Ever imagined swapping your football cleats for a costume made of sugar-cane grass and still making it to the Super Bowl? That’s exactly how Santa Clara local Nick Garcia scored big at the iconic event! Born next door to Levi's Stadium, Nick grew up a die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan with one goal – stepping onto the Super Bowl turf.
Last February, his wish came true, though not quite as he expected. Nick made his grand Super Bowl entrance not as a player, but as 'Bush Number D83' in Bad Bunny's mind-blowing halftime show, alongside 400 others in a performance that left everyone cheering. ‘I always pictured myself running out onto the field as a football player,’ Nick laughed over a Zoom call, ‘And being there in the way I was, amidst the roar and flashes, was just as amazing!’
Bad Bunny’s halftime act didn’t just electrify audiences with its stunning visuals and storytelling. Social media exploded at the ‘walking bushes’ – yep, those were real people, not fancy props! When videos hit the internet, it sparked a frenzy as fans dubbed the look the ultimate new Halloween costume. (We see you, but hey, isn’t it a touch early to start planning for October?)
‘It’s crazy how people are vibing with us grass folks!’ Nick said. But there’s more to the story. The reason for using human performers rather than actual props? Levi’s Stadium’s sacred grass! To protect the real-green turf, organizers limited on-field carts, and voilà – a call went out for performers who could add flair and funk to the field. Who knew being a human bush could be so viral?
Nick seized the opportunity like the true fan he is, thanks to a casting call by Backlit, a staffing agency for live events. ‘Being so close to home, I thought, “Why not?”’ Nick admitted. After sending in his measurements and a headshot, the dream took a twist that day he put on the costume — a hefty 35 to 40-pound grass piece balanced on his shoulders. ‘But when Bad Bunny’s in, nothing can weigh you down,’ he declared.
The showstopper day was an adrenaline-packed adventure. From an exciting 7 a.m. wake-up call to standing on the grand stage, Nick soaked in every thrilling moment. ‘I kept saying, “Don’t be nervous; this is epic!” By the time we bused over to Levi’s, the vibe was pure electric – singing, dancing, joy.’
Nick Garcia’s wild Super Bowl journey shows dreams come true in the most surprising ways, especially when you’re game for anything – even when it means becoming a part of the field in the world’s biggest halftime party!