Sports Personalities Discover San Francisco's Charms

Out-of-town visitors impressed by city's beauty, food, and culture during Super Bowl week

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As tourists from across the country descended on San Francisco for Super Bowl 60, some prominent sports personalities and podcasters were surprised to discover the city's beauty, vibrant food scene, and overall positive vibe - a stark contrast to the negative perceptions they had previously held.

Why it matters

San Francisco has long been the target of criticism and jokes from those outside the Bay Area, but this latest influx of visitors highlights how perceptions of the city don't always match the reality experienced by those who come to explore it. The positive impressions left on these sports figures could help shift broader narratives about San Francisco.

The details

Figures like ESPN's Pat McAfee, ex-NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan of the Bussin' With the Boys podcast, and personalities from Barstool Sports were effusive in their praise for the city's scenery, food, and overall atmosphere. McAfee admitted he had been told San Francisco was a "shithole," but found it to be "gorgeous" and "incredible" instead. Barstool personalities raved about standout meals at local institutions like Deli Board and Tonga Room, while the Bussin' With the Boys crew were blown away by the burritos at La Taqueria.

  • Super Bowl 60 took place in San Francisco the week of February 2-8, 2026.

The players

Pat McAfee

ESPN personality who broadcast his show from San Francisco during Super Bowl week.

Will Compton

Former NFL player and co-host of the Bussin' With the Boys podcast.

Taylor Lewan

Former NFL player and co-host of the Bussin' With the Boys podcast.

Dave Portnoy

Founder of the controversial media company Barstool Sports.

George Kittle

Tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“We were so surprised by what we had been told and expected versus when we walk through the streets.”

— Pat McAfee (SFGate)

“I don't know how people are going to change their opinions about what's going on, but it's a beautiful place.”

— Pat McAfee (SFGate)

“Tonga Room in San Francisco is the best bar I've ever been to in my life”

— TJ Hitchings, Barstool Sports producer (Twitter)

“La Taqueria might have the best burrito in the country”

— Bussin' With The Boys, Podcast hosts (Twitter)

“San Francisco is a beautiful city with awesome vibes.. It's an unbelievable place to be”

— George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers tight end (Twitter)

The takeaway

This story highlights how perceptions of San Francisco don't always match the reality experienced by visitors, even prominent figures in the sports world who may have previously bought into negative narratives about the city. The overwhelmingly positive impressions left on these out-of-town guests could help shift broader attitudes and narratives about San Francisco.