It doesn’t matter where in the world you live, except for the obvious exceptions of places like North Korea, there is a very big chance you’ve probably heard about the NFL and, above all, about the Super Bowl, aka, the biggest event in the sports entertainment calendar in the United States and one of the biggest in the world. If you look into how big the Super Bowl as a whole is in any top NFL stats website, you’ll see that this is an event that has gone from being the championship game for the NFL to becoming an event of social and cultural importance for an abundance of reasons.
Every year, the NFL gears up to bring fans of the sport and entertainment, in general, the best event they can produce to grow their levels of popularity and, of course, revenue grossing much more on a global scale. But what makes the Super Bowl such an impactful event? As we gear up for Super Bowl LVI, coming up in mid-February, let’s take a look at three reasons why the Super Bowl is the best sports entertainment event yearly.
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The Ambiance
In the NFL, just like in any other professional mainstream sporting league, when it comes to deciding who the champion of the present season will be, a whole spectacle is mounted around the event. For American football fans around the world, the Super Bowl is not just another head-to-head matchup between two teams bidding for a trophy; for them, the Super Bowl transcends all barriers of normality and ends up taking on a whole new persona with airs of grandioseness and thrills. Everything surrounding the game takes on an almost hypnotic aura, with the preparations and the build-up to the actual game becoming some of the most catching for fans of the sport and other fans in general.
What goes into the preparation of such a magnanimous event is nothing short of amazing, with the city that plays host to the event going through a year-long preparation for what’s to come. The result is a plethora of thrills, actions, passionate displays of fandom, and some of the most electrifying football action anyone can witness, and that’s without mentioning all of the other entertainment factors of the show.
The Commercials
It has been noted that Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most important days in all media and advertising calendars around because of how many people tune in to watch the game on their favorite TV channels. This is why the commercials that air between the breaks of the game, but most importantly, the commercials that air right before the halftime show, have become some of the most coveted publicity spaces in the world of advertisement.
Here we’re talking about millions of dollars being paid by some of the most important companies in the world to have an on-air spot ranging from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes in which they pull out all of the stops they can think off, coming up with cinematographic style ads to try and hook all of the viewers. These commercials have become such complex productions that many fans of the event have been known for watching said game just for that, the commercials.
The Musical Performances
The other main non-football reason that fans gravitate towards the Super Bowl is the musical performances that go down before and, above all, during the halftime show of the event. From the beginning, with the singing of the US National Anthem, some of the most important musical artists in the world are brought to pay homage to the US, with their performances usually being some of the most emotional and heart-stopping, making them the best intro to what’s about to come.
But then, once halftime comes around, that’s when the whole event can easily be turned on its head. Artists like Madonna, Prince, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and many, many others have all graced the Super Bowl halftime show stages, giving fans some of the most exciting 15-minute performances ever. It’s more than understood that if you’re headlining the Super Bowl halftime show then you have to go all out, which is why said artists and many more usually do their absolute best to put on a show that will blow everyone’s heads off. If you’re not quite sold on the idea, just wait for Super Bowl LVI’s halftime show and look for Prince’s performance in Super Bowl XLI; it will blow your minds.
What Els Makes it a Great Entertainment
The Super Bowl represents the culmination of a grueling NFL season. Unlike other sports with multi-game championship series, the Super Bowl is a winner-take-all event. This format adds an unparalleled level of pressure and excitement to the game.
Elite Competition
Only the best teams make it to the Super Bowl, ensuring that viewers witness the cream of the crop in action. The players on the field are the result of years of training, dedication, and natural talent, providing a spectacle of athletic prowess that’s hard to match in any other sport.
Strategic Depth
Football is often called a chess match on the field, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Super Bowl. Coaches spend weeks preparing game plans, and the strategic adjustments made throughout the game can be as thrilling as the physical play itself.
Spectacular Halftime Shows
The halftime show has become an event in itself, featuring some of the biggest names in music. These performances often become talking points for years to come, from iconic moments like Prince’s Purple Rain to surprise guest appearances.
| Year | Performer(s) | Memorable Moments |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Rihanna | Pregnancy reveal, aerial performance |
| 2022 | Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar | Hip-hop legends unite, Eminem takes a knee |
| 2021 | The Weeknd | Elaborate set design, masked dancers |
| 2020 | Jennifer Lopez, Shakira | Latin pop spectacle, pole dance performance |
| 2019 | Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi | SpongeBob SquarePants tribute |
| 2018 | Justin Timberlake | Prince tribute, selfie kid |
| 2017 | Lady Gaga | Roof jump entrance, drone light show |
| 2016 | Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars | Beyoncé’s “Formation” debut |
| 2015 | Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott | Sliding into the camera moment |
| 2014 | Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers | High-energy drum solo opening |
| 2013 | Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child | Destiny’s Child reunion |
| 2012 | Madonna, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. | M.I.A.’s controversial gesture |
| 2011 | The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash | Futuristic light-up costumes |
| 2010 | The Who | Classic rock medley |
| 2009 | Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band | Sliding into camera moment |
| 2008 | Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | Massive sing-along to “Free Fallin'” |
| 2007 | Prince | “Purple Rain” in the rain |
Pre-game and Post-game Coverage
Pre-game
The excitement of the Super Bowl extends well beyond the actual game time, with pre-game coverage building anticipation for hours before kickoff. Networks dedicate entire days to Super Bowl programming, featuring in-depth analysis of team strategies, player interviews, and human interest stories that add depth to the narratives surrounding the game. Expert panels break down every aspect of the matchup, from offensive schemes to defensive alignments, giving fans unprecedented insight into what to expect on the field.
Post-game
After the final whistle blows, the post-game coverage keeps the energy and discussion going long into the night and the following days. Immediate reactions from players and coaches provide raw, emotional insights into the game’s most pivotal moments. Analysts dissect key plays, strategic decisions, and standout performances, offering a comprehensive breakdown of how the game was won and lost. The post-game coverage also extends to celebrating the victors, from the on-field trophy presentation to locker-room interviews and championship parades in the winning team’s hometown.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl’s status as the best sports event is a result of its unique combination of athletic excellence, cultural significance, and entertainment value. It’s not just a game but a multifaceted experience that captures the imagination of millions.
From the on-field drama to the spectacular halftime shows, from the communal viewing experience to the global reach, the Super Bowl offers something for everyone. Its ability to bring people together, generate excitement, and create lasting memories sets it apart from other sporting events.
As each year brings new players, new storylines, and new innovations, the Super Bowl continues to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. It remains a testament to the power of sports to unite, entertain, and inspire, solidifying its position as the pinnacle of sporting events.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or someone who tunes in for the commercials and halftime show, the Super Bowl offers a unique and unparalleled experience. It’s a celebration of athleticism, entertainment, and American culture that continues to captivate audiences year after year, truly earning its title as the best sports event.