Simple Steps To Host A Private Event At Parlay Detroit
Throwing a private event should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you're hosting a birthday celebration, retirement party, team get-together, or something else entirely, finding the right place in Detroit can make a huge difference. A relaxed space with great food, good drinks, and built-in fun makes it easier for everyone to enjoy themselves, especially you, the host.
If you're thinking about using a sports bar venue to host your event, it’s a smart move. These places are already designed for gatherings, but some take it to a higher level with a more modern vibe and better service. When you want it to feel special without being too fancy or formal, an upscale sports bar hits the sweet spot. Here's how to make your private event planning simple and stress-free.
Determine Your Event Details
Before you jump into choosing the space, take a few minutes to work out the basic details. Knowing what kind of event you're throwing sets the tone for everything else. Whether it’s casual or a bit dressy helps you and the venue plan around the right vibe.
There are a few things to decide right away:
- Why you're throwing the event (birthday, engagement, corporate, social mixer, etc.)
- How many people you expect to attend
- Your general budget or spending limit
- Whether it’ll be during the day or night
Putting these things on paper or in a planning app helps keep the process smooth. Don’t forget to think about the time of year. Since the event will happen in late summer if you're booking around August, make sure to consider whether you’ll want access to indoor cooling, shaded seating, or air-conditioned rooms. The weather can still be warm in Detroit that time of year.
Once this part is clear, it’s way easier to communicate with the venue. It also helps avoid back-and-forth and speeds up the booking process. If your guests are traveling into the city or attending right after a game or show, that’s something to factor into your event timing and location.
Tour The Venue
A quick visit to the space can answer questions that an email or phone call can’t. Touring your potential venue in person gives you a feel for what’s possible. You’ll get a look at how guests might flow through the space, where they’ll sit or stand, and whether the vibe matches the tone you’re aiming for.
Here are a few specific things to check on your tour:
- Layout: Is the space open, sectioned off, or separated with private rooms?
- Seating options: Are there booths, high-tops, or flexible setups for mingling?
- Audio and visual setup: Are there enough screens and speakers for any presentations, slideshows, or game-day content?
- Lighting: Does it feel bright and fresh during the afternoon or more low-lit and sleek at night?
- Bathrooms and parking: Is there parking nearby? Are the restrooms clean and easy to find?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions while you’re there. Are there limits on how long the event can run? Can decorations be brought in? Do they provide help with setup or cleanup? These little details matter and can affect how smoothly your event plays out.
A good walkthrough gives you the confidence to move forward with booking and helps you avoid unexpected issues.
Plan The Menu And Drinks
Once you’ve walked the venue and feel good about the space, the next step is planning what your guests will eat and drink. You don’t need to make it overly complicated. What matters most is offering a mix that fits the kind of event you’re hosting and the people you’ve invited.
Talk with someone from the venue’s team who can go over what food and drink options are available. This is where you can adjust things based on your guests. If it’s a birthday party with close friends, you might lean toward a more relaxed setup. If it’s a work gathering, you might want to include drink tickets or a game plan for pacing the bar.
Here are a few ways to shape the food and drink experience:
- Use drink tickets or cap the bar at a certain time if you need to stick to a limit
- Offer a mix of passed trays and table stations for easy snacking
- Ask about setting up a private or semi-private bar space
- Let the venue know about any dietary preferences your guests may have
The more your menu ties into your group’s style, the smoother the event runs. People tend to remember the overall vibe, and good drinks and food go a long way in keeping that feeling upbeat and on track.
Coordinate With The Staff
Staying in touch with the event staff at Parlay Detroit is one of the easiest ways to keep your stress down as the date nears. Once the basics are confirmed—like time, layout, and food—it’s important to make sure everything moving forward stays on track.
In most cases, someone will be assigned as your main contact. That person knows the venue inside and out and has probably helped set up events similar to yours. Lean on their experience. They’ll often spot ways to make things easier or suggest a change that will improve flow.
To keep communication running smoothly, be sure to:
- Confirm when setup and cleanup can happen
- Share a loose schedule if there are any formal pieces (like speeches or awards)
- Clarify if you need a microphone, slideshow, or TV setup
- Talk about music—do you want a playlist running, or is a DJ an option?
- Get the names of staff working your night, in case questions come up
If you’ve got anything special planned—such as a surprise guest, slideshow, or photo booth—mention that. Having everyone in the loop means the right people are ready to help. That way you’re not being pulled aside in the middle of the fun to solve a last-minute issue.
Relax and Enjoy Your Night
At this point, all the hard decisions have been made. You’ve toured the Detroit location, reviewed your guest list, locked in your setup, and worked with the staff on logistics. The setup is ready. The drinks are flowing. The vibe is just right. You did the prep—now it's time to enjoy the moment.
That’s the real reward of choosing a venue like Parlay Detroit. Instead of babysitting the details all night, you get to actually be part of the experience. You’re not juggling timelines or answering staff questions. You’re laughing with your group, grabbing a drink, soaking it all in.
Whether your event winds down quietly or keeps rolling into extra rounds and late-night toasts, the most memorable part will be how easy the whole thing felt. When everything runs smoothly, people remember that. It sets the tone for meaningful connections and repeat celebrations down the line.
That’s the kind of private party experience that sticks with you. Simple planning. Good energy. Great people. And a space that takes care of the rest.
Planning your next gathering should be a breeze, and Parlay Detroit is ready to make that happen. As you gear up to host an unforgettable event, explore how our
private party venue in Detroit can turn your vision into reality. Embrace the ease of an upscale space and enjoy an evening that's both seamless and memorable. Let us handle the details while you soak up the good times with your guests.
