The biggest game in American sports is coming in a few weeks, and there is a fair chance that you will be drawn into its orbit. The Super Bowl is not just another sports game, of course – it’s a huge cultural event, effectively a national holiday in the US.
As such, you may be invited to a Super Bowl watch party or drawn into conversation on the game at work. But if you don’t know the last thing about football, we can cover you with a super-hand cheatsheet. Let’s dive in:
What actually is the Super Bowl?
It’s the conclusion of the NFL season. The NFL is split into two conferences – the AFC and the NFC – and a team emerges from each conference through the Playoffs, culminating in the championship game, AKA the Super Bowl.
When is the Super Bowl?
It takes place on February 8. The game starts at 6.30 ET. It normally lasts for around 3-5-4 hours, a bit longer than a normal football game due to all the pomp and ceremony.
Where is the Super Bowl?
It will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The stadium is the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
Who is in the Super Bowl?
At the time of writing, we don’t know, as the Playoffs are ongoing. You can see who is still in contention by clicking here to find the latest Super Bowl odds from DraftKings.
What does the number mean?
This is Super Bowl LX, i.e., Super Bowl 60. The first Super Bowl – Super Bowl 1 – took place on January 15th, 1966, with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Los Angeles.
Who is the defending champion?
The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX last year, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams have already been eliminated.
Who’s the most successful team?
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have both won six Super Bowls each. The Patriots have appeared in the most Super Bowl games.
Which channel shows the Super Bowl?
If you are based in the US, NBC has the national broadcast for Super Bowl LX. You can also watch via smart tv apps from the NFL itself and Tubi.
Can I get a ticket for the Super Bowl?
Sure, there are still tickets available on reselling platforms. The big fly in the ointment, however, is that they are super expensive. Current demand suggests tickets are selling for upwards of $8,000.
What is the Halftime Show?
It’s a music gig that has evolved into something spectacular. Madonna, U2, Beyonce, the Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson have all been Halftime Show performers. Bad Bunny is tagged to perform at Super Bowl LX.
What do the winners get?
The winning team receives the Vince Lombardi trophy – named after the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. Players will each receive a Super Bowl Ring.
Why do I keep hearing about Super Bowl adverts?
Television adverts shown during the Super Bowl are considered a key marketing spot for major companies. 30-second slots sell for millions of dollars. As such, companies try to make a big impression, creating innovative adverts. It’s all designed to have you talking about them at work the next day.
Anything else to know?
Sure. The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of US sports, but it has also become a global event. Watch parties will take place worldwide, regardless of what time of the morning it is. A rough estimate suggests that about 62 million people will watch from outside the US. About double that figure will tune in from America.
