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.
What Time Is Kickoff in Costa Rica?
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.
The Simplest Option
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).
Practical tips:
- Ask the front desk or host early in the day which channel will air the game.
- In rentals or Airbnbs, confirm there’s an active cable subscription (not just a smart TV with apps).
- For properties with a common-area TV, check whether staff plan to show the game and when they’ll switch it on.
Cable is often the most reliable choice for travelers moving between destinations, since it doesn’t rely on personal logins or streaming stability.
Streaming Options
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:
- Test your login and playback earlier in the day.
- Run a Wi-Fi speed test in the afternoon and choose the best connection available.
- Bring (or buy locally) an HDMI cable to connect your device to a TV if the room’s smart TV is restricted or slow.
Want the English Broadcast? NFL Game Pass on DAZN
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.
On the Road? Plan Your Signal Stop
Travel days in Costa Rica can run long, and connectivity varies in more remote areas. If you’ll be moving around on Sunday:
- Schedule an afternoon stop with solid Wi-Fi or strong mobile data.
- Update your streaming apps in advance.
- If using a phone hotspot, top up your data and confirm your carrier’s tethering rules.
Quick Game-Day Checklist
- Confirm your viewing setup by mid-afternoon.
- Remember: Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. local time.
- Test any streaming apps and connections earlier in the day.
- Have a backup plan (cable at your property or a second device/hotspot).
- The game runs long—plan for a late night if you have early Monday activities.
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!
