TAMPA, Fla. — The excitement is building for both Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs fans who call the Tampa Bay area home.
Although this Super Bowl is unlike any other, fan groups are finding new ways to celebrate in style while also keeping safety top of mind.
John “Superfan” Blakey says the moment he found out the Bucs made it into the Super Bowl was magical.
“I thought I was gonna cry. I was close to tears in all honesty,” he explained.
Blakey and Keith Kunzig, better known as “Big Nasty,” feel like they’re still dreaming.
“It still doesn’t sound right. The Bucs are going to the Super Bowl,” Kunzig said with awe.
Doug Morris, who heads up Chiefs group Arrowhead South, can’t believe his team is back for round two playing in the NFL’s biggest game.
Both groups are now strategizing to keep fans safe and celebrate. The Bucs group are planning to cheer at Dave and Busters in Brandon.
The Chiefs fans are renting out Al Lang soccer stadium in St. Pete for 2,500 people, complete with authentic Kansas City BBQ in what they’re calling a Run it Back 2 Back BBQ Tour.
“We had to find a place that had a large outside area where we could social distance,” Morris added.
Both groups say fans are flocking in from around the country, even if they can’t get into Raymond James Stadium.
“I’ve heard people say even if they can’t get into our watch party that they’ll be sitting in their hotel watching the game just happy to be in Tampa,” Blakey said.
While it isn’t the Super Bowl experience we’ve all hoped for, the fans are making the best of it. “I know Tampa Bay, we need this right now. We need some positivity,” Kunzig added.
