The countdown begins as the MLB All-Star Game draws near. With excitement and celebrations in the air, have you decided how you’ll celebrate this year’s MLB action?
If you’re planning to host a viewing party by gathering your friends and family, here are some ideas to make it truly memorable.
MLB All-Star Game
Midsummer Classic
MLB All-Star Game, or the Midsummer Classic, is a friendly baseball competition between the best American League (AL) and National League (NL) players.
The week leading up to the game is packed with celebrations of baseball excellence, including the Home Run Derby, celebrity softball games, extensive fan festivals, and chances to meet MLB players and legends.
Fans also gather at homes and bars to watch the game together and celebrate later.
Create a Baseball Bonanza Atmosphere
Start with Setting the Scene
When inviting friends over to kick off the MLB All-Star Game viewing party, you need to consider how you can create the perfect atmosphere for this gathering.
Here are some things to consider:
- The comfort of the friends and family by choosing the right spot.
- Decorate to keep spirits high and set the mood.
- Provide enough space for all your guests to move around comfortably.
- Encourage guests to dress appropriately for the party’s theme or atmosphere.
- Set up suitable lighting and music to enhance the ambiance and entertainment.
Let’s talk about how you can execute these things perfectly to create a festive environment.
Seating Arrangement for Game
Set Up Your Bases for Comfort
Since the game typically lasts 4 to 5 hours, careful planning is essential. Guests will be stationary for extended periods, so ensuring their comfort is a priority.
Make sure the seating arrangement is comfortable and adds to the overall experience of the game viewing party. Go for a mix of seating options catering to different guests and their likings.
Here are some ideas:
- Sofas and armchairs (most comfortable)
- Floor cushions and bean bags (a cozier option)
- Folding chairs (portable option and best for accommodating a larger number of guests)
Make sure you leave space for your guests to move around. You can also scatter the place with blankets and cushions.
Screen Setup
Invest in a Big Screen
It’s one of the most anticipated games, and you don’t want to miss a moment with poor image quality. For maximum enjoyment, consider the following tips
Go for a large TV screen with high-definition (HD) or 4K resolution for the best viewing experience. Here are some options:
- 55 to 65 inches for small to medium-sized rooms.
- 75 inches and above for a large space or outdoor area.
- Projector screen for a larger crowd.
High-Quality Sound
Enhance the Sound Experience
Imagine a stunning HD or 4K video but with disrupted voices. To avoid this, once you’ve chosen a top-notch screen, focus on the sound system.
Invest in a high-quality soundbar or sound system that delivers clear and crisp audio. Setting up additional speakers can also enhance the overall experience.
Decorate with Lights
Set the Mood with Lighting
To bring the ballpark experience home, don’t overlook the lighting.
Create a magical atmosphere with battery-operated string lights in your team’s colors or warm hues, or use plenty of fairy lights to set the perfect mood.
The Winning Menu: Food & Drinks
Prepare an All-Star Menu
Maximize your game night fun with delicious snacks and meals inspired by the ballpark menu.
Choose from hotdogs, nachos, pizza, mini sliders, chips, wings, and pretzels. Complete your spread with toppings like shredded cheese, grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, and diced tomatoes.
Don’t forget to set up a beverage station stocked with water, sodas, iced teas, cocktails, lemonades, fruit punch, and more to keep everyone refreshed throughout the event.
The Sweet Spot
Hit a Homer with Delicious Desserts!
Imagine your team wins, and it’s time to celebrate—but you realize you don’t have anything to mark the big win. That would be disappointing, right?
Plan ahead and include some celebratory desserts on your menu. Here are some ideas:
- Cookies
- Mini pies
- Ice cream and sundaes
Don’t forget to have fun toppings ready, such as sprinkles, caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and cherries, to complete the celebration.
Themed Decorations
Decorate with MLB All-Star Theme
Create a spirited atmosphere with themed decorations for your party. Here’s how you can set up a themed decor party:
- Decorate the space with banners and flags in your team’s colors, draping them across windows, walls, and tables.
- Incorporate baseball-themed or color-coordinated balloons, arranging them in clusters on walls and windows.
- Enhance the decor by placing mini flags in vases and other decorative items throughout the venue.
DIY for All-Star Game
DIY Decor
Do you want to get creative? Well, some DIY will satisfy the urge.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Craft baseball garlands using cardstock, foam sheets, baseball cutouts, and string.
- Make foam fingers with card sheets, foam sheets, cotton, and paint to cheer during the game.
- Create concession stand signs with playful names like “Home Run Hot Dogs,” “Double Header Cheeseburger,” or “Base Hit Burger,” and display them above your snacks.
DIY Photobooth
Create Memories with DIY Photobooth
Hosting a game viewing party and not capturing and sharing the memories on social media to build excitement? It’s your cue to start!
You can create your own Photobooth with a white sheet as a backdrop, baseball-themed props, and a camera.
Share them with the MLB All-Star Game hashtags.
Game-Time Activities
Plan Game-Time Activities
Let’s face it—we all dislike those commercials that interrupt our favorite games.
No worries! Plan some game-time activities to keep your guests engaged and off their cell phones.
- Go for baseball trivia
- Baseball charades
- Guess the player or team
Dress for the Occasion
Dress for the Occasion
When inviting guests to the MLB All-Star Game viewing party, encourage them to dress up for the occasion:
- Wear team jerseys and apparel, and if you have MLB All-Star hats, hoodies, or shirts, show them off.
- Dress in your favorite team’s colors. Consider DIY T-shirt designs.
- Have fun with face paint featuring baseball motifs and don’t forget to wear baseball caps for added spirit.
Practical Tips for Setup
Avoid Any Technical Issue
To avoid any last-moment mishaps, do check a few things:
- Test the screen so that it provides optimal quality and is positioned in the right place.
- Test the sound system to avoid any disrupted voices between the game. Check throughout the room if it’s audible to everyone in the room.
- Make sure you’ve good connectivity between the devices like cable box, streaming device, projector, and sound system.
Setting Up an Outdoor Home Theater
Summer Movie Nights Setup
Once the All-Star Game is over, you can plan your next fun activity with friends and family. My suggestion is to watch a movie outdoors.
Here’s a detailed guide on setting up an outdoor home theater.
Indoor Camping Setup
Summer Adventure in Your Living Room
Thinking of more summertime activities, but you don’t prefer the outdoors? Well, bring the outdoor fun inside your living room with indoor camping.