[Beginnings.]
The first National Football League (NFL) championship game took place on January 15, 1967, and became a cultural phenomenon known around the globe, attracting an audience of millions each year. The game was initially labeled the AFL/NFL World Championship Game; and it was not until 1969 that it was named 'Super Bowl' by Lamar Hunt, the founder of AFL and the owner of the Chiefs, who came up with the name after seeing his children playing with a super ball toy. The Roman numerals system was chosen to avoid confusion, given that the actual championship game is played at the end of the playoffs when two teams must secure the top spots to compete in the ultimate battle in February. The first two championships were retroactively named Super Bowls I and II. The only known recording of the first game, broadcast by CBS, is owned by nurse Troy Haupt. His father, Martin Haupt, recorded it using a Quadruplex taping machine. A lengthy legal standoff between Haupt and the NFL has prevented the footage from being shown. While the NFL owns the content, Haupt owns the object and has asked for $1 million, which the NFL declined. If he sold to anyone else, he’d be profiting from content that is not his. The original tape is locked in a vault in New York City; however, a copy made its way to YouTube.
The average ticket to watch the first game in person cost $12, with the cheapest seat at just $6, equal to $111.88 today, considered high enough to leave one-third of the stadium empty. The average attendance for a Super Bowl is around 70,000 to 80,000 people, with tickets found on secondary markets at $8696, the average ticket costing $10,891, and up to $81,800.00 for a VIP seat.
[Halftime-Show.]
Struggling to consistently ensure a competitive championship game that would keep people tuning in to watch, the NFL invested in halftime and pregame showcases that distract from football. The marching bands were uneventful, but when the Walt Disney Company produced the halftime show, 'It’s a Small World,' in 1977, audiences started to pay attention. Over time, the show evolved into a much-anticipated event that showcases famous musicians and entertainers. In the early days, performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing, and Up With People graced the stage. Throughout the 90s, more big names, including Michael Jackson in 1993, Diana Ross in 1996, Aerosmith, *NSYNC, Britney Spears in 2001, Prince in 2007; Madonna, joined by LMFAO, and M.I and Nicki Minaj in 2012. In 2013, Beyoncé brought out Destiny’s Child for their reunion. In 2014, Bruno Mars included the 'Gold-Plated-Bruno-Grenade-Jaguars Cheerleaders, and in 2015, Katy Perry rode a giant mechanical tiger. Following half-time shows featured Coldplay, who performed alongside Beyoncé and Bruno Mars in 2016, and Lady Gaga jumping off roofs in 2017. In 2018, Justin Timberlake returned to the halftime stage as the headliner and invited his former bandmates from *NSYNC for a surprise reunion. The show also featured a tribute to Prince and utilized hologram technology for the first time. In 2020, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira showcased their Latin heritage and paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, who had passed away a few weeks earlier. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, The Weeknd delivered a performance of 'Blinding Lights' and 'Save Your Tears' at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, in 2021, featuring intricate choreography and a light display. His setlist included surprises like a choir dressed in matching red suits and dancers with bandaged faces who paid homage to his famous music video for 'Can't Feel My Face.' In 2022, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar took the stage. Rihanna was the artist at the Super Bowl in 2023 and Usher in 2024. Performers are not paid in a traditional sense. The NFL covers all production costs, including stage setup, equipment, and security. However, artists typically see a significant increase in sales and streaming numbers following their shows, which can result in higher earnings. Some also negotiate additional endorsements or appearance fees as part of their agreement. It is estimated that some top-tier performers may receive fees upwards of $1 million.
[Advertising.]
