Share This
As the excitement builds for a new NBA season, basketball fans everywhere are gearing up for an exhilarating ride filled with slam dunks, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to watch emerging new stars take on the court and the greatest in the game deliver more jaw-dropping performances. And in case you missed it, Kendall-Jackson is stepping into the spotlight as the Official Wine Partner of the NBA, bringing an extra layer of flavor to your game-day experience.
What better way to celebrate than by hosting the ultimate NBA watch party? Whether you're a super fan or just joining for the snacks and socializing, we've got you covered. This guide has everything you need to know to make your event a slam dunk, featuring tips on venue selection, menu planning, decorations, and more. Plus, as the official wine partner of the NBA, Kendall-Jackson is here to elevate your experience with the perfect wine pairings.
10 Steps for Hosting an NBA Watch Party
Hosting an NBA watch party is about more than just watching the game; it's about creating an experience that leaves your guests talking about it for weeks to come. Here are 10 steps to guide you in planning the best NBA watch party this season. From decorations and games to wine-food pairings, these 10 tips will help you create an atmosphere that's as electric as the game itself. Ready to throw an unforgettable watch party?
1. Choose a Suitable Venue
Selecting the right venue for your NBA watch party is crucial. Whether you opt for an indoor setting with cozy couches, an outdoor space with a big projector screen, or at your favorite sports bar, the key is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and has a great view of the game. Indoor settings are ideal for ensuring perfect sound and picture quality, with the plus of not having to worry about the weather. Outdoor venues, on the other hand, offer a fun, festive atmosphere—especially if you have access to a projector for big-screen viewing—and can accommodate more guests if space is an issue. Or, take the stress off much of the planning by inviting your crew to gather at a local sports bar.
No matter where you choose, ensure there's enough seating for everyone. Consider the ambiance, too. Dim lighting can create a cinematic feel, and team memorabilia can ramp up the excitement. Make sure everyone has a comfortable place to watch and cheer (or groan) as the game unfolds!
2. Make a Guest List and Send Out Invitations
Creating your guest list is the next essential step. Include friends, family, or even co-workers—anyone who shares your love for basketball or who might just enjoy a party.
Once you have your list, it’s time to send out invitations. Get creative! Use digital invitations via social media, text, or email, or go old school with hand-written invites. Whichever route you choose, make sure to include the important details: date, time, location, how to RSVP, and any special instructions, like bringing snacks or wearing team colors.
3. Get Acquainted with the NBA Landscape
To make your watch party more engaging and to keep the conversation flowing, get familiar with current NBA stars, key players, and major team rivalries. Keep an eye on recent performances and league news through reliable sources like the NBA Teams, NBA Stats, and NBA Players pages. Knowing who to watch and what to expect will elevate the excitement and deepen everyone’s appreciation of the game.
4. Plan Around the NBA Schedule
5. Set Up Comfortable Seating
When the game starts, you want your guests to be comfortable and ready to cheer. Arrange seating to optimize the viewing experience— consider a combination of couches, chairs, and even floor cushions. Don't forget about those who may need extra comfort: throw blankets and pillows can go a long way in making everyone feel at home.
Accessibility is key, so ensure clear sightlines for everyone. Arrange your seating in a way that everyone can see the screen without straining their necks. The goal is to create a relaxed, inviting environment where everyone can focus on the game.
6. Select the Right Screen for Your Viewing Space
Choosing the right screen can make or break the viewing experience for your guests. Opt for a screen size and resolution that matches the scale of your venue. For indoor settings, a large flat-screen TV works well, but if you're hosting outdoors, consider renting a projector or an inflatable screen for a cinema-like experience. Make sure the screen is positioned at a height and angle that ensures everyone has a good view with no glare.
7. Craft a Tasty Game-Day Menu
Let’s be honest, snacks are the heart of any watch party. Choose easy-to-eat finger foods that will keep your guests satisfied without pulling them away from the action. Think sliders, nachos, and wings. For a fun twist, consider incorporating team-themed foods that celebrate the colors and mascots of the teams playing.
Looking for inspiration? Check out these easy, crowd-pleasing recipes from Kendall-Jackson:
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers with Buffalo Wing Mayo
- Janet’s Mom’s Dill Pickle Dip
- Crispy Cheddar Smashed Potatoes
- White Pizza with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Mozzarella
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- Three Cheese Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Crab Rangoons
Tasty snacks will keep your guests happy and energized for the game!
8. Find the Best Wine Pairings for Your Game-Day Spread
No NBA watch party is complete without the perfect wine pairings. Think about offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes, from reds and whites to rosés. Kendall-Jackson offers a winning selection of wines to pair with your party. Here are some crowd favorites and suggested pairings for the recipes above:
Best White Wines for a High-Scoring Game Night
Chardonnay: Rich and creamy, perfect for pairing with popcorn, smashed potatoes, white pizza, mac and cheese, crab rangoons, or fried chicken. Explore Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, it goes wonderfully with dill pickle dip, chips and salsa, goat cheese crostini, or grilled shrimp skewers. Discover Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc.
Explore the full range of Kendall-Jackson white wines to find your perfect match.
Best Red Wines for a Slam Dunk Game Night
Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and full-bodied, ideal for hearty dishes like barbecue wings or meatballs, blue cheese burgers, and pizza. Check out Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pinot Noir: Light and versatile, great for sipping with prosciutto-wrapped melon balls, charcuterie, and tomato basil bruschetta. Find Kendall-Jackson Pinot Noir.
Discover the extensive selection Kendall-Jackson red wines.
Best Rosé for Celebrating a Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater
Rosé: Refreshing and fruity, it’s a perfect pour to welcome guests or to raise a celebratory toast!
9. Amplify the Team Spirit
Nothing ignites game-day excitement like team spirit. Encourage your guests to wear their team colors or jerseys, and decorate your venue to match. Use balloons, banners, and table settings that celebrate the teams playing.
You can also incorporate team-themed activities by searching trivia and bingo games or team chants online to play or sing during timeouts. These activities can add a fun, interactive element that keeps everyone engaged throughout the game. Get creative—after all, it’s all about bringing fans together!
10. Unwind and Celebrate with Kendall-Jackson
Just as winning a tip-off sets the tone for an exhilarating game, a well-prepared game plan can create the perfect atmosphere for an awesome watch party. Serving Kendall-Jackson wines, known for their exceptional quality and universal appeal, is a game clincher, ensuring your gathering is memorable no matter which team wins. Whether you're pairing these exquisite wines with your favorite game-day snacks or raising a toast after an epic three pointer, Kendall-Jackson adds a touch of sophistication and celebration to every moment.
As the official wine partner of the NBA, Kendall-Jackson is the perfect pairing for your watch party. Gather your friends, grab those snacks, pour some wine, and get ready to cheer your team to victory.
Shop our full line-up of wines at kj.com/wines or find a bottle near you with the help of our product locator. Cheers to a fantastic NBA season!
