The Ultimate Game Day Watch Party Playbook
A Game Plan for Game Day
The Big Game is just around the corner, and you want to throw an epic watch party for your crew. But how can you make it stand out from all the other parties they'll be hitting up? Let's plan the ultimate Game Day play!
A Pre-Game Run Down
Pressed for time and just want the higlights? Here's a speedy summary:
🏆 What's the goal? Throw the best watch party for the biggest football event of the year! 🏈🎉
🗓️ When is the game? Sunday, February 11, 2024, 5:30pm CST / 6:30PM ET
🏁 When to start prepping? The sooner the better! Get ahead of the game now to avoid stress later.
🔑 What are the essentials? Guests, Screens, Seats, & Snacks!
🔥 How to kick it up a notch? Themed decorations, engaging activities, and a full spread of delicious football party food!
✅ How to make it easy? Follow this comprehensive guide to every aspect of football party prep and draft QDOBA Catering for your game day watch party lineup.
Ready to let QDOBA Catering handle your football party feast? Head over to qdoba.com or give us a call at 888-228-3794 to place your order today. Want a play-by-play guide to easily plan an epic party? Read on!
The Ultimate Game Day Watch Party Playbook
Throwing a great watch party for the Big Game might seem like a challenge, but fear not! We've got the perfect playbook to make it a stress-free, fun-filled event that'll leave your guests cheering for more. Check out these winning plays that'll help you score big with your crew. Let's get this party started!
Start the Countdown: When should you tackle each task?
When is the Big Game?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 11, 2024! The game starts at 5:30pm Central Time for us Wisconsinites (6:30 p.m. ET). This game is what it is all about, and you will need to plan everything else around it.
When should I tackle time-sensitive tasks?
Get the ball rolling soon so everything comes together by game time. When planning a game day watch party, consider things like:
Invites: Secure your guests before they secure other plans.
Set-up: Set aside time to get everything in place.
Arrivals: Determine if you want guests to arrive ahead of the game or at kickoff time (and don't forget to let your guests know!)
Departures: Do you expect people to take off as soon as the game clock runs out or after stick around and keep the good times rollin'?
Appetites: Think about when guests will want to eat. Plan for early appetizers if guests arrive early or late-night snacks if guests linger late.
Food Prep: When it's feeding time, you better be ready! Set aside time to shop and cook, or save time by ordering out.
How can I save time while party planning?
We know all about event planning and how much time it can take. Speed things up with just a few clicks on qdoba.com or a call to QDOBA Catering at 888-228-3794. Our experienced Catering Team will ensure every part of your order is timed perfectly, whether for pick-up at our restaurants or delivery & set up at your place.
Review the Roster: Who are the key players?
When it comes to game day watch parties, the key players are your guests. Make sure to invite all your friends and family who love football (or just love food).
Who to invite?
The more the merrier! Make sure to invite all your friends and family who love football (or just love food). Not sure if someone's a football fan? No worries! Shoot them an invite anyway. They can come and enjoy the company (and food), or give it a pass without feeling left out.
Want a bigger crowd?
Want more people in your huddle? Hit up your coworkers, neighbors or anyone else who might be looking for a place to cheer on their team. You can also post your party details on social media or create a Facebook event!
Whoever's on your game day roster, get ready to guac out and be extra together!
Tailor to Your Team
Planning the ultimate game day watch party is all about catering to your unique guests and creating an unforgettable experience. Let's break it down:
- Headcount: First things first, figure out how many people will be joining in on the fun. The more, the merrier!
Grub Galore: When it comes to party food, you'll want to make sure there's plenty to go around. Calculate how much food you'll need to keep everyone fueled throughout the game. When in doubt, round up and enjoy the leftovers (if there are any!)
Comfy & Cozy: Make sure you have enough seats for everyone to kick back and relax. Nobody wants to be left standing during a nail-biting play!
Know the Crowd: Consider the age groups and other demographics of your guests. Are you expecting a couple of couples, singles ready to mingle, or a family festivity? Understanding your crowd's wants and needs will help you tailor an experience they'll enjoy.
