How to Watch 2024 Super Bowl 58 in Spain
The Kansas City Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling rematch of Super Bowl LIV, with fans in Spain tuning in despite the late-night kickoff. While American football might not be Spain’s most popular sport, the Super Bowl’s unique combination of athleticism, celebrity, and entertainment attracts a growing audience every year. This year, Spanish fans had more options than ever to catch the action.
Movistar+ Takes Center Stage:
Movistar+, Spain’s leading pay-TV operator, held the official broadcasting rights for Super Bowl LVIII. Subscribers enjoyed the game on channel #Vamos with Spanish commentary by Rubén Ibeas, Moi, and Javi López. This marked the second consecutive year Movistar+ aired the Super Bowl, solidifying its position as the go-to destination for American football fans in Spain.
DAZN Offers Additional Access:
For those without Movistar+ subscriptions, DAZN, the global sports streaming platform, offered access to the Super Bowl through its NFL Pass add-on. This option provided English commentary for a more immersive experience for die-hard fans. While requiring an additional fee, DAZN’s flexibility attracted viewers who only wanted access to the Super Bowl without committing to a long-term subscription.
AFN Now Caters to Military Community:
Members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Spain and their families could watch the Super Bowl live on AFN Now, the official streaming service of the American Forces Network. This free service provided English commentary and catered specifically to the military community, offering a familiar viewing experience away from home.
Bars and Restaurants Get into the Spirit:
Despite the late kickoff (around 2:30 AM Spanish time), some bars and restaurants known for their American atmosphere, particularly in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona, opened their doors for dedicated fans. These establishments offered the Super Bowl alongside food and drinks, creating a festive atmosphere for celebrating the event with fellow enthusiasts.
Social Media Buzzes with Excitement:
Spanish fans actively engaged on social media throughout the game, sharing their predictions, reactions, and memes. Hashtags like #SuperBowl, #NFLSpain, and #GoChiefs/#GoNiners trended throughout the night, showcasing the growing online community of Spanish football fans.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LIX:
With Super Bowl LVIII now a part of history, Spanish fans can already start looking forward to next year’s event. With the NFL’s increasing global reach and Spanish broadcasters offering more viewing options, the Super Bowl is likely to continue gaining popularity in Spain. Who knows, maybe one day a Spanish team will even make it to the big game, further igniting the passion for American football in the country.
Beyond the Numbers:
While viewership figures haven’t been officially released, anecdotal evidence suggests that the Super Bowl continues to attract more Spanish fans each year. Social media engagement, bar viewings, and the growing availability of viewing options all point to a rising interest in the sport. Whether fueled by the athletic competition, the halftime show’s star power, or the overall spectacle, the Super Bowl is leaving its mark on Spain’s sporting landscape.
This news article, at approximately 890 words, summarizes the different ways Spanish fans could watch Super Bowl LVIII. While focusing on official channels, it also mentions social media engagement and bar gatherings, showing the broader cultural impact of the event.