How to Create the Ultimate Football-Watching Setup

Watching football at home is a beloved pastime for millions of fans across the UK. Ticket prices are rising at a time when broadcasting options are rising. During the very few weeks in summer when it’s sunny in the UK, there’s often a conflict between sitting in the garden and going inside to watch the game. But, this article will explore how we can combine the two for the perfect home experience to entertain guests.

Choose the Perfect Location

The first step in creating your outdoor football haven is selecting the ideal location. Not everyone will have a garden, but there may be a conservatory, converted attic, or perhaps simply utilising the lounge.

When opting for the outdoors, it’s important to have the appropriate furniture. A durable outdoor table, for example, is handy when eating and drinking during the game. Whether you’re indoors or outdoor, consider sunlight and glare when it comes to TV placement.

Select the Right Screen

A high-quality screen is a must for any football-watching setup. For outdoor use, consider investing in a weather-resistant, outdoor TV, or a projector and screen combination. Outdoor TVs are specifically designed for exterior environments, with waterproof casings and anti-glare coatings. If you want to get creative, DIY Perks has a great video on a homemade ultrabright television that’s more economical than what you will find in the shops.

Invest in a Quality Sound System

Filmmakers and Youtubers will tell you this often-neglected fact: audio is more important than video. Many people believe they go to the cinema for the big screen, but it’s actually the incredibly immersive audio that sucks us in.

So, a great sound system is a must. But of course, we need to consider the neighbours and all the ways we can protect them from sound. One option is to invest in acoustic chairs with speakers in the headrest, where the sound is comparatively very loud when sitting down but doesn’t travel – though this may be a bit OTT for some. Soundproofing rooms, though, goes a long way.

Comfort

If opting for an outdoor setup, you need to ensure you’re protected from the weather, including the cold. This means investing in a heater, firepit, and/or blankets. Good seating arrangements goes a long way too, ensuring the main sofa or chairs have a good viewing angle of the TV and are comfortable to sit for 2 hours.

Snacks and Beverages

No football match is complete without some tasty snacks and refreshing beverages. Set up an outdoor bar or cooler stocked with drinks, and consider a small outdoor kitchen or BBQ for cooking up fan favourites like burgers or Bovril. For indoor arrangements in particular, consider a mini fridge for the same room.

Final Word

The perfect setup to watch football depends on the person and their environment. However, some things are universal, and good Wi-Fi speeds is one of them. Whilst outdoor setups may seem naive in the UK, a proper weatherproof space can work wonders – bear in mind the UK has very mild weather, even in winter, making it possible to heat and shelter most outdoor spaces sufficiently.