The Super Bowl 2023 also arrived in Barcelona. While it may be surprising, as someone from the United States, I have never been the biggest American football fan. However, I can say I have never been more excited to watch my home team, the Chiefs, play in the 2023 Super Bowl than I was at The George Payne, a bar in Barcelona. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs put on a spectacular game, but what made the experience so incredible was the crowd. Surrounded by people from all over the world, as well as many Americans, of course, it was incredible to see the love and enthusiasm the crowd expressed for American football. If you want to know more about my experience watching the Super Bowl 2023 as an American in Barcelona, keep reading!
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Super Bowl 2023 in Barcelona: the ambiance
Originally, I decided to attend the game with some of my other American friends on the program because we all attend college at the University of Missouri, home state to the Kansas City Chiefs. Although we were all rooting for the Chiefs, I was the only one actually from Missouri, so I came into the game so excited to see my home team abroad. We decided to attend the Super Bowl 2023 showing at The George Payne because they were hosting “Barcelona’s Largest Super Bowl Party”. And let me say, the decorations and atmosphere did not disappoint. From walking in, you could see the steps wrapped half in green balloons for the Eagles and the other half in red balloons for the Chiefs. American flags hung from the ceiling, draping over the bar tables all facing the large projector screen to display the game. There were also TVs on every wall, so it was easy to never miss a play. Aside from the atmosphere, The George Payne was ready with American food and drinks such as burgers, fries and beer, which only added to the Super Bowl experience. But while the atmosphere and food provided an incredible experience, one of the best parts of watching the Super Bowl 2023 in Barcelona is the crowd of fellow Americans.
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The American Super Bowl fans in Barcelona
When we first arrived, we found ourselves a round table that we shared for a bit with some other women from Spain. I asked them if they were there to watch the Super Bowl 2023, and they thought that was the funniest thing. Little did I know, they were there for the pre-Super Bowl karaoke night and were excited about performing Despacito, not watching men tackle each other on TV. It was not long before I bumped into some Americans. I asked them about their experience watching the Super Bowl in Barcelona, and they did not hold back with some enthusiastic answers. Basically, they were the number one Eagles fans and were going to rage if the team lost. Of course, I had to tell them that I am actually a die-hard Chiefs fans, and we probably could not sit by them any longer. Unfortunately, the night did not work out for them, so I hope they have had some time to mourn the Eagles’ misfortune.
Meeting international American football fans watching the Super Bowl 2023
Although the night was not going well for the Eagles’ fans, I met many other Americans and even some people from Germany and Venezuela who are lovers of American football and were there to support the Chiefs in the Super Bowl 2023 from Barcelona. It was really amazing to connect with people all over the world who were cheering for my state’s team. One woman from Germany told me about her experience once watching an American football game in her country and how she is now a forever fan because she loves the way the game works. I also met several people from Spain and the Netherlands who were there to cheer on teams, as well as just stopping in The George Payne for the crowd and the drinks.
Rihanna's Super Bowl 2023 Halftime Show in Barcelona
If people internationally have one thing in common, it is the love for Rihanna. When Rihanna came up on stage during the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, the crowd went wild. Personally, I have always loved the Halftime Show, and Rihanna really brought the energy and excitement with her dynamic dance moves and powerful vocals to 12 different hits. Not to mention, she was also pregnant while performing. Her performance was the perfect way to wrap up the night before the Kansas City Chiefs took home another Super Bowl win.