Super Bowl

Super Bowl rings on display

SuperBowl I - Los Angeles Coliseum

1986 Jeno's Pizza - 15 - Willie Davis (cropped)

1986 Jeno's Pizza - 37 - Joe Namath (cropped)

1986 Jeno's Pizza - 46 - Terry Bradshaw (cropped)

1986 Jeno's Pizza - 28 - Roger Craig (cropped)

Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), which pits the champions of the league's two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), against each other. The game is the culmination of a regular season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. Normally played on the first Sunday in February, the Super Bowl has become one of the most famous and watched sporting events in the United States, with festivities and performances from top artists during its halftime show adding to the allure.

History

The Super Bowl was created as part of a merger agreement between the NFL and its then-rival league, the American Football League (AFL), in 1966. The first game, known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, was played on January 15, 1967. The name "Super Bowl" was adopted a few years later, with the game's Roman numerals used to identify each game rather than the year it was held. The Super Bowl has grown in popularity and spectacle over the decades, becoming a de facto American national holiday known as "Super Bowl Sunday."

Game

The Super Bowl is played between the winners of the AFC and NFC Championships. The team with the better regular-season record is typically designated as the home team. The game is held in a pre-selected location, usually a neutral site that is chosen several years in advance, allowing for extensive preparation and festivities in the host city.

Halftime Show

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from a basic marching band performance to a major concert that has featured some of the most popular musicians and entertainers in the world, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Beyoncé. The halftime show has become a significant aspect of the game's entertainment value, attracting viewers who might not be interested in the game itself.

Commercials

Super Bowl commercials have become a cultural phenomenon, with many viewers tuning in just to watch the innovative and often humorous ads. Companies spend millions of dollars for a 30-second spot during the broadcast, aiming to capitalize on the game's massive viewership. The high cost of advertising reflects the Super Bowl's status as one of the most-watched television events each year.

Impact and Legacy

The Super Bowl has a significant impact on American culture and the advertising industry, influencing everything from television ratings to music sales and social media trends. It has also played a key role in the globalization of American football, with broadcasts reaching audiences around the world.

Records and Notable Games

Over the years, the Super Bowl has been the stage for many of the NFL's most memorable moments and performances. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers have enjoyed multiple victories, while players such as Tom Brady and Joe Montana have cemented their legacies with standout performances.

See Also

• List of Super Bowl champions
• Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award
• NFL playoffs