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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | February 2007 
At Least During Super Bowl, Football Overshadows Futbol in Mexico
 Associated Press
| | The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers set an NFL record in 2005 when they drew 103,467 fans for a regular-season game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. |
Even in a country dedicated to futbol, all eyes were on football for "Super Domingo."
Nearly 20 million Mexicans watched the Indianapolis Colts bust up the Chicago Bears (29-17) in Miami, from homes, restaurants, bars and movie theaters.
In fact, soccer has stepped aside for the Super Bowl.
For the first time, no "futbol" match was scheduled at the same time as the big game. America, one of Mexico's most popular teams, played two hours earlier Sunday to avoid a conflict.
Some people in the United States might be surprised by all the attention the Super Bowl gets in Mexico. Others know better.
"The passion for the game is great in Mexico. I don't see a difference in the fans," Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said during a recent visit to the country, where his grandfather was born.
"The game has grown a lot in Mexico, and I'm very happy for it," he said.
Francisco Mendez knows it firsthand. He manages the Beer Factory Cuicuilco bar, which has broadcast Monday Night Football since 2004. This weekend, it was wild inside his place.
"It's crazy. We always have a packed house for that Sunday," Mendez said. "I'll tell you this, only when Mexico plays in the World Cup do we see this type of atmosphere."
The Super Bowl is so popular that it was shown at 13 movie theaters in Mexico City. The Cinemex movie chain also broadcast Monday night games throughout the regular season.
"All the Monday night games this season drew nearly 14,000 fans. In the movie theater, you see more families than in a bar. The dynamic is different, but very successful," said Joaquin Del Rivero, director of NFL Mexico.
There's a passion for seeing the game in person, too.
The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers set an NFL record in 2005 when they drew 103,467 fans for a regular-season game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
According to the league office based in Mexico City, one out of five Mexicans has knowledge of the game. The favorite teams are the Cowboys, Steelers, 49ers, Raiders and Dolphins.
"Mexican television began broadcasting nearly 40 years ago. That's when Pittsburgh and Dallas had their greatest years, and that's why they're now the most popular teams. It's a tradition that has gone from generation to generation," Del Rivero said.
And while none of the most popular teams will be playing Sunday, the two teams still have followers in Mexico.
"I'm a Bears fan, always have been, and always will," said Enrique Marin, who was 4 years old the last time Chicago played for the NFL crown. "I barely remember the last time they played in the Super Bowl. My memories are more bad than good, so you can imagine how excited I am."
Marin is not alone.
"A lot of people remember the great Chicago team from the 80s. Also, (Chicago) is a city where many Mexicans have relatives living, so they feel a connection. If you add that to the fact that they have a Latin player in Roberto Garza, they're probably the team that people will be rooting for next Sunday," Del Rivero said.
Just as in the United States, the media frenzy begins weeks before kickoff.
Both major networks, Televisa and TV Azteca, broadcasted the game live and transmited daily setup pieces from Miami. All major newspapers, radio stations and Web sites have had journalists in Miami since Monday. NFL Mexico reported that 40 Mexican media companies received press credentials. |
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