The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), held since 1966. Since 2022, it has been played on the second Sunday in February, though the date has varied over the years. The winning team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Due to trademark restrictions, the event is often called the "big game". The day of the event is popularly known as "Super Bowl Sunday."
In 1902, the Rose Bowl Game was first played as the "Tournament East–West football game" in Pasadena, California, marking the origin of college football bowl games.
In 1920, the NFL was established and successfully fended off several rival leagues for four decades.
In 1923, the Tournament East-West football game moved to the new Rose Bowl Stadium, influencing the term "bowl" for major football games.
In 1932, the first playoff game in the NFL was held.
In 1935, the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Sun Bowl were created, following the popularity of the Rose Bowl Game.
In 1937, the Cotton Bowl was created in Dallas, adding to the growing list of post-season college football bowl games.
In 1955, the 49ers used a throwback uniform in Super Bowl XXIX as part of the league's 75th Anniversary celebration.
In 1960, the American Football League (AFL) was formed, becoming the NFL's most serious competitor.
On January 14, 1961, AFL commissioner Joe Foss invited the NFL to schedule a "World Playoff" game between the two leagues' champions, starting with the 1961 season.
Since 1964, the Dallas Cowboys have worn white jerseys at home. This is a tradition that they have maintained, and is a factor in their Super Bowl jersey selection.
On July 25, 1966, Lamar Hunt wrote a letter to NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, jokingly referring to the AFL–NFL championship game as the 'Super Bowl'.
Following the 1966 season, the Green Bay Packers won the first AFL–NFL World Championship Game, later renamed Super Bowl.
In 1966, the NFL and AFL reached a merger agreement, creating the AFL–NFL World Championship Game, which later became the Super Bowl.
In 1966, the Super Bowl was established as the final game of the NFL season, superseding the NFL Championship Game.
The Green Bay Packers won the NFL championship in 1966, contributing to the legacy of Vince Lombardi.
In May 1967, the league stated "not many people like it", asking for suggestions and considering alternatives to "Super Bowl", such as "Merger Bowl" or "Summit Bowl".
Following the 1967 season, the Green Bay Packers won the second AFL–NFL World Championship Game, later renamed Super Bowl.
From 1967 to 1970, the first four Super Bowls were played prior to the full merger of the NFL and AFL.
From its inception in 1967 until 2001, the Super Bowl was held in January.
The Green Bay Packers won the NFL championship in 1967, contributing to the legacy of Vince Lombardi.
In 1969, the "Super Bowl" moniker was officially adopted for Super Bowl III, formerly known as the AFL–NFL World Championship Game.
Following Lombardi's death in September 1970, the Super Bowl trophy was named the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
After the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, NBC gained the rights to televise AFC games.
After the AFL–NFL merger was completed in 1970, the Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Steelers dominated the decade, winning a combined eight Super Bowls.
From 1967 to 1970, the first four Super Bowls were played prior to the full merger of the NFL and AFL.
In 1970, after the AFL-NFL merger was completed, the NFL realigned into two conferences, the AFC and NFC.
Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Steelers have primarily worn their black jerseys at home, but opted for white in Super Bowl XL.
Starting in January 1971 with the fifth edition, Roman numerals began to be used to identify each Super Bowl.
Starting in 1971 with Super Bowl V, games have been played between the best teams from the AFC and NFC after the merger.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins were mentioned in reference to the 2007 Patriots' near-perfect season, as the only other team to have a perfect regular season record.
In 1973, Super Bowl VII was telecast in Los Angeles on an experimental basis after all tickets were sold.
In the 1974 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected four future Hall of Famers, marking a significant milestone.
In 1977, Vikki Carr sang "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl XI instead of the U.S. national anthem.
From 1967 to 1978, Super Bowls were played on Sundays in early to mid-January.
Since Super Bowl XII in 1978, a special guest participates in the coin toss ceremony.
From 1979 to 2003, Super Bowls were played on Sundays in late January.
Since Super Bowl XIII in 1979, the home team is given the choice of wearing its colored or white jerseys, changing the original requirement that the home team had to wear its colored jerseys.
From 1981 to 1992, and again from 2004 to 2007, the Washington Redskins wore white jerseys at home under coach Joe Gibbs. This influenced their Super Bowl XVII jersey choice.
