Super Bowl Sunday is America's unofficial national holiday. It is a day when friends and family come together to enjoy some good food, watch the big game, and celebrate American culture. Whether you're a football fan or not, it is a fun day to spend with your loved ones.
For many people, Super Bowl Sunday is a day to relax and watch the game with friends and family. But for others, it is a day to celebrate American culture and tradition. From the pregame show to the halftime show to the commercials, Super Bowl Sunday is a celebration of all things American.
In this post, we will give you an overview of the history and traditions of the Super Bowl and how it has become such an important part of American culture.
What is the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the biggest and most important American football game of the year. It is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL). The game is played between the winner of the NFC (National Football Conference) and the AFC (American Football Conference).
The game is typically held on the first Sunday of February and also a day when many people who do not normally watch football become fans for the day, often because they are interested in the commercials that are aired during the broadcast or because they are simply caught up in the hype surrounding the event.
For football fans, Super Bowl Sunday is a day to celebrate their favorite sport and to root for their team to win. For everyone else, it is a day to enjoy food, drink, and company, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some famous celebrities.
History
Super Bowl Sunday has become one of America's most popular holidays, as millions of people gather together to watch the biggest football game of the year. But how did this annual event even start?
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and was watched by an estimated 51 million people. At that time, it was the most-watched television broadcast in American history. The Green Bay Packers won that first Super Bowl by a score of 35-10. Since then, the annual event has become a tradition for football fans all over the country.
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that was founded in 1920. The league originally consisted of just three teams: the Chicago Bears, the Decatur Staleys, and the Chicago Cardinals. Today, the NFL is made up of 32 teams across the United States.
Each team plays 16 games during the regular season from September to December, with one bye week. After the conclusion of the regular season, six teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, a single-elimination tournament culminating in the Super Bowl, which is usually held in February and determines the champion of the league.
The NFL is considered the premier professional American football league in the world and one of the four major North American professional sports leagues, along with Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL).
NFL winners have been crowned annually since 1967, when Green Bay Packers were victorious over Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I. The most successful team in NFL history is the New England Patriots, who have appeared in 11 Super Bowls, winning six of them.
Name Origin
The name "Super Bowl" was derived from "Superball," a popular toy at the time. It was originally suggested by Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt. He got the idea from watching his daughter play with a super ball. The Chiefs were an AFL team, which gave Hunt a chance to put his idea into action when his team qualified to play in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game in 1967.
At first, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle was not receptive to the idea of calling it the "Super Bowl." However, after Hunt's persistence and some creative thinking on how to make it work, Rozelle eventually relented and agreed to call it the Super Bowl. The first few games did not live up to expectations, but they gradually grew in popularity and prestige. Now, fifty years later, it has become one of America's biggest sporting events and cultural phenomena.
Winning Teams
Winners receive various prizes, including the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which is named after the legendary Packers head coach who enforced a winning culture in his teams. The winning team also receives rings to commemorate their victory. These are made of gold and have diamonds set into them. They are very valuable, and considered to be a great honor to receive one. In recent years, it has also become a tradition for the winning team to visit the White House to meet with the President of the United States.
On the contrary, the teams who don't make it to the playoffs also receive rewards such as draft picks that help them stock their rosters with young and promising players. Therefore, even though not all teams can be crowned as NFL winners, all of them still benefit from being a part of this prestigious league.
In the years that followed, the Super Bowl became increasingly popular. As it has grown in popularity, it has also become more than just a football game. It is now a national celebration, complete with parties, food, and much-awaited commercials.
Duration and Venue
Super Bowl weekend is typically a three-day event, with festivities on Friday and Saturday followed by the game itself on Sunday. These events include the NFL Experience, an interactive theme park featuring exhibits and games; Super Bowl Live, a free concert series; and the Super Bowl Parade, a procession of floats and vehicles featuring players from each team. Super Bowl weekend is also an opportunity for fans to attend other events, such as tailgates, parties, and concerts.
The game itself is usually held in a different city each year. The host city is selected through a bidding process, and the winning city is typically announced three to five years in advance. Some of the most recent Super Bowl host cities include Tampa (2021), Miami Gardens (2020), Atlanta (2019), Minneapolis (2018), and Houston (2017).
The most recent Super Bowl LVI was held on February 13 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game started at 6:30 PM EST and was televised on NBC. This was the first Super Bowl held at SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020.
