Going to live sports games hasn't always been feasible for the past couple of years. Instead, we've had to make do with our basic home setup. But what if you didn't have to settle? What if you had the ultimate sports den instead?
With the perfect sports den set up, watching the games live at home will be even better than seeing them live in the stadium. You'll have your snacks at the ready, the comfiest seating, and an entertainment setup that leaves your friends drooling! And you don't have to limit it to sports — your sports den is excellent for movie nights with the family, too!
But don't worry about figuring out how to get it done yourself; we'll go over the essentials, from the ideal screen to fun extras! All that'll be left is to cheer on your team!
The Screen
The first step to setting up your sports den is figuring out what screen you'll use. For some people, that might mean a classic flatscreen TV. But if you're looking for a more immersive experience, you might want to consider using a projector instead!
There are pros and cons to both screens. TVs are typically cheaper than projectors, can be up anywhere in the room, and there are plenty of 4K TV options to choose from for the best picture quality. You can even have multiple TVs to play multiple games, just like a real sports bar! But remember, going with the biggest size isn't always best; make sure it fits your space first!
Projectors tend to be pricier, but they give you a flexible screen size, a sharper image, and off-angle viewing that lets everyone have a great view! And the experience is more immersive — you'll feel part of all the action! But, ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Pro Tip: When selecting the best TV size, calculate the viewing distance from your seating to the TV in inches and divide that by two. This will give you the minimal ideal screen size for your space!
The Connection
Once you've decided on your screen, it's time to start thinking about how you'll get the game day broadcast. There's nothing like an unstable connection to ruin game day for you and all your friends.
To avoid that, make sure you have a steady connection. For an HD antenna, make sure you're in a location with a clear signal, but this might not be the option for you if you're in an area with inclement weather. With a coaxial cable, all you need is an outlet, and you'll have a steady signal.
If you're planning to stream all the big games, you have two options: a smart TV with a Wi-Fi connection or a streaming hub stick. With a smart TV, you'll need to hook it up with a Wi-Fi signal directly through the router or a strong wireless connection. But if you prefer the flexibility of a streaming stick like the Fire Stick, that works as well — all you need is the proper USB connection. Don't forget you can always stream from your mobile device directly, so long as it's compatible with your TV!
The Sound
Okay, you have the picture squared away, next thing to focus on is the sound! One of the best things about having a sports den is being able to hear every single play! To get that perfect sound experience, you'll need to oomph up your TV sound since most TVs have thin speakers that don't provide enough power.
So, to recreate the feeling of actually being in the crowd, upgrading your sound is a must. You need a surround system complete with a subwoofer and a soundbar speaker! This way, everyone will have crisp, clear audio no matter where they're sitting, and no one will miss out on a single play!
The Seating
Of course, no sports den would be complete without comfortable seating! This is where having your own sports den is superior to actually being there because instead of plastic chairs that hurt, you can choose the comfiest seating!
First, you'll want to pick enough seats, especially if you're hosting all your friends or have a large family. For that, consider a configurable sectional that gives your plenty of seating. And if you want to go really fancy, you can check out home theater seating for extra comfort, multiple rows, and extra goodies like cupholders, built-in lights, and USB charge ports!
Games, Games, Games
Now, you might think at this point your sports den would be complete — but you'd be wrong. Adding video games or vintage arcade games is a great way to liven up every party. Not only are these games a great way to keep everyone entertained during halftime, but it's also a way of including everyone in the fun, since not everyone is a fan of every sport.
And some online games even have tournaments that people can watch, just like a typical sports game day!
Pro Tip: Make sure to have multiple screens in your den, so there's one for the actual game and one for gaming!
The Extras
Last but not least, don't forget about the extras! To really make your sports den feel like home, we recommend adding a few fun things like a home bar or smart hub. They might not be essential, but they'll take your setup to the next level!
A home bar is excellent for serving drinks during the game, so add a mini fridge or a cooler. And don't forget a microwave for game-day snacks — you won't have to run to the kitchen whenever you want to nibble on something!
As for a smart hub, you can enjoy extra goodies like remotely controlling the lights, the temperature, window shades, the sound system, and even the screen. You can even set things up from a different room so that you're ready to go when everyone shows up!
Go, Team Go!
Now that you know all the essentials for setting up the perfect sports den, it's time to start! At Toton’s TV, we have a variety of TVs and home audio equipment to make every game day a success. Just remember to have fun and cheer on your team!
Have any questions? Give us a call or stop by! We'll help you create the best sports den ever made — better than your neighbor's for sure!