After Apple’s '1984' commercial, advertising rates soared to over $500,000 for a 30-second spot, sparking the emergence of the 'Ad Bowl,' an unofficial marketing competition to produce the most creative and memorable television commercial. With all the attention, more and more advertisers saw an opportunity to use this platform to showcase their creativity and captivate audiences through emotional storytelling and humor. There have been memorable commercials like Budweiser's 'Puppy Love,' Doritos' 'Crash The Superbowl' contest-winning ads featuring user-generated content, and Coca-Cola's heartfelt message of diversity. These ads became viral sensations overnight and left an impact far beyond just product promotion. The games attract viewers from all demographics and backgrounds, allowing companies to reach out to a diverse audience simultaneously and making the competition fierce among advertisers. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend toward incorporating social issues and causes into Super Bowl ads, with advertisers using their platform to create awareness about important topics such as equality, mental health, and environmental conservation. These ads showcase brands' values and spark meaningful conversations among viewers, which seems to justify an investment starting at around $5 million for a 30-second spot to over $10 million for longer or more elaborated ads.
[Hosting.]
As fans cheer and advertisers invest in creating memorable commercials to prepare for the Super Bowl, the host city focuses on the infrastructure to accommodate the event. In the past, warm weather was the primary factor in determining which city would host the Super Bowl. This is why cities such as Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Pasadena, and San Diego have hosted 34 of the 53 Super Bowls since the game’s inception in 1967. Initially, the NFL would invite cities to bid, and the league would narrow down the selection. Finally, the 32 owners would vote to determine the Super Bowl location. However, more recently, the NFL has changed its approach, asking cities if they would like to host the game, and if they accept, then the terms are negotiated. In addition to having the volunteer staff and stadium ready for the event's demand, the cities are responsible for working with law enforcement to secure all venues, including the game site and other NFL, host, and media events. Authorities identify the Super Bowl as a SEAR event, which means it has a 'Special Event Assessment Rating.' As a result, law enforcement plays a critical role, from the FBI to the Marine Patrol.
[Controversy.]
During the halftime show in 2004, an incident involving Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson, referred to as 'Nipplegate,' caused speculation that it was a publicity stunt and triggered discussions about increased regulation of broadcasting. The 'wardrobe malfunction' that exposed one of Jackson's breasts resulted in the singer being the most-searched person in 2004 and 2005, and it became the most-watched, recorded, and replayed television moment in history. 2015 saw one of the most significant controversies in the history of the Super Bowl on the field. The scandal, known as 'Inflate-gate' or
'Deflate-gate' involved allegations that the New England Patriots had deflated the footballs used in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. This would have made the balls easier to grip and throw, giving the Patriots an unfair advantage. The incident sparked an investigation by the NFL, which resulted in sanctions being imposed on the Patriots organization and their quarterback, Tom Brady. Despite the scandal, the Patriots appeared in nine Super Bowls between 2001 and 2019, becoming one of the most dominant teams in NFL history. On the stage, Bruno Mars and Coldplay, who headlined the 2016 halftime show, were joined by Beyoncé. Her performance of her hit 'Formation' resulted in politicians and fans feeling that it was a statement of Black pride. In 2017, her husband, rapper Jay-Z, declined the invitation to head the show, later revealing that his decision was based on 'principle' when the NFL requested he bring out singers Kayne West and Rihanna.
[Latest.]
The LIII Super Bowl 2019 saw the New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams, and a new era of American football began. The following season brought many changes and challenges for teams as they aimed to dethrone the reigning champions. One of the most significant changes was in player movements, with many star players making big splashes with their new teams during free agency. Notable transfers included Antonio Brown joining Tom Brady and the Patriots, who continued winning despite teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens emerging as strong contenders. However, injuries plagued some critical players throughout the first half of the season. Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees suffered severe injuries that kept them out for several weeks, giving other players a chance to step up and showcase their talents. The stage was set for Super Bowl LIV in Miami, with the Chiefs facing off against the 49ers. The game lived up to its hype as both teams exchanged blows throughout all four quarters. In a tight back-and-forth battle, it came down to Mahomes' performance to secure the win for the Chiefs. In the Super Bowl LVIII, 2024, the NFL’s female viewership skyrocketed thanks to pop idol Taylor Swift’s relationship with Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce. The statistics show 9% more female viewers than in the 2023 Super Bowl, bringing up to 58.8 million women.
History doesn't sit still.