In 1981, the 49ers began their dominant run with Bill Walsh.
In 1982, Super Bowl XVI achieved the highest rating, watched in 49.1% of households.
In 1984, Apple's Macintosh computer was famously introduced during a Super Bowl commercial.
In 1984, the San Francisco 49ers were the first team to achieve an 18–1 record under Bill Walsh.
In 1985, ABC joined the Super Bowl broadcast rotation, starting with Super Bowl XIX.
In 1985, the Chicago Bears posted an 18–1 record under head coach Mike Ditka, dominating Super Bowl XX.
In 1985, the New England Patriots made their first Super Bowl appearance but were unsuccessful.
In 1985, the Patriots wore white jerseys at home during the regular season, and switched to scarlet for the Super Bowl after winning road playoff games in red jerseys.
In 1987, at Super Bowl XXI, the "I'm going to Disney World!" advertising campaign began, with Giants quarterback Phil Simms being the first player to say the tagline.
In 1989, the San Francisco 49ers posted the most lop-sided victory in Super Bowl history, defeating the Denver Broncos by a score of 55–10 in Super Bowl XXIV.
On May 23, 1990, the NFL began to give preference to new or recently renovated NFL stadiums when awarding the Super Bowl, contributing to a trend of teams demanding public money or relocating for new stadiums.
In 1990, Arizona voters elected not to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, leading to the NFL moving Super Bowl XXVII from Tempe, Arizona to Pasadena, California in 1993.
In 1990, the 49ers dynasty ended.
In 1990, the Cowboys failed to make a post-season appearance.
On March 19, 1991, the selection of the host stadium for Super Bowl XXVII marked a transition point. After this date, the winning market was required to host the Super Bowl in the same stadium that its NFL team used.
In 1991, Washington won Super Bowls.
In 1991, Whitney Houston performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV, during the Gulf War, regarded as one of the best renditions in history.
In 1991, it marked the first time since then that the NFC did not have more Super Bowl victories than the AFC.
Since 1991, the Super Bowl has started between 6:19 and 6:40 PM EST to align with primetime viewing on the East Coast.
From 1992 to 1996, the Cowboys won their division championship each year.
In 1992, CBS was given Super Bowl XXVI after winning the rights to air the 1992 Winter Olympics.
In 1992, voters in Arizona opted to create Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a legal holiday, leading to Super Bowl XXX being awarded to Tempe in 1996.
Through 1992, the Washington Redskins wore white jerseys at home under coach Joe Gibbs. This influenced their Super Bowl XVII jersey choice.
In 1993, Super Bowl XXVII was moved from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California after Arizona voters did not recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a paid state holiday in 1990.
In 1994, Fox replaced CBS as the NFC broadcaster in the Super Bowl rotation.
Beginning in 1995, a period emerged where AFC teams would win nine out of 12 Super Bowls, marking a shift in momentum.
In 1995, Los Angeles lost Super Bowl eligibility after both of its NFL teams left the city. This highlights the modern requirement of a city having an active NFL team in order to host the Super Bowl.
In 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars began play as one of the youngest franchises in the NFL.
From 1992 to 1996, the Cowboys won their division championship each year.
In 1996, Super Bowl XXX was awarded to Tempe, Arizona, after voters created Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a legal holiday in 1992.
In 1996, the Mega Millions lottery game was known as The Big Game, from 1996 to 2002.
In 1996, the New England Patriots made their second Super Bowl appearance, losing again.
In 1997, the Cowboys failed to make a post-season appearance.
In 1999, Super Bowl XXXIII was moved from Candlestick Park in San Francisco to Pro Player Stadium in greater Miami when plans to renovate the stadium fell through.
The New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens were mentioned as teams who won in their sole Super Bowl appearance after the 2000 season.
Through 2000, the Washington Redskins wore white jerseys at home under coaches Richie Petitbon and Norv Turner. This influenced their Super Bowl XVII jersey choice.
Beginning in 2001, the AFC Super Bowl teams featured dominant quarterback performances, with Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Peyton Manning appearing in all but two Super Bowls through 2018.
From its inception in 1967 until 2001, the Super Bowl was held in January.
Starting in 2001, the NFC saw a different representative in the Super Bowl every season through 2010.
In 2002, Super Bowl XXXVI became the first edition of the game played in February due to the rescheduling of games after the September 11 attacks.
