The Super Bowl is the annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States. It holds a significant place in American sports culture, serving as the culminating event of every NFL season since 1966 when it replaced the NFL Championship Game.
Millions of viewers around the world eagerly anticipate the Super Bowl each year. With an average audience of 115.1 million viewers both through The FOX network and digital streaming, this grand spectacle has grown to become one of the most-watched sporting events in America and a highly anticipated television extravaganza. It is typically played on a Sunday afternoon.
The winning team of the Super Bowl is awarded the prestigious Vince Lombardi Trophy, named so after the legendary coach who led the Green Bay Packers to victory in the first two Super Bowls.
The day on which the Super Bowl is played is fondly known as “Super Bowl Sunday” or simply “Super Sunday.” It has transcended being just a football game; it has become a national holiday of sorts. Many people host Super Bowl parties or gather at bars and restaurants to watch the game together. Additionally, the Super Bowl features a halftime show, which showcases some of the biggest names in the music industry.
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Why does the Super Bowl have Roman numerals?
Here is a cool quirk about the Super Bowl – it is numbered using Roman numerals. You know, those I’s, V’s, X’s, L’s, C’s, D’s, and M’s you might have seen in ancient history. Super Bowl V was the first to get this special treatment.
Why the Roman numerals? Well, it is a tradition. It helps clear up confusion because the Super Bowl happens in the year following the regular football season. The NFL even went back and added numerals I through IV to the first four Super Bowls to keep things consistent. In a nutshell, Roman numerals give the Super Bowl a touch of history and a unique twist. Each year’s game gets a special label, making it a part of a long and storied tradition. It is an interesting fact that adds some character to this famous sports event.
Quick guide to understand Roman numerals
Roman numerals are pretty nifty. You arrange them in a certain order to make numbers:
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
Example: So, if you want to write 58, you put together 50 (L) and 5 (V) and 1 (I) and 1 (I) and 1 (I) – it becomes LVIII.
When is the Super Bowl, and What Time Does It Start?
In 2024, the 58th Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, February 11th. Mark your calendars because it is a day filled with football, fun, and entertainment.
The Super Bowl is a much-anticipated event, and the timing of this football extravaganza is carefully planned. Since 2022, the game has been scheduled for the second Sunday in February, when the NFL added an extra game week in the regular season, making it a regular season of 17 games instead.
What time does the Super Bowl start? The Super Bowl starts at 06:30 PM Eastern time, but that can vary depending on where you are in the world. The Super Bowl kickoff times in different time zones are as follows:
| Sunday | |
| International Date Line West | 11:30 AM |
| Midway Island, Samoa | 12:30 PM |
| Hawaii | 01:30 PM |
| Alaska | 02:30 PM |
| Pacific Time (US/ Canada), Tijuana | 03:30 PM |
| Mountain Time (US/ Canada), Chihuahua, Mazatlan | 04:30 PM |
| Central America, Central Time (US/Canada), Mexico City | 05:30 PM |
| Eastern Time (US/Canada), Colombia, Peru, Cuba | 06:30 PM |
| Atlantic Time (Canada), Caracas, La Paz, Santiago | 07:30 PM |
| Newfoundland, Brasilia, Rio, Argentina, Greenland | 08:30 PM |
| Mid-Atlantic | 09:30 PM |
| Azores, Cape Verde island | 10:30 PM |
| UK, Iceland, Ghana, Senegal, Mali | 11:30 PM |
| Monday | |
| France, Germany, Central Europe Time, West Africa Time | 12:30 AM |
| Eastern Europe Time, Central Africa Time, Greece, Egypt | 01:30 AM |
| East Africa Time, Moscow, Iraq, Kuwait, Kenya | 02:30 AM |
| Iran | 03:00 AM |
| Armenia, Georgia, Oman, United Arab Emirates | 03:30 AM |
| Afghanistan | 04:00 AM |
| Pakistan, Kazakhstan (west), Uzbekistan | 04:30 AM |
Who is Playing in Super Bowl LVIII?
