COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

Costa Rica has always been a soccer-first country, where passions run deepest for fútbol and La Sele. Yet over the past decade-plus, the Super Bowl has quietly carved out a small but noticeable space in the national social calendar—especially among tourists, expats, and younger Costa Ricans influenced by global media and tourism.

What was once a mostly foreign tradition watched in expat circles has become more visible. Local media began noting the event’s growing appeal years ago, with bars and restaurants promoting it as a long evening that keeps people ordering food and drinks. Social media conversations spike around the game, the halftime show (often featuring major international artists), and the memorable commercials. Many viewers aren’t die-hard NFL fans; they tune in for the spectacle, the party atmosphere, or simply because friends are gathering.

This evolution reflects Costa Rica’s openness to outside influences through tourism, international residents, and digital connectivity. A small but steady local American football scene has also helped keep genuine interest alive beyond the expat bubble. The Super Bowl remains niche compared to a World Cup match or domestic league final, but it now feels like a fun, occasional crossover event—part of the broader pura vida mix of relaxing, socializing, and enjoying global pop culture.

If you’re a tourist or expat in Costa Rica this Super Bowl Sunday and want to join in, watching the game is straightforward with a bit of planning. Here’s how to catch it from a hotel, Airbnb, or while traveling around the country.

Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. Costa Rica time (CST), with pregame coverage starting earlier in the afternoon. Factor this into your day—whether you’re at the beach, on a road trip, or finishing a tour. Plan to be settled with a screen and reliable connection by mid-to-late afternoon.

Many hotels, vacation rentals, and lodges carry cable packages with major sports networks. In Costa Rica, the Super Bowl is broadcast on ESPN (and sometimes an alternate channel).

Cable is often the most reliable choice for travelers moving between destinations, since it doesn’t rely on personal logins or streaming stability.

If you’re traveling with a laptop, tablet, or phone, streaming works well in places with strong Wi-Fi. Disney+ (Premium plan) is widely available in Costa Rica and carries the live ESPN feed for the Super Bowl.

Tips to avoid frustration:

For the full English-language commentary and authentic NFL experience, the league’s international streaming service—NFL Game Pass on DAZN—is one of the cleanest and most reliable options. It’s available worldwide (including Costa Rica) outside the United States and avoids geo-restriction issues. This route is especially popular with expats and frequent travelers who want independence from hotel setups.

Travel days in Costa Rica can run long, and connectivity varies in more remote areas. If you’ll be moving around on Sunday:

Jacó offers multiple Super Bowl venues, including Bar OZ and Rolling Thunder Saloon. Crocs Resort provides big screens and a casino vibe, while Clarita’s offers beachfront viewing. Bar OZ has long been a Super Bowl staple with multiple large screens and American pub food.

In Manuel Antonio, Quepoa Sports Bar is a popular choice, while Marina Pez Vela in Quepos offers another strong option. Marina Pez Vela typically hosts a giant screen in the mid plaza for the game, with chili dogs, beer, and other food served from small stands. The setting includes a backdrop of yachts and, often, sunset.

Quepoa Sports Bar specializes in wings, with more than 20 sauce flavors, and features multiple screens. For those heading south of Manuel Antonio, Dominical’s Bar Jolly Roger serves beer and wings alongside your football.

In Tamarindo, try Surf Club Bar & Grill in Langosta for a tried-and-tested Super Bowl experience. In the center of town, Sharky’s is another long-running mainstay, along with other options like Longboards BBQ.

Sharky’s has hosted Super Bowl parties for years and has built a reputation for reliable service and an energetic crowd. Nosara hosts at least four restaurants and bars with Super Bowl viewing parties, making it a major event in the beach community.

The capital region offers plenty of options. Rick’s Sports Bar & Grill, Hooters, and Hooligans traditionally host Super Bowl events with beer specials, food promotions, and giveaways.The Poas Bar in Barrio Amón is a local expat favorite, as is Chubbs, with two locations (San José and Escazú).

Many San José venues accept reservations for Super Bowl Sunday, which is a smart move given the crowds that typically show up for the game.

In the end, whether you’re drawn by the football, the halftime show, the ads, or just the communal vibe, Super Bowl Sunday offers a nice blend of home-away-from-home excitement with Costa Rica’s relaxed pura vida spirit. Plan ahead, settle in, and enjoy the game!

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