Hailey
In Topeka, Kansas, the usual buzz around Super Bowl Sunday in early February 2026 was noticeably quieter than in past years. Traditionally, Super Bowl parties in Topeka draw large crowds of enthusiastic fans, fueled especially by support for the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, in 2026 the Chiefs did not qualify for the Big Game, and the absence of the state’s most popular NFL team had a clear impact on local celebrations, viewership, and business activity.
Without Chiefs representation in Super Bowl LVIII, fans in Topeka have been less motivated to host or attend large parties. This has led to fewer reservations at sports bars, scaled‑down events in community halls, and overall reduced Super Bowl engagement compared to prior seasons.
Why the Chiefs Matter for Topeka’s Super Bowl Scene
For several years, the Kansas City Chiefs have been a consistent force in the NFL postseason, reaching the Super Bowl multiple times and rallying fans across Kansas to large gatherings on game day.
Chiefs players and fan culture have driven celebrations not only in Kansas City but in surrounding cities such as Topeka, where enthusiasm traditionally runs strong even though it is nearly 70 miles away from the Chiefs’ home stadium.
When the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl, local restaurants, bars, and private homes often fill with fans decked in Chiefs colors, generating a festival‑like atmosphere.
The team’s absence from the 2026 game changed expectations dramatically, with many fans admitting they were less excited about watching the Super Bowl when their favorite team was not competing.
What Changed in Topeka’s Super Bowl Parties
Attendance Drops at Watch Parties
Bars, breweries, and event venues in Topeka reported noticeably thinner crowds on Super Bowl Sunday compared with past years when the Chiefs played in the game.
While some fans still gathered to watch the matchup between other teams, overall attendance at large public Super Bowl viewing events was smaller.
Some venues reported that party space normally filled early remained partially empty throughout the game.
Local Businesses See Reduced Sales
Restaurants and sports bars typically see a boost in sales on Super Bowl Sunday as customers order game‑day favorites like wings, pizza, burgers, and beer.
In 2026, however, many local business owners in Topeka said that food and drink sales were lower than expected.
Reservations were fewer and walk‑in traffic was down, leading to a less profitable weekend compared with previous years when Chiefs games spiked business.
Event Plans Scaled Back or Canceled
Organizers of community Super Bowl events noted that several planned parties were scaled back or canceled due to less interest from potential attendees.
Smaller crowds and declining reservations made it financially difficult for some venues to host elaborate Super Bowl parties.
Halftime contests, themed decorations, and public screenings that had been popular in earlier years did not materialize at the same scale.
Cultural Effects: Fans React Differently Without Chiefs
The absence of the Chiefs in the Super Bowl also changed how fans talked about and engaged with the event. Local social media groups and community forums showed fewer predictions, fewer themed posts, and a subdued conversation compared with previous seasons.
Many lifelong fans in Topeka expressed disappointment, saying they were watching the game more out of tradition than genuine enthusiasm.
Some fans chose to host small home gatherings with close friends rather than participate in larger public parties.
Others said they were simply going to watch the game quietly rather than make a day of it. The shift in fan tone reflected a broader regional mood, where team loyalty plays a significant role in driving excitement for the biggest game of the year.
Super Bowl Party Comparison: Topeka 2026 vs Previous Years
| Category | Trend in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Watch Party Attendance | Lower than in previous Chiefs‑year celebrations |
| Restaurant & Bar Sales | Decreased compared to prior Super Bowls |
| Organized Super Bowl Events | Fewer than before |
| Fan Engagement & Social Activity | Noticeably reduced |
| Overall Excitement Level | Subdued compared to Chiefs appearances |
The 2026 Super Bowl in Topeka was a departure from the recent party‑filled celebrations fans have grown used to.
Without the Kansas City Chiefs competing for the title, local Super Bowl gatherings were smaller, celebrations were quieter, and businesses that depend on game‑day traffic saw lower revenue.
While the Super Bowl remains a major national event, its cultural and economic impact in Topeka in 2026 was clearly diminished due to the absence of the state’s most popular NFL franchise.