In 2002, U2 performed at Super Bowl XXXVI, displaying names of 9/11 victims during their performance.
In 2002, the Houston Texans began play as one of the youngest franchises in the NFL.
In 2002, the Mega Millions lottery game was known as The Big Game from 1996 to 2002.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were mentioned as teams who won in their sole Super Bowl appearance in 2002.
From 1979 to 2003, Super Bowls were played on Sundays in late January.
In 2003, Super Bowl XXXVII was moved from a new stadium not yet built in San Francisco to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego due to the stadium failing to be built.
Prior to the incorporation of Miami Gardens in 2003, the stadium was in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
From 2004 to 2007, the Washington Redskins wore white jerseys at home under coach Joe Gibbs. This influenced their Super Bowl XVII jersey choice.
From 2004 to 2021, Super Bowls were played on the first Sunday of February.
In 2004, the NFL began issuing cease-and-desist letters to casinos in Las Vegas hosting Super Bowl parties, claiming trademark infringement. Consequently, many resorts began calling them "Big Game Parties".
The 2004 New England Patriots were the last team mentioned before the 2024 Chiefs to secure back-to-back championships.
In the 2005 season, the Steelers won Super Bowl XL, continuing the era of AFC dominance.
In 2006 the original Stanford Stadium, which hosted Super Bowl XIX, was demolished and a new stadium constructed on the site.
In 2006, Minnesota Vikings announcer Alan Roach became the official public address announcer of the Super Bowl, starting with Super Bowl XL, with some exceptions when the Denver Broncos played.
In 2006, the NFL attempted to trademark "The Big Game", facing opposition from Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Mega Millions lottery.
In the 2006 season, the Colts won Super Bowl XLI, furthering the AFC's dominance.
In 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suggested that a Super Bowl might be played in London, possibly at Wembley Stadium.
In 2007, the NFL withdrew its application to trademark "The Big Game" due to commercial and public relations opposition.
In 2007, the Washington Redskins ended their era of wearing white jerseys at home under coach Joe Gibbs. This influenced their Super Bowl XVII jersey choice.
In the 2007 season, the Patriots achieved a 16-0 regular-season record but lost Super Bowl XLII, finishing 18-1.
In 2008, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch proposed legislation to provide an exemption from copyright for nonprofit organizations to display live football games.
In the 2008 season, the Patriots wore white for a home game. This is one instance where they wore white at home during the Belichick/Brady era.
Beginning with Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, "America the Beautiful" is sung before the national anthem every year.
In the 2009 season, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, securing their first championship.
In February 2010, Super Bowl XLIV was withdrawn from New York City's proposed West Side Stadium due to funding disagreements. It was eventually awarded to Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
In 2010, Nielsen reported that 51 percent of Super Bowl viewers tune in for the commercials.
In the 2010 season, the Patriots wore white for a home game. This is one instance where they wore white at home during the Belichick/Brady era.
Super Bowl XLV concluded the 2010 season.
The NFC saw a different representative in the Super Bowl every season from 2001 through 2010.
In February 2011, Super Bowl XLV concluded the 2010 season, resulting in the Packers defeating the Steelers for their fourth Super Bowl victory.
In 2011, the Patriots made one of their five Super Bowl appearances during the decade.
In the 2011 season, the Patriots wore white for a home game. This is one instance where they wore white at home during the Belichick/Brady era.
In 2013, New Orleans, the site of Super Bowl XLVII, invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure improvements in the years leading up to the game.
In February 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first outdoor Super Bowl in a cold-weather environment. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos.
On May 20, 2014, U.S. Bank Stadium was selected to host Super Bowl LII. This marked the first time a Super Bowl host stadium also hosted a Divisional Playoff Game in the same season.
In 2014, a document listing the specific requirements of Super Bowl hosts was leaked, giving a clear list of what was required for a Super Bowl host.
In 2014, comedian Stephen Colbert started referring to the Super Bowl as the "Superb Owl" due to the NFL's active prevention of unauthorized commercial use of trademarked terms.
In 2014, the Patriots made one of their five Super Bowl appearances during the decade.
In 2015, remodeling began on Sun Life Stadium, including the addition of a roof. This was done after the NFL requested a roof to be added for consideration for future Super Bowls.
