Could there be anything better for a bar than the Super Bowl? An annual weekend sporting event that captures the attention of a huge percentage of the country and is geared towards television, food and booze?

But unfortunately as the size of High-Def TVs grows and the cost of gas increases, the Super Bowl has become increasingly a ‘have people over' day. A manager for the Steelhouse Pittsburgh sports bar recently told the Wall Street Journal of Super Sunday “It's increasingly difficult to find things that are worth it for people to come out of their homes.”

The sad truth is that the Super Bowl is unlikely to be one of your bar's biggest days of the year. Even many of your regulars may gather at one of their homes for the day of pre-game hype, commercials, football and more commercials.

So the question becomes: How can you get the most out of Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012?

There are fancy options that involve bottle service and private, VIP areas for patrons who pay a premium up-front price. Basically replicating the comforts of a luxury home environment at the bar. You'll know if your budget, facilities and clientele are able to support that type of option.

A way to get folks in the door might be all-you-can drink/eat tickets. That will create the feel of a party and allow customers to relax and enjoy the day without thinking about the bill.

Other possibilities to consider include going all-out with themes, activities and contests. Any way to focus on a sub-plot to the game or an aspect of the event is sure to help.

There is no guarantee the game itself will be compelling from start to finish, so working on the environment in which it will be watched is significant for people thinking about where they'll spend the day. A 55-0 blowout is still tolerable if you're waiting to see if you'll win the fourth quarter squares pool or your prediction for the best commercial will net you a door prize.

And there is always the strategy of catering to people that don't come into the bar at all. Beefing-up your carry-out offerings with specials and/or unusual options could help bring in more revenue, even if therel end up being open seats at the bar.

Regardless of your strategy, the key is probably going to be making sure you are flexible and proactive. Success on Super Bowl Sunday demands that you plan ahead and make sure you're open to anything.