Check the Vibe: Will it be all about the game, enjoying the creative commercials, or just an excuse to get together and eat snacks? Serious football fans might get annoyed by distractions, while casual observers may enjoy other engaging activities.
Dietary Delights: Be a hero and try your best to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences your guests may have. Ask your guests about allergies and any other considerations - they'll appreciate the From vegetarian options to gluten-free goodness, make sure everyone can dig in with delight.
All Access: Create a welcoming environment that lets your guests engage and enjoy themselves. Your uncle who refuses to admit he needs hearing aids? Save a spot for him near the speakers. Your friend Susie who always forgets her glasses? She'll need a front-row seat. From baby strollers to wheelchairs, make sure all your guests can maneuver with ease.
Chances are, you'll have a mix of guests with different wants and needs. Make sure you serve something for everyone with a customizable catering solution like QDOBA Catering. We can handle groups of any size, from 10 to 1,000+, and any occasion, from casual gatherings to upscale affairs.
Play the Field: Where will the action unfold?
Whether you've got a home-field advantage or it's an away game, prepare for an epic watch party. Get ready to set the stage for an unforgettable game day bash that'll have your crew cheering all night long.
Seating & Screens 📺
How to watch the big game:
TV: CBS, Nickelodeon | Stream: CBS broadcast on Paramount+
However you're tuning in, make sure everything is locked and loaded ahead of time. No one wants to miss the kickoff while you fumble with remotes!
Make sure everyone has a killer view of the TV and plenty of comfy space to kick back.
Enjoy the View(s)
Think about setting up multiple screens in different rooms for maximum game-watching enjoyment. No one has to miss a moment of the action!
If it's a family affair, you could check out Nickelodeon's kid-friendly telecast of the big game, or set the kids up with their own screen while the adults watch the main CBS broadcast. Talk about a win-win!
With all the chatting and eating that goes on at watch parties, turning on subtitles would be a game-changer for those who don't want to miss a single word from the announcers (or the clever commercials, if that's more their speed).
Tasty Spread 🍽️
Make sure you have enough space to lay out a variety of items in generous quantities.
Arrange the food in a logical order to make it easy for guests to find their favorites.
Keep hot things hot and cold things cold for optimal taste and safety.
Ensure there's plenty of room for guests to maneuver and help themselves to seconds (and thirds!)
Themed Decorations and Party Supplies 🥳
Set the mood with fun football-themed decorations and party supplies.
Get creative and show your team spirit or opt for broad football feel.
Consider using themed paper plates and napkins for easy clean-up.
Stay Safe ⛑️
Avoid putting flammable tablecloths under chafing dishes or slow cookers to prevent accidents.
It's important to clearly label potential allergens and keep them separate from the rest of the food to prevent cross-contamination. If possible, try to avoid the allergens altogether! (If you're not sure how, the Catering Team at QDOBA can help you arrange an accomodating feast.)
Don't forget to make sure everyone has a safe ride home! Consider arranging designated drivers or ride-sharing options to ensure a fun and safe party for all.
Fuel the Fans: What will you feed your hungry crowd?
Let's face it, we all know that the best part of gathering to watch the big game is the food. No football party is complete without a feast! You've got a few options:
🧑🍳 DIY Delights: Sure, you could do the shopping, chopping, and cooking yourself. But remember, parties are for enjoying the game, not missing touchdowns because you're stuck in the kitchen!
🥘 Potluck Play: It's a team effort, but sometimes the team doesn't bring their A-game. Forgotten dishes or questionable kitchen skills could throw a flag on your party plans.
🥡 Takeout Touchdown: A classic move, but ordering individual entrees or getting everyone to agree on pizza toppings can be a hassle. There's easier ways to score big!
🏆 🏆 Catering Champion: Here's where you bring in the heavy hitters – like QDOBA Catering. A few clicks or a call, and boom! You're the MVP of party planning.
Recipe for Success
Whatever route you go, there are several essential ingredients to a great game-day spread:
👍 Easy & Convenient: Parties should be fun, not a full-time job. With QDOBA Catering, ordering is a breeze – online or over the phone. Plus, we've got you covered with all the essentials, from utensils to chafing dishes.
