St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino took to social media with an unexpected message after the NFL’s Super Bowl LX halftime show. His remarks welcomed Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny to the heart of college basketball in a way few expected.
Pitino spotlighted Bad Bunny’s performance, calling it “awesome” and extending an open invitation for him to sit on the Johnnies’ bench at any game. The gesture came after the culturally charged halftime set that captivated millions and sparked wide conversation across sports and entertainment communities.
Super Bowl, Bad Bunny, NFL
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Bad Bunny performs the halftime show in Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 73-year-old coach, who leads St. John’s and once coached the Puerto Rican national team, made the remark on social media, reinforcing his admiration for the artist’s work and the connection he feels to Puerto Rico. Pitino’s appreciation stood in contrast to some of the public criticism that followed the halftime show.
Bad Bunny’s appearance at Super Bowl LX was notable for its vivid cultural expression and broad reach, drawing record attention and becoming one of the most talked-about halftime performances in recent memory. His entirely Spanish-language set placed Latin identity at the forefront of America’s premier sporting event, leaving an impression across a diverse audience.
St. John’s Head Coach Rick Pitino Gives Bad Bunny Free Tickets After NFL Super Bowl Performance
NFL, Rick Pitino
Feb 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino watches from the bench in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Pitino gave Bad Bunny a free pass to his team’s games after his recent performance at the Super Bowl. This can be seen in a post he made on his official X account.
As someone who spent time in Puerto Rico as their National Coach, watching Bad Bunny at halftime was awesome. @sanbenito you have a seat on the Johnnies bench anytime. Viva Puerto Rico!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) February 9, 2026
For Pitino, the offer is more than a playful social media flourish. It underscores the coach’s long career and personal ties to Puerto Rico, where he once led the national team, and reflects the growing intersections between sports, culture and entertainment. With St. John’s riding a strong season under his guidance, Pitino’s invitation adds a light-hearted twist to his team’s profile.
As the college basketball world continues its grind toward March, Pitino’s unexpected shout-out to Bad Bunny serves as a reminder of how sport can embrace moments that transcend the court. Whether the rapper ever accepts remains unknown, but the sentiment has already resonated with fans everywhere.
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