Covid- 19 Effect
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the sports world, and this was particularly evident during the recent Super Bowl games. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the traditional pre-game festivities, and the stadium was only 37% full.
In October 2020, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health implemented a policy requiring attendees of large outdoor events to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. This policy was in place for the 2021 Super Bowl, which was held in Los Angeles.
In addition to the vaccination requirement, fans who attended the Super Bowl were also required to show proof of a negative PCR test that was taken within 48 hours of the event or a negative antigen test that was taken within 24 hours. To help ensure compliance with these requirements, attendees of the Super Bowl festivities prior to the game and those who attended the game themselves received a free KN95 mask.
Thanks to these precautions, the 2021 Super Bowl was able to largely avoid any major outbreaks of Covid-19. However, it remains to be seen what effect the pandemic will have on future seasons of the NFL.
Unofficial National Holiday
While many people see Super Bowl Sunday as just another day, others have come to view it as an unofficial holiday. There are a number of reasons for this. For one, the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events of the year, with more than 100 million people tuning in to see the game. The event often features a halftime show with some of the biggest names in music, and the commercials during the game are highly anticipated and often talked about long after they air.
Super Bowl Sunday is so important in the USA that even some churches decide to cancel their afternoon or evening services that day. Many shops are empty during the match, especially those located in the regions of the two teams playing the game.
Super Bowl Monday
The day after the Super Bowl is often referred to as "Super Bowl Monday." It is often cited as one of America's most unproductive holidays. The research found that US businesses lost an estimated $6.5 billion in productivity on the Monday after the Super Bowl. The reasons for this are likely varied but can include employees taking extended breaks to watch the game, going to work late, or calling in sick. Some may also use the holiday as an excuse to drink excessively, which can lead to a hangover the next day.
This day is typically unproductive for many people as they are recovering from the game and party the night before. Some businesses have even started to offer "Super Bowl Recovery Kits" that include items such as ibuprofen and Gatorade. Nonetheless, many people still enjoy the day off from work and spend time with family and friends.
Petition
Despite the lack of productivity on Super Bowl Monday, there has not been any serious momentum to make it an official holiday. In 2013, someone launched a petition for the holiday on WhiteHouse.gov, but it did not gain enough signatures to warrant a response from the Obama administration.
In the following year, the ketchup brand, Heinz, started to change the tides and started a change.org petition to "Make the Monday after the "Big Game" a National Holiday!" It has a 100,000 target for them to be able to send it to congress. However, it fell short after just 70,728 signatures.
Although there is no current momentum to make Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday, the petition provides an interesting perspective on the cultural impact of the NFL's biggest game. With more people watching and enjoying the Super Bowl each year, it may only be a matter of time before this dream becomes a reality.
Festivities
As one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and for a good reason, Super Bowl also has week-long festivities leading up to the big game. These festivities include concerts, parties, and other events that are open to the public.
Pre-Game Ceremonies
- The National Anthem - is always performed at the Super Bowl. This year (2022), Mickey Guyton became the first black female country singer to perform at an NFL game. She was backed by several background singers and accompanied on harp for this majestic hymn about America, which many have called beautiful in its simplicity yet powerful message delivered through sign language as well.
- The Coin Toss - Before the game begins, a coin toss is held to determine which team will receive the ball first. The coin toss is usually performed by a celebrity or former player. Billie Jean King had the honor of participating in the coin toss ceremony. The event was particularly significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal civil rights law prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs.
- The Flyover - A flyover is conducted before the start of the game, typically featuring military aircraft. This year, the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Combat Command (ACC) demonstration teams conducted a flyover on Thursday, comprising an A-10 Thunderbolt II, an F-16 Fighting Falcon, an F-22 Raptor, and an F-35 Lightning II as well as a P-51 Mustang representing the Air Force Heritage Flight.
- The Gatorade Shower - After a team wins the Super Bowl, they are often doused with Gatorade by their teammates in a celebratory gesture known as the "Gatorade Shower."
- The Pre-game Show- The pre-game show is a tradition that began in 1967. It features musical performances, interviews, and other entertainment.
- Player introductions - conducted prior to kickoff and allowed fans to see their favorite players on the field. Players are typically introduced in alphabetical order by position.
