15 Surprising Super Bowl Facts You Didn’t Know
Introduction
The Super Bowl is more than just a championship game; it’s a cultural event filled with fascinating traditions, record-breaking moments, and unique trivia. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or just enjoy the halftime show, these Super Bowl facts will make you the MVP of any game-day conversation.
1. The Super Bowl Always Happens in February
Since 2004, the Super Bowl has been played on the second Sunday in February. The 2025 event, featuring the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, will take place on February 9.
2. Super Bowl Footballs Are Handmade in the U.S.
Each Wilson Super Bowl football is crafted by hand at the Wilson Football Factory in Ada, Ohio. The company has been the exclusive supplier of Super Bowl balls since the game began. Learn more about Wilson’s craftsmanship at Wilson Sporting Goods.
3. Teams Receive 108 Footballs
Each Super Bowl team is allocated 108 footballs—54 for practice and 54 for the game. An additional set of special kicker balls is also used for kicking plays.
4. Players Drive in Style During Super Bowl Week
Players participating in the Super Bowl receive loaner cars for the week. Marlin Jackson, a former Indianapolis Colts player, shared that he drove a Cadillac Escalade during Super Bowl XLI.
5. Super Bowl Halftime Is Twice as Long
Unlike regular-season games, the Super Bowl halftime show lasts about 30 minutes, giving players extra time to rest, warm up, and prepare for the second half.
6. The Cost of Tickets Has Skyrocketed
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Super Bowl I tickets in 1967 cost an average of $6, and yet 30,000 seats remained empty. Today, the cheapest ticket for the 2024 Super Bowl was priced at $2,000.
7. Halftime Performers Don’t Get Paid
Big-name performers like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher have not been paid for their halftime shows. However, the exposure often generates millions in revenue through increased music sales and online streaming.
8. The Super Bowl Wasn’t Always “Super”
The first two championship games were called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The term “Super Bowl” was officially adopted for Super Bowl III in 1969.
9. Game Tickets Went Fully Mobile in 2021
Super Bowl LV in 2021 marked the first time tickets went entirely mobile. The stadium also became completely cashless for the event.
10. Unique Words Appear on Every Super Bowl Football
Every Super Bowl football includes the words “Commissioner,” “Wilson,” and “Made in the U.S.A.” These details have remained consistent since the first game.
11. Commercial Time Costs Millions
In 2023, a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl cost over $7 million. The high-profile advertisements are often as anticipated as the game itself.
12. The Halftime Show Outranks the Game in Ratings
The halftime show often draws more viewers than the game itself, thanks to performances by global superstars.
13. Players Warm Up During Halftime Shows
Because of the extended halftime duration, players wait 20 minutes before starting warmups to be ready for the second half.
14. Over 1 Billion Chicken Wings Are Eaten
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest food consumption days in the U.S., with over 1 billion chicken wings devoured during the event.
15. The Puppy Bowl Steals Hearts
The Puppy Bowl, airing before the game, features rescue puppies competing for cuteness and awareness about pet adoption. Learn more at Animal Planet.
Conclusion
From its historic beginnings to modern-day traditions, the Super Bowl offers endless trivia for fans. Whether you’re watching for the game, the commercials, or the halftime show, these fun facts make the experience even more exciting.