The Exchange Hosts Super Bowl LIX Championship Tailgate Party in Germany

The Kaiserslautern Military Community Center Exchange on Ramstein Air Base was the place to be for Super Bowl LIX, as TKS, USO and the Ramstein Exchange hosted an unforgettable celebration. The free event brought the excitement of the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs championship game to the heart of the Kaiserslautern community.

The festivities kicked off at 9 p.m. with an action-packed pre-game tailgate that included music, games, giveaways and family-friendly activities. Guests enjoyed free plates of pizza, chicken wings and biscuits, provided by the Exchange and sponsored by TKS for the first 600 attendees—keeping everyone fueled up for the big game.

At 12:30 a.m., fans gathered to watch the Eagles and Chiefs face off at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The game was streamed live in high-definition on a massive 20-foot LCD screen, offering an immersive experience that brought the excitement of the Super Bowl to life for military families stationed overseas.

“The Super Bowl is a huge event for our service members and their families, and we were thrilled to bring that experience to Ramstein,” said Col. Bud Lacroix, Europe/Southwest Asia/African Region commander. “The tailgate, the big-screen viewing and all the activities created a sense of home and camaraderie for our community.”

Throughout the night, attendees enjoyed a performance from a live DJ, as well as a photo booth and plenty of games for the whole family. A Biggest Fan competition also took place, giving Eagles and Chiefs fans the chance to show off their team pride.

Tech Sgt. Akeiria Moody of the 693rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group from Phoenix, Arizona, expressed how special the event was for her as an Eagles fan.

“I think this event is really great, especially being more than 4,000 miles from home,” she said. “I also love that it was a great family event with all the games and food for everyone.”

Families from across the Kaiserslautern military community lined up at the Exchange’s main entry to be the first to grab a seat and enjoy the event.

“With more than 700 people in attendance, we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout,” said Sgt. Maj. Ashley Ikegwuonu, Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region Senior Enlisted Advisor. “Bringing the community together to celebrate something special, no matter where in the world they may be is what the Exchange is all about.”

It didn’t matter what football team the guests were rooting for, everyone was welcome to the big show, even the young guests.

For Chiefs fan and Kansas native Maj. William Keller, U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command / A1, the party gave him a taste of home.

“This is our first year here in Germany, and not knowing what to expect, this event turned out to be great,” he said. “The place is packed but still very kid friendly. I would recommend the party to all my Airmen.”

Whether it’s BBQ cookouts in Poland or Marvel movies in Lithuania, the Exchange brings a piece of home to service members across the globe.

“This event was a perfect example of the Exchange’s ‘We Go Where You Go’ motto,” Ikegwuonu said. “It was a chance for military families to experience the Super Bowl and all the excitement of home, no matter where they were stationed.”

Check out this Flickr album for more than 100 photos from the event.

KMC associates and USO officials in the house for KMC’s Super Bowl LIX tailgate party. Front row, from left: Krystal McLaurin, Services Business Manager; Brian Smith, Main Store Manager; Carla McDowell, General Manager. Back row, from left: Konrad Brau, USO Area Director, Western Europe; Bill York, Vending and Services Assistant, KMC Services; Anjyla Krzynowek, Services Business Tech, KMC Services; Alicia Wease,  USO Senior Area Operations Manager; Karin Martins, KMC Food Court Manager. TKS, USO and the Ramstein Exchange hosted  the celebration. (U.S. Army photo by MSG Caleb Barrieau)