President Donald Trump has confirmed he will not be present at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara this evening as the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60.
The 79-year-old cited the journey to California as his primary reason for staying away.
"It's just too far away," he told the New York Post last month.
However, the President has also been vocal in his opposition to tonight's halftime entertainment.
Speaking about rapper Bad Bunny and punk band Green Day, Mr Trump said: "I'm anti-them.
"I think it's a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred."
Insiders have suggested that his team advised caution after warning the president he could face a hostile reception from spectators at the California venue.
This marks a departure from last year, when Trump attended the championship game in New Orleans and watched the Philadelphia Eagles secure a comfortable victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
President Donald Trump has confirmed he will not be present at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara this evening for the Super Bowl
|GETTY
Bad Bunny has been outspoken in criticising immigration policies, including remarks at the recent Grammy Awards, whilst Green Day have similarly declined to show support for the President.
Despite opting to watch from Florida rather than attend in person, Mr Trump shared his thoughts on the quarterback battle ahead of boarding his flight to Palm Beach.
The President declined to pick a winner but expressed enthusiasm for both signal-callers.
He told reporters: "I can't say who I'm picking, but they're two really good teams."
LATEST NFL NEWS
Donald Trump labelled artists like Bad Bunny and Green Day as 'terrible', saying they 'sow hatred' | REUTERSOn Seattle's Sam Darnold, President Trump remarked: "You have a quarterback who looked like he wasn't going to make it, and he did."
He praised the veteran's journey back from difficult spells with the Jets and Panthers.
Regarding New England's Drake Maye, the President suggested the Patriots should have started him sooner, having previously called the young quarterback "a fantastic draft pick."
Conservative organisation Turning Point USA has arranged an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock and other performers, which President Trump is expected to tune into from his Palm Beach residence.
Bad Bunny's appearance at the Super Bowl follows a landmark moment at the Grammy Awards on Sunday | GETTY/GBNEWSWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday: "I think the president would much prefer a Kid Rock performance over Bad Bunny, I must say that."
The White House also released a message wishing the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots well in the game.
It read: "This Super Bowl Sunday, I send my best wishes to the athletes and coaches of the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks as they take the field and to the millions of Americans gathering across the country to watch these two storied franchises compete on one of the grandest and most legendary stages in all of sports.
"As our country proudly marks 250 glorious years of American independence, tonight’s game carries special meaning."
Later on in the lengthy message, the President concluded: "Melania and I congratulate both teams on earning their place in Super Bowl LX, and we wish them luck as they compete for the National Football League’s iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy. May tonight’s game reflect the best of football and the enduring triumph of the American spirit-and may the best team win!"
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