- The Kickoff - The game begins with a kickoff, during which the kicking team tries to kick the ball as far down the field as possible. The receiving team then tries to run the ball back up the field for a touchdown.
Super Bowl Commercials
Another big draw of the Super Bowl is the commercials. These ads are some of the most expensive and highly anticipated of the year as companies vie for attention during the biggest TV event of the year. In 2022, a 30-second ad costs $6.5 million, which is a 17,233.3% increase from the $37,500 when Super Bowl first started in 1967.
So why are Super Bowl commercials so popular? Part of it has to do with the fact that they are often very funny or emotional. They also tend to be much longer than the average commercial, which gives companies more time to tell a story or make an impact. Additionally, many people who don't normally watch football tune in specifically to see the commercials, which helps to create even more buzz.
Super Bowl commercials are often considered some of the best and most creative of the year. They are also a great way for companies to connect with consumers on a more personal level. For example, in 2019, Budweiser aired an emotional ad about the company's founder, while Microsoft ran a heartwarming spot about a boy with cerebral palsy who was able to walk for the first time with the help of their technology.
Halftime Show
Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have taken the stage during halftime, including Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Madonna, and Justin Timberlake. These shows are carefully choreographed and often feature special guests or unique set pieces. For example, in 2018, Justin Timberlake performed with a marching band, and in 2019, Bruno Mars performed with a massive gospel choir.
Halftime shows are typically around 13 minutes long, but they can be much longer or shorter, depending on the artist. For example, Madonna's 2012 halftime show was just under 12 minutes long, while Beyoncé's 2013 show was nearly 16 minutes long. Not only do these shows provide a fun and entertaining break from the action on the field, but they also offer a rare opportunity for artists to reach a massive global audience.
Culture
The culture surrounding the Super Bowl is one of excitement and anticipation. For many people, the NFL season is a social event, a time to gather with family and friends to watch the game and enjoy the festivities. Super Bowl parties are often filled with food and drinks, and people often dress up in their favorite team's colors or jerseys.
Football Fans
There are few things more divisive than a Super Bowl game. Fans of the sport can be some of the most passionate and vocal fans around, and their team allegiances can run deep. Whether it's cheering on their team at a live game or bonding with fellow fans over shared interests, NFL fans often form strong emotional attachments to their teams.
They live and breathe their team, spending hours watching game tapes and analyzing player stats. On game day, they can be found tailgating in the parking lot or cheering on their team from the stands. No matter what the score is, they always believe that their team has a chance to win. NFL fans are also known for their loyalty. They stick by their team through thick and thin, even when they're having a losing season. This loyalty is why NFL fans are some of the most dedicated and devoted fans in all of the sports.
For many, being a fan is about more than just watching the game; it's about belonging to a community and feeling like they're part of something larger. In a world that can often be unpredictable and confusing, NFL fans find comfort in the familiar rituals and shared traditions of being a fan. At its best, being a fan brings people together and creates a sense of community.
Fashion
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest social events of the year, and its influence extends far beyond the world of sports. In recent years, the Super Bowl has also become a major force in the world of fashion. While some style-savvy fans take the opportunity to show off their team spirit with jerseys and hats, others use the event as an opportunity to dress up in their best game-day gear.
Each year, designers create special super bowl collection lines that are inspired by the event. These collections often feature bold colors and patterns that are designed to stand out. In addition, many super bowl-themed clothing items are created with a sense of fun and whimsy.
For example, some designers have created t-shirts with team logos that double as beer koozies. Others have created hats that feature the face of the winning team's quarterback.
Super Bowl Tickets
Super Bowl tickets are highly coveted items in sports. Each year, fans eagerly await the release of ticket prices, hoping to snag a seat at the biggest game of the year. However, ticket prices can vary widely, depending on factors such as seat location and team availability.
Prices also tend to go up as the game gets closer, so fans who are planning to attend the Super Bowl should be prepared to pay a premium. However, for many fans, the experience of attending the Super Bowl is well worth the cost. After all, it's not every day that you get to see the biggest stars in sports and entertainment come together for one of the most anticipated events of the year.
In general, tickets to the Super Bowl tend to be quite expensive, with the average price for a ticket starting around $4,000. However, there are ways to save money on Super Bowl tickets. Fans can often find deals on secondary market websites, and some companies offer discounts for large groups.
