When I left for Italy, one of my more minor concerns about spending a semester abroad in Europe was possibly missing out on a great American holiday, the Super Bowl. Each year, every red-blooded American tunes in to watch the ultimate in event in American sports. Whether your favorite team is involved or not, it is almost sacrilegious as an American to not watch this great spectacle. I was particularly concerned because my hometown Steelers were headed to playoffs and a possible trip in Dallas in February. However, for anyone studying abroad in Milan, have no fear as several places in the city showed the game (If you are staying in Rome, there is an entire Steelers Bar!)

Fiori Oscuri and Bar Magenta both hosted large Super Bowl parties so that Americans in Milan could still experience the game. My roommates, friends, and I went to Fiori Oscuri, a sports bar owned and operated by an American from Texas who has lived in Italy for 18 years, and watched the game with fellow college students studying in Milan, as well as ex-pats living in the city. With perhaps the most cliche American menu ever, (4 options: Cheeseburger, 2 Hot Dogs, Chicken Strips, or Chicken Quesadilla, each served with fries) it was like watching the game in America. The only downside was that we were not able watch any of the famous Super Bowl commercials, since the broadcast we got included analysis of the game during each commercial break.

Even though I was disappointed in the result, I had a great time watching the game. Its really true when they say that Steelers fans are everywhere as a good portion of the bar was filled with Pittsburgh fans from back in the States. I even met 3 Americans from Pittsburgh who now live in Milan. One woman actually participated in the exact same IES study abroad program 9 years ago and has lived in Milan for the past 2 years. Small world.

Here is picture of one of my good friends in the program and I showing off our Steelers Pride:

Gotta give a shout out to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Great game. Classy guy and classy organization. As far the Steelers are concerned, the “Stairway to Seven” continues.

Location: Fiori Oscuri, 4, Milano, Italy