Sunday is Super Bowl LVIII (to save some of the dear readers a Google search, that’s 58), when the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. While the Super Bowl typically draws in more viewers than only the more consistent football fans, this year’s game—and, quite frankly, like most of this NFL season—is expected to see increased viewership because of an international superstar whose dating life has become a concern to her dedicated fans, familiarly known as Swifties.
This is obviously in reference to Taylor Swift, whose relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and her attendance at his games have brought more attention to the league. She’s also helped the NFL with raking in dollars, as well. A recent report found that the artist’s association with the NFL has boosted the league’s brand value by more than $122 million in only a few months. She has also made a significant impact on female viewership simply by showing up to support her guy on the Chiefs—there’s been a 53-percent increase among those aged 12–17, a 34-percent rise in those older than 35, and a 24-percent increase in the 18–24 age range.
There are certainly haters out there, though, who claim conspiracies about the couple’s relationship and voice their concerns that the camera shows her too much during games. It’s to be determined how frequently viewers will see her at Sunday’s game, most people assuming she will come back, be here in time to be in attendance—she has a show for her Eras Tour the night before in Japan. Dallas resident and avid sports fan Brett Finley said he would tune in to the Super Bowl no matter what, but he isn’t one of the ones who needs to calm down about the Taylor Swift factor.
“Watching the game is fun—it really is that simple,” he said. “And there are great snacks. I’d watch regardless of Taylor Swift, but I think it does make it more fun. It is a good love story, and since when did America hate love stories?”
Valid question. Dallas-area resident Megan England, who prefers college football but said she might pay more attention to the game this year out of excitement to see Swift, thinks many of the negative reactions stem from an old-school issue and people ranting about the same old bitter things.
“Not to be cliché, but Taylor is everything the patriarchy hates,” she said. “They hate to admit that she may have a positive impact on the NFL.”
But the facts cannot be overlooked. Anna Tobkin, who is the lead producer for the Kansas City Chiefs, said the city is certainly enjoying “every moment of the dynasty” and that there’s a new sense of excitement each season. This year, there’s an added level with Swift’s presence.
“There are so many people who have gotten into football this year, thanks to Travis’ and Taylor’s relationship, and I think that is so fun and special,” she said. “I’ve seen so many stories of young girls wanting to watch games with their dads and moms, and their parents are so thankful for that connection point. The Super Bowl always has a celebrity and pop-culture factor to it in any year, but add the world’s biggest pop star, and it has to take a step up.”
Even some San Francisco fans are looking forward to seeing her. Tara Janke, who lives in the San Diego area, always roots for her 49ers and would watch the game whether Swift were there or not, but she said it adds a certain level of enjoyment because individuals delight in seeing two people happy together.
“I think the reason people love it is because people love love,” she said. “I honestly don’t know why it makes people mad, though. And good for the NFL for capitalizing on it—why not?”
Dane Sebring, a resident of Washington, D.C., said he plans to watch the Super Bowl this year, mainly to socialize, eat tasty food, and put money on the winner of the Puppy Bowl, as he is not invested in either team or the NFL, in general. But he, too, also has a slight other reason.
“My primary interest in the Taylor Swift factor is watching how all of the loony conspiracy theorists will react,” he said. “But Swifties are going to show up for their girl. Football purists are concerned that her appearance will shift focus away from the game. Fans in both camps will have the best Super Bowl of their lives.”
Regardless of Swift’s attendance, the two franchises will let the players play and focus on capturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy rather than on anyone’s teardrops on a guitar. And even though his Cowboys aren’t playing Sunday, Finley is still excited for a potential thriller.
“The Chiefs offense is fun to watch, and so is the 49ers’ running back Christian McCaffrey,” he said. “I’m hoping it is a really close game, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Tobkin, as both a Chiefs fan and staff member, said she can’t wait for the game, though it is highly stressful to watch, especially knowing how much work goes into each Super Bowl.
“Every year, as an organization, we put countless hours of work into making the Super Bowl run an incredible experience for fans in Kansas City, Vegas [or other host city], and around the world,” she said. “So, I always feel pressure knowing what is on the line. Plus, a postgame party wouldn’t be nearly as fun after a loss.”
WEEKLY PHOTO OP
.jpg)
A NatNews staff member once played in a football game fairly comparable to the Super Bowl