In 2015, the NFL filed opposition with the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to a trademark application submitted by an Arizona-based nonprofit for "Superb Owl".
The 2015 NFL season culminated in Super Bowl 50, which broke the tradition of using Roman numerals.
On February 7, 2016, Super Bowl 50 was played, the sole exception to the Roman numeral naming convention.
In 2016, the Patriots made one of their five Super Bowl appearances during the decade.
In 2016, the Rams returned to Los Angeles. This marked the first time the city had a team since both the Rams and the Raiders left in 1995.
In 2016, the remodeling of Sun Life Stadium was completed, including the addition of a roof. This was done after the NFL requested a roof to be added for consideration for future Super Bowls.
On May 23, 2017, Raymond James Stadium was selected to host Super Bowl LV. This Super Bowl would be historic, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers becoming the first team to play in their home stadium.
In 2017, the Chargers returned to Los Angeles. This marked the return of the Chargers, and Los Angeles gaining a second team.
In 2017, the Patriots made one of their five Super Bowl appearances during the decade.
By 2018, five AFC teams had accounted for 22 of the 24 Super Bowl appearances between 1995 and 2018.
In 2018, the NFL rescinded the bidding process for Super Bowl hosting rights. The league now makes all decisions regarding hosting sites unilaterally.
In 2018, the Patriots made one of their five Super Bowl appearances during the decade.
Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Peyton Manning appeared as the AFC team's quarterback in all but two of the Super Bowls from 2001 through 2018.
In 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first team to qualify for a Super Bowl at their home stadium, Raymond James Stadium, and subsequently won Super Bowl LV.
Beginning with Super Bowl LV in 2021, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is sung prior to "America the Beautiful" in honor of Black History Month.
From 2004 to 2021, Super Bowls were played on the first Sunday of February.
In 2021, San Diego is noted as the only metropolitan area to have hosted Super Bowls without currently having an NFL franchise, as their team relocated to Los Angeles. London has been considered as a future host city.
In 2021, Super Bowl LV was moved from the yet-to-be-completed SoFi Stadium to Raymond James Stadium due to construction delays. SoFi Stadium was then given Super Bowl LVI in 2022.
In 2021, the Los Angeles Rams became the second team to qualify for a Super Bowl at their home stadium, SoFi Stadium, and subsequently won Super Bowl LVI.
In 2021, the NFL added an 18th week and a 17th regular season game to the schedule.
The schedule expansion of the 2021 season moved the Super Bowl game to the second Sunday.
On February 13, 2022, Super Bowl LVI was the first to be played under the new format with an 18-week regular season.
In 2022, Los Angeles hosted Super Bowl LVI. This marked the city's return as a host after a hiatus since both its NFL teams departed in 1995, highlighting the requirement of an active NFL franchise for hosting.
In 2022, advertisers paid up to $7 million for a 30-second spot during Super Bowl LVI.
In 2022, after construction delays forced the game to be moved the year before, SoFi Stadium hosted Super Bowl LVI.
In 2022, the Super Bowl was moved to the second Sunday in February, changing from the first Sunday of the month.
On February 12, 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35 in Super Bowl LVII.
ABC returned to the rotation with the new contract that took effect at the start of the 2023 season.
The Eagles lost Super Bowl LVII to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 38-35 in 2023.
On February 11, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII against the 49ers in overtime in Las Vegas.
In 2024, Super Bowl LVIII was moved from the Superdome in New Orleans to Allegiant Stadium in Nevada due to a conflict with Mardi Gras celebrations.
In 2024, under the four-network rotation, the league will award NBC the Super Bowl during Winter Olympic years.
On February 9, 2025, The Eagles defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX 40-22.
In 2025, New Orleans was awarded Super Bowl LIX, after Super Bowl LVIII was moved from the city to Nevada.
In 2028, the soonest that any stadium outside the NFL's footprint could serve as host would be Super Bowl LXII.
The contracts have an opt-out clause after the 2029 season (or in early 2030), with the exception for ABC's contract.
The contracts have an opt-out clause after the 2029 season (or in early 2030), with the exception for ABC's contract.
ABC's contract has an opt-out clause after the 2030 season (or in early 2031).
The current TV contract with the networks expires after the 2033 season (or in early 2034).
The current TV contract with the networks expires after the 2033 season (or in early 2034).