As a bandwagon Super Bowl spectator from New York, who finished second-to-last in her fantasy football league, America’s biggest game has never really been about the sport for me.
Call me a fake fan, but I’ve always loved the celebration surrounding the second Sunday of February. It seems all activities in the United States go on pause for the four hours that families, friends, kids and commercial connoisseurs gather around the television over a spread of wings and buffalo chicken dip.
Streaming stats could tell you the facts, but the energy in the air alone, indicates that everyone is locked in to see which players will secure the Disney World vacation and spot on the stage after the greatest football teams of that season face off.
I wasn’t sure what to expect in Melbourne. I figured the vibes would already be different, thanks to the time difference which placed kickoff at a crisp 10:30 a.m. on a Monday morning.
It felt almost presumptuous to assume that this Australian city viewed our coveted beer drinking, barbecue guzzling holiday in the same regard.
But, boy, was I wrong.
While the city didn’t go on pause, the pockets of celebration did not disappoint.
Instagram ads and restaurant posters advertised five hour ticketed events, some with American themed food, others with brunch deals and most with beer.
A walk down the Yarra River led me to Showtime Event Group’s River Pavilion where the game was playing on a big screen with a great view from any seat at the outdoor venue.
The sunshine alone reminded me that I was not in New York. At home, a sometimes snowy, typically pitch black sky sets the scene for the evening game.
The majority male crowd sported Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings jerseys.
Others wore t-shirts with Chiefs tight-end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes on them and one attendee had on an NBA Boston Celtics jersey. The athletic spirit was apparent.
Despite the looks of the crowd, from the sea of red jerseys, the Philadelphia Eagles fans were louder.
Waiters served bottomless beer, each table with fresh cups as soon as they finished their last. And what seemed to be an entirely Australian viewership indulged in the game, the American way.
Come midday, an array of burgers, sausages, salads and wings were piled onto plates from Showtime’s riverside buffet. I felt right at home, despite the slightly healthier selections as opposed to the fried foods and fatty, but delicious, condiments that would fill our tables at home.
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, dissing Canadian rapper Drake drew eyes and cameras. While most of the event goers had been engaged throughout the game, this performance captured a specific type of attention. Many were seemingly on the edge of their seat to see which songs the American rapper would put on.
As the game wrapped up and the Eagles secured the Super Bowl Champion title, the crowd lulled and sat back for the post game coverage. The event staff carried around waters and more cold beer.
Showtime Event Group supplied the full experience for an American in Australia, the sole difference I noticed was the increase of Macca’s and Carlton Draught commercials on the ESPN stream.
The festivities along the river and throughout the CBD carried on with more American jerseys out than I’ve ever noticed in the city.
Without a doubt, if you’re in Melbourne for this NFL centric day, the city is still booming and there are plenty of spots for you to enjoy the game and celebrations Australian-American style!
