Years ago I played in country themed bar. I could always tell the night the country music award show was on because the crowd would not be as big as usual.
Last night I had the same thing happen for the Grammy Awards.
I didn't make the connection because I didn't know they were on until I got home from karaoke and I read about who won on the internet.
If it isn't some sporting event, it's the President or an award show or a good movie. All of it still ends up being my competition. Something to steal the crowd away.