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Sports fans pack out pubs this summer - with one town best for getting a seat

With fans planning hours of tennis and F1 in the pub this summer, a new study has pinpointed the places where youll have the best chance of getting a seat

[A couple of girlfriends chatting by the bar, while bartender fills a pint, inside a pub in Central London, United Kingdom.]

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Nearly half of people love the atmosphere at their local(Image: Getty Images)

Some of the biggest summer tournaments may be winding down, but Brits are still planning plenty of sport at the pub and new research has revealed the places where youre most likely to get a seat over the coming months.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 75% will be watching sport this summer, with fans spending more than 21 hours in the pub, getting through around 24 drinks and joining in with an average of 23 songs or chants. Almost half of those tuning in plan to watch tennis (47%), while more than a third will be following F1 (34%).

[Senior men watching soccer match on the bar]

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Three quarters of people will be watching sports this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Two thirds of adults into sport will head down to the pub to watch an average of nearly seven different events, spending more than three hours there each time. With nearly four drinks bought per event, fans expect to spend 83.30 per visit when they go out to watch live sport.

The research was commissioned by VELO, which has pinpointed the towns where it will be easiest to get a seat in the pub to watch sport over the next few months. According to its data, Doncaster is the place where people are most likely to get a seat, and in London, it is the City of Westminster for the win.

[Infographic on the best places to watch sport this summer]

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Best places to watch sport this summer(Image: VELO)

Alina Ustymenko a spokesperson for VELO said: Theres nothing quite like watching sport with a crowd, whether its belting out a chant, celebrating a score with a high five or pretending you know the rules of F1.

The research shows fans are really throwing themselves into a summer of sport, with pubs set to be packed with fans, songs, snacks and hopefully enough seats to go around.

Getting there early to claim your seat is going to be key ahead of some of the biggest sporting events of the summer.

The study found the main reason 51% of pub-goers head to their local is simply to watch with friends, family, or other fans, while 49% go for the atmosphere and 45% say it feels more like an occasion. Others like the bigger screens (30%) and having more food and drink options (18%).

In fact, 76% said watching sport with others at their local turns a match into a shared occasion. When choosing a pub, 50% look for a good atmosphere and 48% prioritise a big screen and clear view while 31% pick somewhere with plenty of seating.

[Group Of Excited Customers In Sports Bar Watching Sporting Event On Television]

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Fans expect to spend over 80 on each visit(Image: Getty Images)

On average, pub-goers arrive 31 minutes before kick-off or the start to make sure they get a spot. And it can get loud: 37% said theyve lost their voice from cheering or singing at a sporting event, while 32% celebrate by jumping up and down. Others sing or chant (27%), share high-fives (18%) or even hug those nearby (15%).

Alina Ustymenko, added: What really stands out is just how much excitement there is for a proper summer of sport down the pub.

Turning up early to bag a decent seat, knowing exactly what snacks they will be grabbing and getting ready to cheer on their teams, its clear fans are treating these matches like a real occasion.

Whether theyre shouting at the screen, joining in with chants or just soaking up the atmosphere, the pub remains a huge part of how people enjoy sport together.

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