The scene on Miami’s South Beach: Sun, music and hordes of Kansas City Chiefs fans

Katie Bernard
·2 min read

Along the strip of hotels and bars in South Beach, one gets the feeling that everyone is cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. They want to party like it’s 1970.

“We’ve been waiting for 50 years. Everybody wants the underdog to win,” said Donna Burks, in town from Phoenix. “Even San Francisco fans are like, ‘Listen, I’m a fan of the 49ers. However, we want the Chiefs to win.’”

In 70 degree weather, surrounded by loud music and bars proudly flying the flags of both teams, fans are soaking up Miami. Chiefs fans stop each other in the street to offer a high five and an enthusiastic cheer. The occasional 49ers fan lets out a boo.

Burks’ husband, Mark, was taking in the sights and sounds in the town they got married in, celebrating in honor of his father, a 40-year Chiefs season ticket holder.

“I was a kid when my father was watching Super Bowl IV. He asked us to sit down and watch with him, but we said no. We went out and played because we didn’t understand what it was about,” Burks said. “Now, 50 years later, we understand.”

A short walk down to the beach, Derrick and Christina Christensen of Lenexa were catching some peace and quiet after a hectic week in Miami.

The couple had won a trip through Derrick’s workplace to the Super Bowl and had spent days at private events partying with former NFL players. Exhausted and starstruck, the couple relaxed on the beach, clad in their Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce shirts.

They’d known for weeks they’d be attending the Super Bowl, but it became even more special when they realized their hometown team would be a part of it.

“I remember being a little girl thinking, ‘Turnover, turnover’ when we were watching the game and cheering in the stands,” Cristina said. “We’re hoping for a win.”

Despite the excitement, warmth and flood of Chiefs fans in Miami, Chris Elder from Wichita said he was certain it couldn’t compare to the scene in KC.

“It’s not as crazy as Kansas City is right now,” Elder said. “I guarantee you that.”