Watching sports is as much about socialization as it is entertainment. In fact, 84% of sports viewers watch live sporting events with friends or family every week. Find out which sports are the most popular, the essentials to hosting a great viewing party, and how to protect yourself in case an unexpected accident occurs during one of your gatherings.

10 Most Popular Sports in America (as of early 2024; percentage of adults)

1. Football (36%)
2. Baseball (12%)
3. Basketball (11%)
4. Soccer (4%)
5. Hockey (3%)
6. Auto Racing (3%)
7. Ice/Figure Skating (2%)
8. Tennis (1%)
9. Golf (1%)
10. Mixed Martial Arts/MMA (1%)

It may be no surprise that football tops the list of most watched sports in America. If you’re planning to host a watch party at your home this football season, consider these essential tips to help make it successful.

Sports Party Essentials

• Food. Make sure you have enough food prepared to go around. The most popular items include appetizer trays filled with meat, cheese, and crackers; veggies and dip; tortilla chips and queso; pizza; wings; and submarine sandwiches.

• Drinks. Craft brews are highly popular as are wines that pair well with your main dishes. Be sure to offer non-alcoholic options like water, soda, fruit juice, coffee, and hot chocolate as well.

• Decorations. This can be as simple as sports-themed plates and napkins all the way to banners, flags, and collectibles. A festive atmosphere will make your party more memorable and show support for your favorite team.

• Entertainment. Prepare areas for activities like board games, video games, trivia, cornhole, or a volleyball net to keep people entertained before and after the main event.

• Comfortable seating. Arrange comfortable chairs and couches around your television and make sure each seat has a good vantage point of the screen.

Whether you’re hosting a sports party or a birthday party at home, it’s important to consider umbrella insurance to protect you in case of an accident. Umbrella insurance includes legal representation and other expenses associated with a lawsuit brought against you for libel, slander, or other liability claims in your home or while driving. Here are some examples of common umbrella insurance claims:

• A guest gets injured in your home.

• Your dog bites someone.

• An accident occurs on your property.

• You text while driving and cause an auto accident.

To learn more about umbrella insurance and how it can protect you and your family, contact Westwood and talk to an agent.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.