Behind the Foliage: The Untold Story of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Grass Dancers
While Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny commanded the spotlight during Sunday's electrifying Super Bowl halftime show at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, a dedicated ensemble of hundreds of background performers made their own unique contribution, concealed within innovative plant-like costumes. These dancing bundles of grass became an unexpected visual hallmark of the performance, which served as a vibrant tribute to the artist's cultural heritage.
The Rigors of Being a Blade of Grass
One of the individuals inside the swishing green outfits was content creator Andrew Athias, who traveled from Philadelphia for the opportunity. In a revealing social media post after the show, Athias finally disclosed his role, writing: "FINALLY let the cat out of the bag....or the grass." A self-professed major fan of Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Ocasio, Athias provided Insider with detailed insights into the demanding experience.
The hiring process was selective, with the production company seeking individuals who met specific height and athletic criteria. According to Athias, performers needed the stamina to wear a costume exceeding 40 pounds in weight and the ability to dance comfortably in close proximity to others. "They didn't tell us we'd be wearing a grass costume and kept it super vague," he explained, highlighting the secrecy surrounding the role.
Physical Demands and Production Ingenuity
The reality of the performance was physically taxing. "The suits were heavy and uncomfortable," Athias admitted. "Every now and again, you'll have a blade of plastic grass going places where grass should not go. Fortunately, we were given some protective goggles." A dedicated production crew was available to make adjustments to the elaborate plant-like garb as the extras prepared.
Preparation was intense, with the final three rehearsal sessions each lasting a grueling 12 hours. Athias also disclosed that performers were compensated at a rate of $18.70 per hour for their efforts.
A Creative Solution for Stadium Preservation
The concept of the dancing grass clusters, interspersed with artificial sugar cane and palm trees on the field, originated from a clever production necessity. The creative team, led by producers Bruce and Shelley Rodgers, devised this imaginative workaround to protect the natural turf of Levi's Stadium during the halftime intermission.
This innovation was partly driven by strict NFL guidelines, as reported by Wired, which limit equipment movement to no more than 25 carts. The grassy costumes allowed the production to achieve the lush, atmospheric setting Bad Bunny envisioned without damaging the playing field or exceeding logistical constraints.
Shared Experiences of the Performance Ensemble
Athias was not alone in sharing his experience. Other participants, like Instagram user @vicivoli, celebrated their involvement, calling it the "best day ever" in behind-the-scenes footage that documented the extensive lead-up to the live broadcast. Their collective efforts, though physically demanding, contributed to a memorable and culturally resonant spectacle that captivated a global audience during one of the world's most-watched television events.