In the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII, football fans are in for an exciting rematch. The Kansas City Chiefs, donning their red and gold home jerseys, will face off against the San Francisco 49ers, who will be wearing their white away uniforms.
Kansas City Chiefs: A Football Legacy
The Kansas City Chiefs have a rich football heritage. Originally known as the Dallas Texans, they were part of the American Football League (AFL) from 1960 to 1962. In 1963, the team underwent a transformation when owner Lamar Hunt relocated them to Kansas City and rebranded them as the Chiefs. Their early success saw them secure three AFL championships in the 1960s, establishing themselves as one of the league’s premier teams.
The Chiefs celebrated their first Super Bowl victory in 1970, defeating the Minnesota Vikings with a score of 23-7. This triumph marked the beginning of a legacy that continues to this day. Arrowhead Stadium, their current home, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and innovative seating design. Recent years have seen the Chiefs rise to prominence, largely thanks to the incredible talents of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. They clinched their second Super Bowl title in 2020 with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers and added a third in 2023, triumphing over the Philadelphia Eagles.
San Francisco 49ers: A Historic Franchise
Even though the team is called The San Francisco 49ers, they were established in the year 1946 as members of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). Following the AAFC’s merger with the NFL in 1949, the 49ers became the league’s 10th-oldest franchise. In 1977, under the ownership of Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. and the guidance of coach Bill Walsh, the 49ers entered a golden era. Within a short span, they secured their first Super Bowl in 1982 by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 26-21.
Led by the legendary quarterback Joe Montana, the 49ers continued their reign of excellence, capturing three more Super Bowl titles, bringing their total to four by 1990. After a period of rebuilding, the team made a triumphant return to the Super Bowl in 2020 under the leadership of head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, they were narrowly defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs. With these two football powerhouses set to collide once more in Super Bowl LVIII, fans worldwide can anticipate a riveting showdown that will undoubtedly leave its mark in football history.
How is the home team decided for the Super Bowl?
Determining which team gets to play at home and which team plays on the road in the Super Bowl is a straightforward process. It follows a simple alternating pattern between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC).
In the previous Super Bowl, Super Bowl LVII, the Philadelphia Eagles, representing the NFC, were designated as the home team. Consequently, for Super Bowl LVIII, the AFC champion, which in this case are the Kansas City Chiefs, will enjoy the home-field advantage.
Previous Super Bowl winners
As we anticipate the clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, it is worth reflecting on the illustrious history of this championship game. The Super Bowl has been a stage for remarkable performances and unforgettable moments, with each year adding to its legacy of excellence.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the list of past Super Bowl winners, each team etching their name in the annals of football history with triumphant victories.
Where is the Super Bowl LVIII played?
Super Bowl LVIII is taking place at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, marking the city’s debut as a Super Bowl host. The stadium, home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, is known for its striking design and cutting-edge technology. While it can currently seat approximately 65,000 fans, organizers have the option to expand capacity to meet the NFL’s 70,000-seat requirement for Super Bowl venues. Possible expansion areas include the iconic Al Davis Torch landing and the Wynn Field Club on the opposite end zone, potentially accommodating up to 72,000 spectators. Besides hosting the Super Bowl, Allegiant Stadium serves as a versatile venue for various events and significantly contributes to the local economy.
Choosing the Super Bowl Location: How They Choose It
Selecting the place where the Super Bowl happens is a big deal. It is not just about the game and the teams; it is also about where it all takes place. This process has changed a lot over the years, and it is not just about the weather anymore. In the past, the weather was a big factor because the Super Bowl is in February. So, places with harsh winters, like Alaska, were never considered. But that might change with climate change.
Before, cities that wanted to host the Super Bowl had to send proposals to the NFL. The league would then pick a few finalists who had to submit huge proposals, sometimes over 600 pages long! It could take a year to put these together, and the final decision was made by the 32 team owners. But recently, things have changed. Since 2018, the NFL hasn’t asked cities to compete anymore. Instead, they pick a place they like and ask them to make a proposal. Then, it is up to the team owners to say yes or no.
