How to Actually Make Friends at Bars (and Why It’s So Hard)
It’s Sunday night, and the news on my timeline is that Luka Doncic has been upgraded to probable and is set to make his Lakers debut tomorrow on a Monday. I’m excited about the game—it would be awesome to watch it at a local bar with fellow fans who are as shocked about the trade as I am.
But when you start reaching out, you quickly realize that most of your friends are “weekend friends.” They’re busy with work, watching the latest episode of Severance, or just living in their own worlds (and trust me, I’m in mine, too). Even if someone seems up for it, they either aren’t as into basketball or live too far away to make a Monday night outing worthwhile.
The Problem: No One to Watch the Game With (Especially on Weeknights)
So, what are your options? You could watch the game alone while texting friends, but then you end up distracted—scrolling mindlessly on your phone instead of enjoying the game. Alternatively, you muster the courage to head to a local bar, only to find yourself facing tight-knit groups of regulars or lone patrons whose body language leaves you wondering if they’d welcome company.
Breaking into these circles is incredibly challenging—even with all the self-confidence in the world. And sometimes, even the idea of a low-commitment outing falls flat (especially during a dry January). It might be a good time too but how often will you really see these people again?
TheAssist: Resy + Bumble BFF + Live Sports, All in One
That’s exactly why I built TheAssist. Imagine an app that combines the best parts of Resy, Bumble BFF, and live sports into one seamless experience:
- Bar Reservations Made Easy: Just like booking a table on Resy, TheAssist connects with local bars so you can reserve your spot—no more uncertainty on a chilly weeknight.
- Curated Friend Matches: Think of it as Bumble BFF for sports fans. Our algorithm matches you with local fans who share your passion, ensuring you meet people from your own neighborhood. This means you’re more likely to see them again, turning a one-night meetup into a genuine friendship.
- A Guaranteed Live Sports Experience: With a live game on the schedule, there’s always something to talk about. The game serves as the perfect backdrop to break the ice and keep the conversation flowing.
And here’s some early proof that it works: nearly 25% of our users have come back to another event within the same month—even though we’ve only hosted five events so far. I’d bet that number will grow significantly as we ramp up.
By focusing on local, small-group gatherings, TheAssist makes it effortless to turn a game night into an opportunity for genuine connection.
Join the TheAssist
Imagine a future where almost every game comes with a reserved spot at your favorite local bar—a spot where you’re matched with fellow fans just around the corner. That’s the vision behind TheAssist: turning every game day into a chance to connect, watch some sports, and build a regular game-day crew.
Ready to change the way you watch the game?
Stay tuned for more insights on how small-group sports events can reshape your social life and create friendships that extend far beyond game day.