As an NFL sideline reporter, Erin Andrews must fly across the country throughout the season to cover football games.
So when she’s home, the sportscaster wants to maximize her time with son Mack, which includes restaurant outings to watch the latest action.
Andrews has partnered with Gerber to promote the Gerber Family-Friendly Restaurant Fund, a nationwide initiative to support independent, family-owned bars and restaurants in enhancing their family-friendly resources.
Andrews recently spoke with SportsCasting about the importance of family-friendly amenities in restaurants, balancing work and family life, and if her two-year-old has started to recognize her on TV.
Q: Do you appreciate that Gerber came up with this idea, especially in that it helps independent and family-owned bars and restaurants?
Erin Andrews: “Absolutely! As a mom and a sports fan, I know how special game day can be for families, but I also understand how challenging it can be to find spaces that truly cater to little ones. Gerber has a history of being a trusted partner for parents, and this initiative shows how much they prioritize what families need. Independent, family-owned bars and restaurants are often key pillars of their communities, and the Gerber Family-Friendly Restaurant Fund is giving them a way to better support parents and kids on game day. To me, this is about creating spaces where families feel welcome and where parents don’t have to miss out on the action. It’s a win-win initiative, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”
Q: High-chairs and changing tables may not be top of mind for every sports bar owner – can you explain how beneficial they are to parents with young children?
Erin Andrews: “They’re game-changers! When you’re juggling a toddler in one arm and trying to enjoy a meal or catch the latest play on TV, having a family-friendly setup makes all the difference. It allows parents to feel included in the moment instead of stressed out or excluded. The fund will help family-owned bars and restaurants add or update their space to what parents really need. Like highchairs, changing tables, play areas, and so much more to make game day a win for the whole family. These small additions might seem minor to some, but they’re huge for families trying to share special experiences like watching a game together.”
Q: If you’re heading to a restaurant or a bar with Mack, how cognizant are you of the kid-friendly amenities available before you arrive?
Erin Andrews: “Before becoming a mom, it never used to cross my mind but now it’s always top of mind for me. As a parent, you develop a checklist in your head: Do they have highchairs? Are there changing tables? How family-friendly is the space? These little things can make or break the experience when you’re out with a toddler. That’s why I love that Gerber created the fund for restaurants to enhance their current offerings of family-friendly resources to upgrade the game day fun for both parents and their little ones. Also not to mention that Gerber snacks, such as Puffs and Lil Crunchies, are a game changer for my family on game day and beyond. Mack loves them and I love that I can trust the quality.”
Q: Did you ever have to learn the hard way with that – any horror stories from being in a tough restaurant setup?
Erin Andrews: “Look… now that I’m a mom, I’ve seen every play in the book. From juggling diaper changes or snack time during a game-winning drive, I’ve had my fair share of the hurdles that come with parenting, but it’s been such a rewarding journey. It’s brands like Gerber who are always thinking about how to lighten the load for parents like me – with their quality products, and in this case, the fund to support restaurants to become more parent-friendly – they just get it.”
Q: How has it been navigating such a busy schedule with a little one at home?
Erin Andrews: “Game day has always been a big part of my life, both personally and professionally, and as a mom, I see how different it looks with kids in the mix. It’s definitely a balancing act, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Especially when I’m able to partner with a brand like Gerber that has supported parents for nearly 100 years and continue to build on the legacy that is helping make the world more parent-friendly.”
Q: Have you made any tweaks to your scheduling, or do you plan to as he gets older?
Erin Andrews: “Right now, I try to maximize the time I have with Mack , and I’m sure that will continue as he grows. I’ve learned to be very intentional with my time – and to accept that I can’t always do it all. It’s about giving 100% to whatever I’m focused on in the moment, whether that’s my family or my work. Kids’ needs change so much as they get older, and I want to be there for those big and small moments. It’s about finding that balance and adjusting things as we go.”
Q: Has Mack started to recognize you on TV?
Erin Andrews: “Yes, and it’s honestly one of the sweetest things! He’ll point at the screen and say, “Mama!” It’s such a great reminder of why I do what I do, but also why it’s so important to make time for those little moments at home. That’s why I’m so passionate about working with Gerber on this initiative. They understand what it means to balance work, family, and fun, and they’re helping families create memories – whether it’s at home with their products, or out at a restaurant on game day.”
Q: What stands out to you the most from watching games on an NFL sideline that maybe isn’t captured the same on television?
Erin Andrews: “The energy and raw emotion on the sideline is incredible. It’s something you can feel in the air – the intensity, the camaraderie, the focus. That’s one of the reasons I think game day is such a special experience for fans of all ages. With Gerber stepping in to make game day more family-friendly, it means even parents with little ones can experience that energy firsthand without feeling excluded. Everyone gets to be part of the excitement.”