But there are some rules for a place to be allowed to host the Super Bowl. The stadium has to be in a city with an NFL team and have at least 70,000 seats and the right media and electrical fittings. They can add temporary seats, but the NFL has to say it is okay. If the stadium’s average temperature on game day is below 50°F (10°C), it needs a roof or special permission.
There also have to be at least 35,000 parking spots less than a mile from the stadium. The host city has to set up a fun area for fans called the Gameday Experience near the stadium. There is also the NFL Experience, a big football theme park that’s open the week before the Super Bowl. That needs a place with lots of room—either 850,000 square feet indoors or 1,000,000 square feet outdoors. The host city has to take care of the Media Center and other Super Bowl events like golf and bowling. Everything around the stadium, like parking, security, electricity, media stuff, communication, and transportation, has to be ready.
Hotels are important too. There have to be enough hotels within an hour’s drive of the stadium to fit 35% of the stadium’s capacity. And there needs to be hotels for teams, officials, media, and important people. Both teams also need good practice places near their hotels, and there have to be spaces for rehearsals of Super Bowl events.
So, picking the Super Bowl location is a serious business with lots of rules to make sure it is a great experience for everyone. This year, the Super Bowl is happening at the brand-new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the very first time. The Super Bowl is not just a big game; it is also a way for the NFL and the host city to make a lot of money.
How many people watch the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is not just a major event in American sports; it is a global sensation. It consistently draws more than 70,000 fans to live events, with record-breaking TV audiences worldwide. In 2015, it set an astounding average TV audience record of 114.4 million viewers. While viewership has slightly dipped since then, the 2023 Super Bowl saw a resurgence with 113 million viewers in the United States.
This year, the Super Bowl takes place at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, with a seating capacity of 65.000 and expanding possibility up to 72.000 spread across ten levels. But the Super Bowl’s appeal extends far beyond U.S. borders. It is broadcast in over 130 countries and more than 30 languages, captivating audiences worldwide. In 2022, over 56 million viewers outside the U.S. tuned in, marking a global surge of interest.
Mexico led the way with over 20 million viewers, followed by Canada with 17.3 million and 11.9 million for the halftime show. Brazil, China, and other countries are increasingly embracing American football, with China experiencing an astonishing 42 percent growth in viewership.
While American football has not matched the global popularity of other sports, its fan base is steadily growing in several countries. Here are the top ten countries contributing to the NFL’s international fan community:
| Country | Fans |
| Mexico | 23.3 million |
| Brazil | 19.7 million |
| Canada | 7.21 million |
| South Korea | 6.72 million |
| Germany | 6.66 million |
| United Kingdom | 5.73 million |
| Spain | 3.56 million |
| Saudi Arabia | 3.12 million |
| Australia | 2.64 million |
| Argentina | 2.06 million |
The Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Star-Studded Tradition
The halftime show at the Super Bowl is a showstopper, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. It is not just a break from the game; it is an entertainment spectacle that’s deeply intertwined with pop culture.
When is the Halftime Show?
The halftime show usually kicks off around 08:30 PM Eastern time on Sunday. It lasts for about 12-15 minutes, delivering a whirlwind of music, dance, and star power. Here is a breakdown of when it starts in different time zones:
| Sunday | |
| International Date Line West | 01:30 PM |
| Midway Island, Samoa | 02:30 PM |
| Hawaii | 03:30 PM |
| Alaska | 04:30 PM |
| Pacific Time (US/ Canada), Tijuana | 05:30 PM |
| Mountain Time (US/ Canada), Chihuahua, Mazatlan | 06:30 PM |
| Central America, Central Time (US/Canada), Mexico City | 07:30 PM |
| Eastern Time (US/Canada), Colombia, Peru, Cuba | 08:30 PM |
| Atlantic Time (Canada), Caracas, La Paz, Santiago | 09:30 PM |
| Newfoundland, Brasilia, Rio, Argentina, Greenland | 10:30 PM |
| Mid-Atlantic | 11:30 PM |
| Monday | |
| Azores, Cape Verde island | 12:30 AM |
| UK, Iceland, Ghana, Senegal, Mali | 01:30 AM |
| France, Germany, Central Europe Time, West Africa Time | 02:30 AM |
| Eastern Europe Time, Central Africa Time, Greece, Egypt | 03:30 AM |
| East Africa Time, Moscow, Iraq, Kuwait, Kenya | 04:30 AM |
| Iran | 05:00 AM |
| Armenia, Georgia, Oman, United Arab Emirates | 05:30 AM |
| Afghanistan | 06:00 AM |
| Pakistan, Kazakhstan (west), Uzbekistan | 06:30 AM |
So, wherever you are in the world, you can catch the excitement of the Super Bowl halftime show at these respective times.