Economy Boost
Around the time of the Super Bowl, hotel occupancy rates always receive a boost. As the biggest annual sporting event in the United States, the Super Bowl brings in a large number of visitors from all over the country. While many people come to town to watch the game itself, others take advantage of the event to explore the host city.
The Super Bowl also has a significant economic impact on the host city. In addition to the influx of visitors, the event also brings in a large amount of media attention and investment. Local businesses often see an increase in business, and the city as a whole benefit from the increased exposure.
In 2021, the Tampa Bay area's hotel revenue for the weekend of February 7th totaled $14.2 million, a 166% jump from last year and an all-time record number of visitors. The Super Bowl is not only a boon for hotels but also for restaurants, bars, and other businesses. The event brings in a huge amount of revenue for businesses in the host city and often has a positive effect on the local economy.
Television Coverage
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most-watched television events in the United States. Millions of people tune in to watch the game, the halftime show, and the commercials. In recent years, it has also been one of the most-watched events worldwide. The game is typically broadcasted on multiple networks in multiple countries.
The first Super Bowl was broadcasted on CBS in 1967. The largest audience ever for a Super Bowl was in 2015, when 114.4 million people tuned in to watch the game. The game has been broadcasted on CBS, NBC, and FOX. The current broadcast rights holders are CBS, NBC, and FOX.
Last year's Super Bowl generated an average audience of 112.3 million people, comprising 101.1 million TV viewers and another 11.2 million streamers. This year's Super Bowl is expected to reach even more viewers, with an estimated 118.8 million people tuning in to watch.
Social Media Coverage
In recent years, the Super Bowl has become one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the world, and social media has played a major role in driving this growth. On platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, fans can follow along with live updates from their favorite teams and players, share their own commentary and predictions, and connect with other fans from around the world.
Next year, the Super Bowl coverage on social media is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. With more people tuning in to watch the game and with social media platforms continuing to grow in popularity, it's likely that the Super Bowl will generate even more social media buzz than it has in previous years.
Super Sunday Traditions
For many people, Super Bowl Sunday is about more than just watching the big game. It's also a time to come together with family and friends to enjoy some good food and shared traditions. For some, that might mean grilling out or eating their favorite game-day snacks. Others might use the occasion to catch up on some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Being a cherished tradition for millions of Americans, while the game itself may be the main attraction for a lot of people, it's simply an excuse to get together and enjoy some time with loved ones.
Super Bowl Parties
Super Bowl parties are a time-honored tradition for many football fans. On game day, family and friends gather to watch the big game, enjoy good food, and root for their favorite team. For many, the festivities begin long before the kickoff, with hours spent preparing for the big event.
Whether you're grilling burgers or wings, making a dip or chili, or just opening up a few bags of chips and snacks, there's no shortage of delicious options for Super Bowl party fare. And, of course, no party is complete without a few cold drinks to wash it all down. From beer and whiskey to soda and punch, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the game day festivities.
Sports Bars
When the biggest game of the year comes around, sports fans know that the best place to watch it is at a Super Bowl sports bar. These bars go all out for the big event, decorating their walls with memorabilia and providing a festive atmosphere for fans to enjoy. They also make sure to have plenty of televisions so that everyone can get a good view of the action, and they offer a wide selection of food and drinks, making them the perfect place to watch the game with friends.
Food
No matter what your favorite team is, everyone can agree that Super Bowl snacks are some of the best parts of the game. From wings and nachos to chili and Dip, there's sure to be something for everyone at your party.
Here are the 10 most common Super Bowl snacks:
- Chicken Wings - a popular choice for Super Bowl Sunday, as they are easy to prepare and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Pizza - is another popular choice for Super Bowl Sunday, as it can be ordered in advance and doesn't require any cooking.
- Burgers - perfect for sharing at Super Bowl parties. They can be made with either hamburger patties or chicken breasts and are typically served on mini hamburger buns
- Chili - a hearty dish that is perfect for watching the big game. It can be made in advance and served with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Nachos - a quick and easy snack that can be made ahead of time and served with a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Potato Skins - a classic Super Bowl food that are a sure hit for both kids and adults alike.
- Veggies and Dip - a healthy option for Super Bowl Sunday. Serve it with ranch dressing or hummus.
- Pretzels - a classic Super Bowl snack that can be enjoyed plain or dipped in mustard or cheese.
