The UFC is set to deliver a huge boost to venues across Australia this weekend as it returns to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, with global superstar Israel Adesanya defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland from the United States.
The Pay-Per-View Main Event is available through Foxtel Business and as well as the highly anticipated middleweight fight, the co-main event will see fan favourite Tai Tuivasa take on Alexander Volkov in the heavyweight division.
The main card for UFC 293 begins at 12pm on Sunday, 10 September, which as Foxtel Business National Manager – Licenced Venues, Greg Bohlsen explains, offers an extra boost for venues this weekend: “The UFC consistently generates interest whenever they host a show in Australia; we observe a significant uplift in interest when Australian fighters are featured on the card.
“With only a limited number of seats available in the arena, people will likely consider heading to their local venue to watch the event. One advantage of UFC Pay-Per-View events is that they typically coincide with Sunday lunchtime trade, which can lead to an increase in food and beverage sales during the event. After the event concludes, we often see patrons staying in the venue to watch Sunday afternoon football.”
Popular digital platform Fanzo, which helps brings fans and venues together through its sports venue finder, knows that UFC is always a popular attraction for fans and venues and with this weekend’s card being in Australia, that popularity grows. There has been a 408 per cent increase in sports fans searching for a pub showing UFC year on year and that search interest triples when a UFC event is on Australian soil.
Fletcher Kearney, Senior Marketing & Partnership Manager, FANZO, told The Shout: “In the dynamic landscape of sports entertainment, the UFC has emerged as a game-changer for the Australian hospitality industry. At FANZO, we’ve witnessed a remarkable 408 per cent surge in sports fans actively seeking venues to watch the UFC year on year.
“This trend reflects a shift in consumer preferences, driven by economic realities. With the cost of living on the rise, sports enthusiasts are opting to experience the thrill of UFC action at their local pubs and bars, making it a winning proposition for both fans and venues alike.”
A lot of venue operators have already jumped on-board the UFC train with the number of venues marketing UFC events increasing by 33 per cent in the last 18 months, and Fanzo said it has now seen almost 30 searches per pub for UFC over the last 12 months.
Kearney added: “In addition to increasing popularity across the board, the impact of UFC events being hosted on Australian soil cannot be overstated. When UFC284 came to Perth earlier this year, search interest for venues more than tripled.
“This trend highlights the incredible potential that this weekend’s UFC event in Sydney offers for Australian venues. By capitalising on the hype, venues can attract new sports fans through their doors and creating an electric atmosphere that ensures this Sunday becomes an unforgettable sporting experience for all.”
To show this weekend’s epic UFC 293 contact Foxtel Business on 1300 138 898
And to find out more about how Fanzo can help you connect with fans searching for sport in your area, contact Fletcher Kearney at fletcher@fanzo.com.