Who is Usher?
Usher Raymond IV, often simply known as Usher, is this year’s headline act for the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. He is a multi-talented artist known for his exceptional singing, songwriting, acting, and dancing skills. Usher has won eight Grammy Awards and sold over 80 million records in his career. He has produced nine No.1 singles, received 34 ASCAP Awards, and earned numerous other accolades. Apart from his music career, Usher is also a philanthropist who founded the nonprofit Usher’s New Look, dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children.
DJ Tiësto at Super Bowl 58
Usher won’t be the only big-name performer at Super Bowl LVIII. The NFL wants to make the in-stadium experience extra special for fans, especially in Las Vegas, a city known for its music scene. That is why they have invited DJ Tiësto to join the festivities.
DJ Tiësto will kick things off with a performance before the game starts, as players warm up and fans find their seats in Allegiant Stadium. But here is the exciting part: Tiësto will keep the energy high during breaks in the game itself, making him the first superstar DJ to perform throughout the entire Super Bowl.
DJ Tiësto is a big deal in the music world, with a Grammy Award under his belt and platinum-certified albums. He has played at all the major music festivals around the world and has sold millions of albums. In fact, his album “Drive” has been streamed over 5.8 billion times and is on its way to becoming platinum in the US.
Tiësto follows in the footsteps of other superstar DJs like DJ Khaled, D-Nice, Zedd, and DJ Snake, who have performed at pre-game events at the Super Bowl. But he is the first DJ to be invited to perform during the entire game, making this Super Bowl extra special.
Earlier Halftime Shows
The halftime show has come a long way. Before the early ’90s, it featured university marching bands and performance ensembles. Then, it evolved to include major hit musicians, starting with New Kids on the Block in 1991. In 1993, Michael Jackson headlined to boost viewer interest. Recent years have seen iconic artists take the stage, such as a star-studded lineup of Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige in 2022, and Rihanna in 2023. Usher is set to continue this tradition with his highly anticipated performance in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.
The Super Bowl halftime show has featured legendary artists, bands, and performers throughout the years. Here’s a look back at some memorable acts:
Super Bowl Halftime show list |
|
| 2024: | Usher |
| 2023: | Rihanna |
| 2022: | Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige |
| 2021: | The Weeknd |
| 2020: | Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Emme Muniz |
| 2019: | Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi |
| 2018: | Justin Timberlake and The Tennessee Kids |
| 2017: | Lady Gaga |
| 2016: | Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars |
| 2015: | Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, and Missy Elliott |
| 2014: | Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers |
| 2013: | Beyonce |
| 2012: | Madonna |
| 2011: | The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Slash |
| 2010: | The Who |
| 2009: | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band |
| 2008: | Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers |
| 2007: | Prince and the Florida A&M marching band |
| 2006: | The Rolling Stones |
| 2005: | Paul McCartney |
| 2004: | Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly, and Justin Timberlake |
| 2003: | Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting |
| 2002: | U2 |
| 2001: | The Kings of Rock and Pop featuring Aerosmith, ‘NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly |
| 2000: | A Tapestry of Nations featuring Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, and an 80-person choir |
The halftime show is more than just a performance; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings the world together through music and entertainment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States.
Sunday, February 11th 2024
06:30 PM Eastern time
Usher
The Kansas City Chiefs & San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium
08:30 PM Eastern time
2015: average TV audience of 114.4 million viewers.
The FOX network, along with the FOX Sports channel—available on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV and Sling TV—will be streaming Super Bowl LVII live