Brits Flock to Super Bowl Cities for Parties, Not Football

A group of UK fans travel to every Super Bowl, but they're more interested in the social scene than the game itself.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A group of British football (soccer) fans from Nottingham have made it a tradition to travel to the host city of the Super Bowl each year, not to watch the game, but to experience the lively social scene and party atmosphere surrounding the event. They say they're "just here for the booze and partying" and don't really care about American football.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, drawing fans from all over the globe. While most international visitors come to experience the game itself, this group of Brits highlights how the Super Bowl has evolved into a major cultural and social event that transcends the sport.

The details

The group, led by Ian Potter, gathers each year at the Mad Dog in the Fog, a Nottingham Forest bar located in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, to soak up the atmosphere and party with other fans. They say they're more interested in the raucous cheering, drinking, and socializing than actually watching the game.

  • The group travels to the host city of the Super Bowl each year.

The players

Ian Potter

The leader of a group of British football (soccer) fans who travel to the Super Bowl host city each year, not to watch the game but to experience the social scene and party atmosphere.

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What they’re saying

“They call it 'American football' because, well, 'football is football,' says Ian Potter. And by 'football' he means 'soccer,'”

— Ian Potter (wn.com)

“Just here for the booze and partying”

— Ian Potter (wn.com)

The takeaway

The Super Bowl has evolved into a major cultural and social event that attracts fans from around the world, not just for the game itself but for the lively party atmosphere surrounding it. This group of British fans highlights how the event has transcended its sporting roots and become a global celebration.