This past Sunday, millions of Americans tuned in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Hosted in Las Vegas, the event went down to the wire, ultimately ending with Kansas City securing its second consecutive Super Bowl title in an overtime thriller. While speaking to The Classic, Harrisites expressed their thoughts on the football game itself, Usher’s halftime performance, and the traditional Super Bowl ads.
For many, it has become an annual tradition to gather with family while watching the Super Bowl kickoff. Physical Education teacher Matthew Lemanczyk said, “I was in partial discord with my two boys, who were both rooting for the 49ers, while my wife and I were rooting for Kansas City.”
Harrisites agreed that the game gradually got more engaging. Humanities teacher Kevin McDonaugh said, “The first half was a little slow. I was distracted looking at new skateboard equipment to purchase. But by the second half that was done.” Similarly, sophomore Jonah Gerber, said, “The first half sucked for us [the Chiefs], but in the end we pulled through. It was amazing.” Meanwhile sophomore Brian Edwards said, “The game was very interesting since it was close the entire time and went into overtime. Great defense by both teams, but the Chiefs came out on top and secured the win.”
While speaking to The Classic, Harrisites expressed mixed feelings regarding Super Bowl LVIII’s halftime performance, which starred artists Usher and Alicia Keys. Sophomore Kimberly Santos said the halftime show was “a good throwback.” Sophomore MJ Buitarose said the show brought back “childhood memories.”
Freshman Skyler Callahan was less interested in the nostalgia factor. “They need to pick [artists] who are more up with the times,” she said.
On the other hand, Mr. McDonaugh was enthralled by the performance at halftime. He said, “I couldn’t believe that a 45-year old [Usher] could pull that off. I loved the red piano played by Alicia Keys.” Adding to this, Mr. Lemanczyk said, “Alicia Keys came out and crushed it.”
Sophomore Sergio Luna said, “last year[’s show] was definitely better because Rhianna is well known and current.”
The Super Bowl is known to bring out the best in American marketing, typically through its unique TV commercials. “There’s a few [ads] that stood out. For one, there was the Dunkin Donuts one that was awkwardly funny. The one with Arnold Schwarzenegger was pretty classic too,” said Mr. Lemanczyk. Additionally, Mr. McDonaugh said, “The ad with Michael Cera had me laughing. I loved seeing him give himself a massage. His awkwardness was very appreciated.”
Many celebrities were spotted at Super Bowl LVIII, with popstar Taylor Swift leading the long list of names. Swift was in attendance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and was able to celebrate his second consecutive super bowl victory with him. As of late, the pop star’s consistent appearances at Kelce’s games have seemed to boost NFL viewership by drawing in Swifties. Throughout the entirety of the game, cameras showed cutaway shots of Swift cheering on her boyfriend. Sophomore Dathan Cruz said, “It’s annoying and I understand why people hate the Chiefs now. If she breaks up with Kelce, I don’t think they’re going to get as much hate anymore.”
In regards to the performances of both teams, Harrisites agreed that Super Bowl LVIII will go down in history as a legacy game, particularly for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “It was a spectacular game. Mahomes came in clutch, just like I said he would, and I’m ready for whatever comes next in his career,” said Dathan. In addition, Mr. Lemanczcyk said, “I thought the 49ers controlled the tempo of the game and the line of scrimmage for the most part. Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes were too much in the end though.”
“I want to see how far Mahomes can continue to dominate the league,” said Mr. McDonaugh. “I think it’s an amazing historical spectacle.”
For others, it’s not so much about the game itself as it is the family ritual. Senior Wiktoria Sadowska said the Superbowl is a significant event mainly because it allows members of her family “to spend quality time with each other.”
Additional reporting by Josephine Furst
