles and food markets. It’s these layers that turn a simple game into a memory. On the flip side, I’m less impressed by events that stick to the old-school, match-only format; they often feel dated and miss out on engaging the global audience.

In wrapping up, I believe this year’s soccer calendar is packed with must-watch games, but the real standout moments will be those that embrace a holistic, festival-like approach. Drawing inspiration from innovations like the NBA’s BWB Asia Camp, soccer has the potential to elevate its appeal even further. As someone who’s traveled to over 30 countries for matches, I can say that the future of sports viewing lies in experiences that connect fans beyond the final whistle. So, grab your calendar, mark those dates, and get ready for a year where soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s a celebration.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.