Exeter students bring Super Bowl excitement to city with big NFL watch party

American football fever is set to hit Exeter this weekend as the University of Exeter American Football Society hosts a major Super Bowl watch party in the city centre.

The annual NFL showpiece takes place on Sunday 8 February, with millions expected to tune in worldwide. While the sport remains a distinctly American tradition, interest in the game has grown rapidly in the UK – and Exeter students are embracing it in increasing numbers.

To mark the occasion, the university’s American football club is bringing fans together at Ludo Sports Bar in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, where more than 100 people are expected to gather to watch the game live through the night.

Club president Tom Norden said the event has become a highlight of the sporting calendar for students and local fans alike.

“On Sunday we’ll be hosting a watch party at Ludo sports bar in Guildhall shopping centre, and we’re expecting well over 100 people to be there,” he said.

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“It’s always a really fun event with great food, drinks and atmosphere. There’s also the Super Bowl Half-Time Show which is always impressive to watch, even for those who aren’t avid NFL followers.”

With the game not due to finish until the early hours of Monday morning UK time, Super Bowl gatherings have become a popular way for British fans to experience the spectacle together.

Speaking with Exeter Today, Tom said the growing popularity of American football in the UK has been clear to see on campus in recent years.

“It’s the biggest night of the year for NFL fans all around the world, and it’s been really cool to see how the sport has grown over the past decade,” he said.

“As a university American Football team we’ve seen the results of this, as every year we have more and more students who recognise the sport and want to give playing it a go.”

The University of Exeter team competes at a high level within the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league structure.

“We compete in the Premiership South in BUCS, playing against other unis such as Portsmouth, Cardiff and Brunel,” Tom explained.

He added that one of the sport’s biggest attractions is how inclusive it can be.

“The sport is amazing because of how well it caters to people of all sizes and abilities. There are so many different positions and there is a spot for everyone, which makes it a really fun sport to be a part of.”

The Exeter watch party is open to students and local supporters, reflecting how the Super Bowl has become a broader cultural event beyond just dedicated NFL followers.

With live sport, American-themed food and the famous half-time show, organisers hope the evening will offer a taste of the full Super Bowl experience – right in the heart of Exeter.

The event begins on Sunday evening at Ludo Sports Bar, with kick-off scheduled for late Sunday night UK time.