The race to Lord Stanley’s Cup is about to begin and what better way to celebrate this yearly tradition than with an EPIC Playoff Watch Party!
Here are some ideas on how to create a memorable watch party.
Dress the Part
Encourage all attendees to dress in team gear or colors. Have a contest for the best dressed or most creative outfit. If you are one of those uber-creative times, you could create t-shirts or hats for all to wear.
Create a Playlist
Music is a key to any party and a watch party is no different. Create a pumping playlist and have it booming to greet your guests.
Song Suggestions:
La Bamba – Los Lobos
Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones
Get Down – Hard Rock Sofa
Rock & Roll Part 2 – Gary Glitter
Sandstorm – Darude
Big League – Tom Cochrane
The Hockey Song – Stompin’ Tom Collins
Blood – Dropkick Murphy’s
Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy
Broken Arrows – Avicii
Create a Signature Drink
Create a drink that represents your favorite team. This doesn’t mean it has to be the team colors, it could include an ingredient connected to the team's location.
Montreal = Maple Syrup
LA Kings = California Wine
Nashville = American Whiskey or Bourbon
Boston = Tea
Vegas = large gaudy glassware
Here is the signature shooter I created for the Edmonton Oilers
1 part Rig Hand Cure-a-sow
1 part Rumchata Coconut
1 part Crabbie Goat Orange Creamsicle moonshine
Carefully layer in a shot glass
Epic Menus
Instead of selecting foods from your favorite team's town, select foods that represent the opposition. There is nothing better than eating away at the competition.
Los Angeles
California Rolls
Cheeseburger
Avocado Toast
California-style Pizza
Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches
Dallas
Tex Mex
Queso
Dr. Pepper
Frito Pie
Corn Dogs
Vegas
Shrimp Cocktail
Endless Buffet
Prime Rib
Florida
Cuban Sandwich
Sour Orange Pie
Key Lime Pie (or margarita)
Fried Grouper Sandwich
Winnipeg
Pizza Pops (yes, they were invented in Winnipeg in 1964)
Winnipeg Rye bread
Schmoo Torte
Smoked Goldeneye
Fat Boy Burgers
Make your own Sin Bin
Designate an area of the room to be the penalty box. Whenever someone violates a party rule, such as talking during a goal or cheering for the opposing team, they must spend a few minutes in the penalty box. This is a fun way to keep the party interactive and keep guests on their toes.
Have the game on outside!
Set up a speaker system so the game can be heard (or seen) outside. This is especially important for those of us who love the sunshine as much as we do the game.
Throwing an epic watch party requires a bit of planning, but the playoffs are worth it. These tips will help you create a party your guests will talk about for weeks.
Cheer Loud, Be Proud, and Have Fun!