8 Branded Merchandise Pubs and Clubs Order for Game Days
Game days offer pubs and clubs a great opportunity to build loyal customers. Having giveaways ready for customers is one of the best ways to do it. It gives guests something to take home, helps staff look the part, and makes raffles and tipping comps feel special. Here are eight items pubs and clubs often order, based on our over 20 years of experience, for game days during the footy, rugby, and cricket seasons.
One Rule Before You Order
It can be tempting to use team logos, but league and club logos are trademarks and usually need a licence. Instead, feature your venue’s name, logo, and colours. You can still celebrate the occasion with themed colours and phrases like “Game Day at The Royal” without using official logos.
The 8 Items at a Glance
This quick guide shows what each item is best for and gives a rough idea of the cost.
Stubby Holders
Stubby holders are a classic Australian giveaway and still the most popular. They’re affordable, useful, and end up in pockets and car consoles all over town.
- Great for: member giveaways, bar sales, promo nights
- Tip: a bold, simple design reads clearly from across a beer garden
Coasters and Bar Runners
These put your brand on every table, and guests don’t have to take anything home. Coasters with the season’s fixture list are a nice detail that regulars appreciate.
- Great for: dressing the venue before a big match
- Tip: order for the whole season, as coasters are used up quickly
Staff Tees and Polos
On busy nights, staff should be easy to spot. That’s why Alice Borja, one of our account managers, always suggests that pubs order uniforms specific for game days. Since shifts will be busy, comfortable fabrics are recommended.
Scarves and Beanies
Knitted scarves and beanies in your venue’s colours sell well at the bar and make great gifts for members. I suggest you hand them out during the winter season. Regulars wear them both at the pub and at the game.
- Great for: AFL and NRL season, State of Origin and Bledisloe Cup nights
- Tip: order before the season starts, not after round one
Caps and Bucket Hats
Summer is cricket season, and outdoor areas need sun protection. For game days like this, I suggest you order caps and bucket hats.
Fan Clappers and Flags
For finals and State of Origin nights, inflatable clappers, hand flags, and noise-makers bring extra energy to the room. They’re affordable and easy to give out.
- Great for: one-off big games where atmosphere matters most
- Tip: keep the branding neutral so supporters of both sides can join in
Cooler Bags
Cooler bags are a popular prize for raffles and tipping comps because they feel valuable without costing too much, and people use them long after the season is over.
Hoodies
For end-of-season tipping winners, loyal members, or staff recognition, a quality branded hoodie is a great choice. It’s the kind of item people keep and wear for years.
- Great for: tipping comp winners, grand final prizes, staff thank-yous
- Tip: a small embroidered chest logo looks premium and gets worn more often
Planning Merch Across the Season
Timing matters for game-day merchandise. The table below shows when venues usually order each type of item.
Keep It Responsible
Game-day merchandise should boost the atmosphere without encouraging excessive drinking. Here are a few simple guidelines:
- Avoid slogans that celebrate heavy drinking.
- Use merch to reward attendance and participation, not consumption.
- Include plenty of non-drinking items like caps, hoodies and bottles in the prize mix.
Our Experience Supplying For Game Days
We’ve supplied for clubs and pubs across Australia. One of their go-to item during game days are bar mats. They’re useful, keep the location on theme, and boost your brand’s visibility. Stubby coolers are also the best-selling giveaway for events like these. Because we have cheaper options, brands love to order a minimum of 1,500 units and have them in stock for future events.
Making Game Day Memorable
The right merchandise can turn a busy night at the pub into a reason for guests to return. Pick a few staples for the season, add something special for big games, and make sure your venue’s name goes home with every guest.
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