💸 Good Value & Quality: Scoring a great deal without compromising on quality? That's what we're talking about! QDOBA offers fresh, flavorful options for every budget, plus a rewards program that keeps on giving.
🔒Dependable: Don't let a fumble in the potluck line-up ruin your game day. Our local Catering Team ensures smooth sailing (or serving) from start to finish.
🙌 Crowd-Pleasing: While pizza and wings are popular options, we prefer tacos and nachos for people-pleasing football party food. Let guests customize their own delicious dishes with their favorite flavors from QDOBA, and everyone from the herbivores to the carnivores in your crew will be cheering!
💧Thirst-Quenching: Keep the hydration station stocked! We can add drinks to your order, so there's more time for you to enjoy the game.
QDOBA Catering's Customizable Options
Draft the perfect lineup for your game-day feast. 🏈🎉
🌮 Customizable Hot Bars: Perfect for any size group and all your picky eaters, guests build their own burrito bowls, tacos, salads, and nachos with their favorite ingredients. Customize your hot bar with a variety of flavorful options in one easy-to-order catering solution, available for pick-up or delivery.
🥳 Party Packs: Handmade Tortilla Chips with your choice of our famous Three-Cheeese Queso, hand-smashed guacamole, and spicy salsas are great for tailgates, picnics, potlucks, parties, or simply hanging out at home.
🍪 More Than Just the Main Event: From Taco Kits to Boxed Meals, and a la carte options, there's something for every play in your book. Add-ons? We've got drinks and desserts too!
💪 Super Support: From the moment you place your order online or give us a call at 888-228-3794, our dedicated local Catering Team of experienced specialists will oversee every detail of your order to make sure it's as smooth as our hand-smashed guacamole. Got questions? Want to make changes to your order? Just give us a ring - the team is here to help!
So, huddle up and make your call. With QDOBA Catering, you're set to score a party touchdown!
Learn More about QDOBA Catering
Kickoff the Fun: How can you spice things up?
Set the Scene: Themed decorations and supplies can take your event to the next level. You can go all out with team colors, create a fun football atmosphere, or even make it a Superb Owl party (iykyk).
Game On: Want to liven up the party?
Add some exciting activities like games, TV commercial bingo, or even a friendly corn hole competition.
Kids can ramp up the excitement for the Big Game by exploring Nickelodeon's wide range of fun and interactive football-related "NFL Slimetime" content over at nick.com, enhancing their game day experience with thrilling games, engaging activities, and entertaining videos.
These engaging options will keep everyone entertained and create a vibrant atmosphere.
Time Out Zone: Sometimes, all the fun can become overwhelming. To ensure everyone's comfort, designate a peaceful space where overstimulated individuals can unwind and recharge. It's also a great spot for kids to take a nap so families can catch the whole game without having to bail early.
Stay in the Game: Why spend time on the sidelines?
Pre-Game: In the weeks leading up to the Big Game, don't waste time planning when you should be glued to the playoffs, eagerly waiting to see who makes the final cut.
Skip the Lines: You know how busy grocery stores get days ahead of a popular event like the Big Game? Don't fight the crowds for the last bag of stale chips when you could have freshly made tortilla chips delivered right to you with with your QDOBA Catering order?
Save Time: And why spend time chopping and cooking when there are plenty of last-minute party details to take care of? Focus on the important stuff and outsource the rest.
Savor every Moment: Don't spend game day in the kitchen or serving your guests instead of watching the Big Game: get it catered so professionals can prep the food perfectly and guests can serve themselves their own delicious masterpieces.
Your MVP: QDOBA Catering can help you enjoy the game, the party, and the company
Learn More about QDOBA Catering
Win the Day: Ready to host the ultimate watch party?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it's time to make your own game plan. Feel free to add in your own football party ideas - after all, QDOBA Catering is all about customization. Just remember our key advice:
Get Ahead of the Game 🗓️🏈
Set yourself up for success, which can be easy you've go the right teammates ini your corner. Our dedicated Catering Team - a group of experts based right here in Milwaukee - is ready to help you plan the perfect spread for your game day group. Explore our catering menu and place your order at order.qdoba.com or give us a quick call.
