Midweek evenings without a match can feel strangely quiet for many Scottish football fans. Whether you support a Premiership side, follow your local club in League Two, or travel across the country for Lowland League fixtures, football has a way of structuring the week. So when the fixture list leaves a gap, there’s often a sense of “what now?”
Of course, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind between games. Here’s how many fans across Scotland tend to fill the time when there’s no football to follow.
Turning to Other Sporting Distractions
If your team isn’t playing, the next best option is often anything involving a ball, racquet, or scoreboard. European fixtures, English Championship games, or international matches outside Scotland can provide a temporary fix.
Beyond football, sports like darts, golf, or rugby might get a look-in—especially if there’s a tournament on. While nothing quite replaces the rhythm of a domestic matchday, sport in any form can still offer that sense of competition and something to follow.
Keeping the Football Conversation Going
The group chat doesn’t go quiet just because there’s no game. Transfer speculation, tactical debates, ticket prices, VAR grievances—they all keep the conversation going throughout the week. Even when there’s no live action to react to, there’s always something to discuss.
Club forums and fan pages offer another outlet. Whether it’s analysing the latest press conference, revisiting a contentious decision, or simply sharing a clip from a classic match, the community around football rarely stops talking about it.
Pub Nights, Quizzes and Casual Catch-Ups
Many fans take the chance to have a relaxed evening out. Midweek visits to the local pub, especially those with a quiz night or live sport on the screens, are a common way to fill the time. It might not replace the buzz of a matchday, but it provides good company and conversation—and occasionally some questionable trivia answers.
Even without an event to attend, a quiet drink and some familiar faces can offer a welcome change of pace.
Console Time and Football Games
For those with a gaming habit, evenings without live football often mean switching on the console or laptop instead. Football Manager and EA FC remain firm favourites, offering a digital way to stay connected to the game. Managing a club through the lower leagues or building a dream team provides just enough strategy and satisfaction to keep the football fix going.
Others take the opportunity to try something different for a bit of variety. Puzzle games, retro titles, or casual browser-based games can offer a fun way to switch off from the daily routine. One option that’s gained popularity is the chance to play Slingo online—a light-hearted mix of slots and bingo that’s easy to pick up and enjoy for a short session in the evening.
Streaming, Reading and the Occasional Football Documentary
On quieter evenings, some fans turn to streaming platforms to fill the gap. Football documentaries, classic matches, or behind-the-scenes series provide a way to stay immersed in the sport even when no one’s playing.
Others use the time to catch up on books, listen to podcasts, or simply enjoy a film or series. It’s not uncommon for fans to revisit old games online—whether it’s a famous cup win or a particularly satisfying derby result.
Food, Takeaways and the Comfort of Routine
For many, midweek evenings are about staying in and switching off. That might mean cooking something substantial, ordering from a favourite takeaway, or trying something new with a meal kit. There’s something about a good dinner and a relaxed evening that helps soften the absence of matchday adrenaline.
And while it’s not as thrilling as three points on a Saturday, a night in with comfort food and something decent on the TV has its own appeal.
Local Events and Live Entertainment
Beyond sport, Scotland’s cities and towns offer plenty of entertainment during the week. From live music and open mic nights to comedy clubs and theatre performances, there are a range of ways to spend an evening out.
For those who enjoy a social atmosphere without the intensity of a packed stadium, these nights can provide a different kind of experience—one that still involves being around others and enjoying a shared moment.
Making Use of the Time
It’s also true that the absence of football sometimes gives people the opportunity to focus on other things. That might be exercise, catching up on tasks, picking up a hobby, or simply enjoying a quieter pace for the night. The things that tend to be put off during busier weeks can finally get a look-in.
While few hobbies offer the same emotional highs and lows as football, having something else to focus on can be refreshing—at least temporarily.
The Countdown to the Weekend
For most supporters, the build-up to the next fixture starts the moment the last one ends. A midweek without football is often just a pause before preparations begin again—whether that’s checking travel arrangements, confirming plans with mates, or scouring injury updates.
Matchday provides structure to the week, something to look forward to and plan around. So it’s no surprise that many fans spend quieter nights looking ahead to Saturday with quiet anticipation.
How Do You Fill the Gap?
Every fan has their own way of handling the downtime between games. Whether it’s through sport, entertainment, or simply some well-earned rest, there’s always a way to pass the time until the next whistle blows.
Got a routine of your own? Share it in the forum—or keep refreshing the fixtures page, just in case there’s a Friday night match you forgot about.