Why Have US Presidents Never Attended Super Bowl? Joe Biden & Donald Trump’s No Shows Not a Surprise

The glitz, the glamor, the million-dollar commercials—the Super Bowl is America’s biggest sporting event, drawing in millions of viewers worldwide. But there’s one notable absentee from the sidelines: the President of the United States.

While Vice Presidents have occasionally graced the stadium, no sitting president has ever attended it. Why the snub? The question demands one delve into the world of presidential security, political posturing, and the logistics of a mega-event like this one.

Why have US Presidents given Super Bowl the cold shoulder?

Imagine the President rolling into the Football-Con, surrounded by a motorcade fit for a Roman emperor. Disrupted traffic, overwhelmed security personnel, and the logistical nightmare of securing every inch of the stadium—it’s enough to give any Secret Service agent heartburn.

As a 2019 Homeland Security official stated according to a Fox 59 report, the Super Bowl is already one of the most secured events in the country; adding a President to the mix throws a wrench into those well-oiled plans. But there’s a dash of political maneuvering in the play.

The whole spectacle is a media frenzy, and with great exposure comes great scrutiny. For any President facing a tough re-election year, taking the heat for a controversial policy while millions watch is not exactly the optics a campaign manager dreams of, is it?

This year, President Joe Biden’s advisors reportedly saw skipping the pre-game interview as a strategic move to shield both him and the American audience from the “politics of the 2024 campaign,” per CNN reports. It’s not just about avoiding tough questions; it is about controlling the narrative as well. But before we cheerlead for a probable POTUS on the sidelines, let’s brainstorm how a presidential cameo might go down.

The logistics tango: Presidents, popcorn, and protocol

Picture this: the President arrives, throws a ceremonial coin toss, throws back some overpriced nachos, and… then what? Does he stay for the whole game? Mingle with the crowd? Sneak out early?

Every decision is laden with protocol, potentially disrupting the flow of the event for everyone involved. As CBS Sports notes, even when President Donald Trump was in Florida for the Super Bowl back in 2020, there was no official word on his attendance, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding presidential participation. So, will we ever see Air Force One touch down at the “Game of Games”?

Read More: Super Bowl LVIII: President Joe Biden Reminisces Playing Football With Deceased Son

The future remains murky. Security concerns are ever-present, political considerations will continue to weigh in, and the logistical hurdles are undeniable. However, there’s a chance. Perhaps a President with a genuine love for football, willing to navigate the security and optics dance, could be the game-changer. Until then, the Super Bowl will probably remain President-free, a curious footnote in American sporting history.

Watch This Story: How to Buy Super Bowl Jerseys and Other NFL Merchandise – A Complete Guide