Former England international Joe Cole has thrown his support behind a campaign aimed at helping struggling pubs upgrade their television facilities in time for the World Cup. With many pubs facing financial pressures from rising costs, major sporting events are seen as a vital opportunity to boost revenue, and the campaign seeks to ensure venues can offer high-quality viewing experiences.
New research from Samsung found that 87% of landlords consider major football tournaments crucial for increasing income, with an average revenue rise of £11,000 per pub during such periods. This could equate to an estimated additional £495 million across the UK pub industry. The study also revealed that four in ten Brits watch most major tournaments at their local, with 86% saying that watching together creates a sense of community.
Technology plays a key role in where fans choose to watch, as 60% say the quality of a venue's TV has influenced their choice of pub, and 97% admit they would leave during a match if the viewing quality were poor. However, a third of landlords would like to invest in new televisions or sound systems but cannot afford it. Fans rank screen and audio setup as the most important factor when selecting a venue to watch sport (39%), ahead of atmosphere (32%) and food (30%).
Samsung's 'Raise the Bar' campaign will provide TV and audio upgrades worth thousands of pounds to 11 pubs across the country, selected through a customer voting process. Ten venues will receive a new Samsung TV valued at £3,000, along with local marketing support to drive footfall. One lucky pub will also win a transformative tech upgrade and makeover worth more than £13,000.
Joe Cole said: “Local pubs are at the heart of our communities, especially when it comes to football. There’s nothing quite like watching a big game down the pub surrounded by mates, and the atmosphere can make all the difference. Having a quality TV setup you can trust is an important part of that experience.” Zeena Hill, marketing director at Samsung UK, added that the company is proud to support communities and help provide the best possible matchday experience.