Because our Hot Bars are prepared fresh-to-order, a 24-hour advance notice is appreciated. If you are ordering within a 24-hour timeframe, please call us at (888) 228-3794 to ensure we can accommodate your order.
Take it Easy 😌
Take work off your plate and let QDOBA Catering put good food on it. When you place your order, you just pick the menu, the time, and the place, and let us handle the rest.
Setting up is a snap and each order comes with everything you'll need - napkins, utensils, chafing dishes, and more.
Too busy to pick up? We’ll deliver and set up your order wherever you need it.
Feed Your Fans 🙌
please each and every guest with delicious food. QDOBA Catering will bring the fresh, flavorful ingredients, and each guest can make their own masterpieces. They can put together their own delicious dishes with flavorful proteins and tasty toppings. Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will find a variety of craveable and healthy options to create their perfect meal. Our knowledgeable catering team can accommodate most food allergies and special requests.
Have Fun 🥳
With everyone's tastes catered to, you'll have more time to enjoy the game, the activities, and the conversations. Whether it's cheering for your favorite team, indulging in delicious snacks, or simply relishing the camaraderie, you shouldn't miss a single memorable moment.
And don't let clean up kill the mood. When it's time tidy, don't stress. Cleaning up your QDOBA Catering spread will just as easy as setting it up.
Take a Victory Lap 🏆
Impress your guests not just with the food, but with how seamlessly you've pulled everything together. They'll be asking for your hosting secrets and wanting to know how you managed to make it all look so easy. And you can proudly tell them that with QDOBA Catering, it really is easy!
So go ahead, take a bow and enjoy your well-deserved victory lap. After all, you're the champion of this watch party! And when the next Big Game rolls around, you'll know just who to turn to for an amazing catering experience: QDOBA Mexican Eats.
Score Extra Points: Why should the fun stop there?
QDOBA Rewards 🌟
Each catering order isn't just a win for your party; it's a win for your QDOBA Rewards account. Rack up points with every order and score big with savory rewards.
Earn 1 point for every dollar spent. Redeem 100 catering points for a free entrée; and hit 1,000 points to get a $50 Visa® gift card or a $50 catering discount. Catering has never been so rewarding.
Bring It Back, Get a Bonus 🔁
Extend the cheer beyond game day. Return your chafing stands to any QDOBA Mexican Eats location and receive a free entree voucher for each stand. It's our way of saying thanks and keeping the game-day spirit alive!
QDOBA Catering: A Winning Choice 🏆
So, are you ready to take your game day watch party to the next level with QDOBA Catering? With customizable hot bars, pre-made party packs, and more, we've got all the winning plays for a memorable and delicious event.
Learn More about QDOBA Catering
Trust the Experts: Why choose QDOBA Catering?
So, why should you follow our playbook anyway? Because we know our stuff, whether it's about catering or football.
Homegrown Hospitality
We've been serving up fresh, Mexican-inspired flavors right here in Wisconsin for over 25 years! From Milwaukee to La Crosse, from Madison to Green Bay, and everywhere in between, we've got you covered. Our dedicated Catering Team, based in Milwaukee, is here to juggle all the moving parts so you don't have to. And by choosing QDOBA Catering, you're supporting a local business and giving back to the community. It's a win for everyone!
Experienced Expertise
And hey, we're not just experts in food – we're also huge football fans! Like our fellow cheeseheads in Wisconsin, we're major fans of the Green Bay Packers. In fact, we proudly sponsor the Green Bay Packers as an official Green & Gold Fridays partner. That means every Friday during the NFL season, we share Packers pride with our guests by offering free Chips & Queso with any entree to anyone wearing green and gold to any QDOBA Mexican Eats in Wisconsin. Now, we're ready to bring our passion for football to catering your game day watch party.
At QDOBA, we bring the flavor, the fun, and the good times.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your game face on and order today!
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