In Australia, the humble shed is more than just a place to store tools or put together a home improvement project – it’s practically hallowed ground.
Traditionally it was a place to escape from family chaos, but these days the shed’s potential extends far beyond that. The old-school “man cave” has reached a higher level: now a steel shed can transform into a high-tech sports paradise. Forget just putting a TV in the corner – this is all about creating a suitable setup that captures the atmosphere of the best sports bars.
Inspiration – Royal Reels Sports Bar
Tucked away in the suburbs of Sydney, Royal Reels Australia has made a name for itself with its great live sports atmosphere. It’s not just a bar, it’s a real meeting place where the atmosphere can be felt as soon as you enter.
Inside, dark wood mixes with soft leather, and the sofas feel like you’ve secured a seat in a VIP box at the stadium. The polished concrete bar glows with LED strips, giving the place a sleek, modern touch.
One of the big draws is the “History Zone” – plasma screens that replay legendary sporting moments between live games. It’s the kind of setup that will have players reminiscing as they wait for the next kick-off. The lighting is intelligently divided: warm and cozy above the bar, pitch black in the spectator area, so that the focus is on the game.
The venue shows a wide mix – rugby league, cricket, international football, tennis and even Formula 1. Anyone can walk in from the street, but there is also a booking system via a mobile app. Tables and prime audience seating can be reserved in advance, especially for large-ticket events.
This mix of atmosphere, technology and organization has made Royalreels a benchmark for sports spaces. Further information about the venue can be found at Royal Reesl. In discussions of modern fan spaces, Royalereels is often highlighted as a model for innovation in layout and presentation.
Design your own space
Before you start swinging the hammer, set the vision. Will your shed be a sanctuary for one sport – rugby or cricket, for example – or a multi-sport arena covering everything from Formula 1 to the Aussie Open?
If you focus on a sport, you can decorate the place with rare posters, signed jerseys or signed balls. But versatility also has its advantages. In any case, the point here is not to make money, but to create a magnet for friends who love the tactics and beauty of the game. It’s a lifestyle, not just a meeting place.
Technical equipment – from the insulation to the screens
Transforming a bare steel shed into a cozy gym den requires tackling three big things: air conditioning, lighting, and the screen.
- Insulation and climate: The Australian weather doesn’t matter – in the summer there are roasts and in the winter there are freezes. Lay with a foil covering plus 50–75 mm mineral wool. Rubber tiles or carpets on the floor provide soundproofing and comfort. A split-system air conditioning system ensures pleasant temperatures and humidity.
- Lighting: Rule number one – no sloppy chandeliers on the ceiling. Keep the screen area dark. Use wall spotlights or LED strips with dimmers around the ceiling. Above the bar or the chill zone, choose pendant lights with a warm glow.
- Screens: The heart of the sanctuary. For smaller sheds, a 65-75 inch TV is sufficient. Larger sheds require an 85-inch monster or even a laser projector that beams out 120 inches of sporting action.
Once these three pillars are sorted out – climate, lighting and the screen – the place already feels like a real sports den. The trick is to combine comfort with atmosphere so that the shed goes from workshop vibe to stadium lounge energy. From there, it’s easy to add the extras: a sound that shakes the walls, a decoration that expresses the passion, and a bar to keep the cold drinks on hand.
Budget & Planning
The structure of your sports corner is scalable – start small and expand gradually. Here’s a quick comparison:
| category | Entry level (~AUD3,300) | Premium (~AUD21,000) |
| Advertisement | 65-inch 4K LED TV (TCL/Hisense) – A$1,200 | 98-inch QLED or Laser Projector + Screen – A$8,000 |
| sound | Soundbar + Subwoofer – A$400 | 5.1 Surround (Dolby Atmos) – A$2,500 |
| insulation | DIY Mineral Wool + OSB – A$700 | Professional soundproofing + finish – A$3,000 |
| climate | Fan + Heater – A$200 | Inverter split system – A$1,500 |
| Furniture | 2-3 chairs (IKEA/Kmart) + table – A$500 | 4 motorized cinema seats – A$3,000 |
| Decor/Bar | Mini fridge + poster – A$300 | Full bar, neon, barrel fridge – A$3,000 |
The transformation shows how a simple hut can become a real fan zone where sport takes center stage.
Create the perfect space
Converting a hall into a sports center is not just about renovation work – it’s about creating a place where sport comes to life. The shed transforms into a place where the friends huddle together, not for background conversation, but to enjoy the sheer hustle and bustle of the game. It is a haven for fair dinkum fans, put together with courage, passion and a pinch of creativity.