- Cheese Platter - a cheese platter is a classic party food. Pair it with your favorite drinks, or add some cold cuts to the platter.
- Popcorn - a light and healthy snack that can be enjoyed either on its own or with a variety of toppings such as melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Drinks
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying the game at home with a few friends, it's important to make sure you have plenty of drinks on hand.
The top 3 Super Sunday drinks are:
- Beer - is a popular choice for many when watching the Super Bowl. There are a variety of brands and styles to choose from, so there is sure to be something for everyone.
- Cocktails - are always a hit at parties, and Super Bowl parties are no exception. There are endless possibilities when it comes to cocktails, so you can get creative and make your own unique drinks.
- Soda - is a popular choice for those who don't drink alcohol or for those who are looking for a non-alcoholic option. There are many different types and flavors of soda to choose from, so you can absolutely find the perfect one to quench your thirst.
Placing Bets
Betting on the Super Bowl is a tradition for many fans. Whether you're betting on who will win the game or which team will score first, adding a little bit of friendly competition can make your party even more fun.
It is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, and it also happens to be one of the biggest days for placing bets. In fact, Americans are expected to bet $7.6 billion on this year's game. It's not just professional gamblers who are getting in on the action; many people who don't normally bet on sports will place a few wagers on the Super Bowl too.
There are a number of ways to bet:
- MoneyLine bets - A MoneyLine bet is simply a bet on which team will win the game. No point spread is involved. The odds will be expressed as either a positive or a negative number. A negative number indicates how much you need to risk in order to win $100. A positive number indicates how much you would win if you risk $100.
For example, let's say that the Golden State Warriors are -200 to win their game against the Los Angeles Lakers. This means that you would need to risk $200 in order to win $100. On the other hand, if you bet on the Lakers +180, this means that you would win $180 if you risk $100.
- Point spread bets - A point spread bet is a wager on the margin of victory in a game. In basketball and football, bookmakers typically set a line that predicts how many points one team will win or lose. Bettors then choose whether they believe the favorite will win by more points than the line or the underdog will lose by fewer points than the line. If they are correct, they will receive a payout based on the odds of their bet.
For example, if a bettor bets on the favorite to win by 7 points and the favorite wins by 10, the bettor will receive a payout. However, if the favorite only wins by 6, the bettor will lose their stake.
- Prop bets - A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a wager on the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event during a particular game or season. Prop bets are usually offered on more esoteric aspects of the game than traditional bets, such as betting on which team will win or lose.
For example, a prop bet might be offered on whether a certain player will score a touchdown in a football game or whether a baseball player will get a hit in his first at-bat of the season. Prop bets are often offered as side bets to add excitement to the game for both avid and casual fans alike. While some prop bets can be based on skill, many are simply the luck of the draw.
If you are thinking about placing a bet on the Super Bowl, it's important to understand the basics of how to do it. With a little bit of research, you can increase your chances of winning big. So, what are you waiting for? The game is just around the corner!
Games
If you're not into betting, there are plenty of other games you can play during the big game. While the game itself is always enjoyable, there are other ways to make a Super Bowl party even more fun. Try halftime quizzes or commercial bingo to keep everyone entertained between plays, or set up a few party games that everyone can play throughout the course of the evening. Some popular options include football trivia quizzes, betting pools, and scavenger hunts. There are also many commercial games available that are specifically designed for Super Bowl parties.
Charity
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Super Bowl is the charity drives that take advantage of the large audience tuning in. These charity drives raise awareness and funds for important causes, and they would not be nearly as successful without the support of the Super Bowl. In recent years, drives have been held to support a variety of causes, including cancer research, relief efforts for natural disasters, and programs for military families.
The publicity generated by the game provides a powerful platform for these drives, and they have helped to raise millions of dollars for worthy causes. One of the most successful drives was the #SuperBowl52Challenge, which encouraged people to donate to food banks in honor of each touchdown scored during the game. The challenge was taken up by tens of thousands of people, and it resulted in considerable donations for food banks across the US.
Conclusion
Although the Super Bowl is not an official holiday, it has become a cultural revolution. Millions of people tune in to watch the game and experience the excitement with friends and family. Whether you're into betting, playing games, or watching commercials, there's something for everyone during the Super Bowl. And, if you're feeling generous, you can even use the game as an opportunity to support a worthy cause.
