On the first Sunday in February, something magical happens. People gather around the television, eat tons of food and watch the Super Bowl. It’s the culmination of 16 (sometimes agonizing) National Football League games and has practically become a national holiday.
But it hasn’t always been the first Sunday and it hasn’t always been the huge production we’ve grown to love. We’re pretty sure, though, that the Super Bowl snacks have always been popular. We decided to do a little digging. Here’s what we’ve learned about the history of the Super Bowl, a few fun facts and, of course, some Super Bowl party recipes.
When was the first Super Bowl?
The first Super Bowl was held January 15, 1967. Technically, it was called the World Championship Game AFL vs NFL. It was between American Football League’s (AFL) Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football Leagues (NFL) Green Bay Packers. The Packers dominated, beating the Chiefs 35-10.
It wasn’t formally called the Super Bowl until 1969 when the AFL New York Jets defeated the NFL Baltimore Colts 16-7.
The Super Bowl was created because of a merger between the NFL and the AFL (the NFL’s rival). The merger was set to happen in 1970. Prior to that, the two leagues would play in a world championship game until the merger happened. After the merger, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) were formed. The conference champions would play each other and be known as the league champion – what we now call the Super Bowl champion.
Why was it named the Super Bowl?
During the AFL/NFL merger meetings, Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt jokingly referred to the Championship Game as the Super Bowl. Supposedly, the name came to him because his kids played with a Super Ball toy. Hunt referred to the AFL-NFL Championship Game as the Super Bowl in an interview. The media began using the term and the rest is history. By the third annual game, it was officially known as the Super Bowl.
Why does the Super Bowl reference in Roman numerals?
Since 1971 and Super Bowl V (the third annual game), Roman numerals have been used to reference the Super Bowl. According to Dan Masonson, director for the NFL’s corporate communications, the NFL adopted the Roman system to clear up any confusion about the timing of the game. The Super Bowl is actually held in a different calendar year than when the regular season is played. Lamar Hunt is credited with first deciding to use the Roman numeral system.
The only Super Bowl to not be in Roman numerals was Super Bowl 50 held in 2016. Why was it changed? Turned out “L” (the Roman numeral for 50) “wasn’t pleasing to the eye” according to Jamie Weston, the NFL’s vice president of brand and creative.
Why is the Super Bowl held the first Sunday in February?
The Super Bowl was not always held the first Sunday in February. In fact, it’s only been this way since 2004 (Super Bowl XXVIII). Back in 1967, it was held in mid-January. As years went by, the opening weekend of the regular football season and more rounds were added to the playoffs so the timing was pushed later into February to accommodate.
Was there always a spectacular halftime show at the Super Bowl?
Nope, the halftime show of early games featured local marching bands. But as the game became more and more popular, so did the halftime show. Bruce Springsteen, U2, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Paul McCartney are just a few famous performers who have started in the halftime show.
Fun Facts about the Super Bowl
- Super Bowl I is the only game to have been broadcast on two networks – NBC (who had rights to the AFL games) and CBS (who broadcasted the NFL games).
- For Super Bowl I, the winning players received a bonus of $15,000 each and the losers $7,500. These days, winners receive $107,000 and loser, $53,000.
- The Super Ball toy, that inspired Lamar Hunt to say Super Bowl, is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have won the most Super Bowls (six). Next on the list, with five victories each, are the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers. The New York Giants and Green Bay Packers have each won four.
- No team has ever played in the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
- Stadiums are chosen three to five years prior to the game. Typically, only cities with warm climates or an enclosed stadium are awarded the Super Bowl. The only time this has not happened was when Super Bowl XLVIII was held at MetLife Stadium in the New York area.
- The “home team” alternates. The NFC team is the home team in odd-numbered games. The AFC in even-numbered games. The “away team” has won about 59% of the time.
- In 2012, advertisers paid $3.5 million for a thirty-second commercial in the Super Bowl – the most ever.
- At any given moment during the Super Bowl, more than 100 million people are watching the game.
Super Bowl Party Food
According to the USDA, only Thanksgiving Day ranks higher in the United States for food consumption. It’s a day to indulge in chips, dip, sandwiches, wings and more. If you’re looking for recipes for your Super Bowl party, click here for football party menu ideas. Below are just a few yummy football recipes.
Click Here for Pulled Pork Recipe: Touchdown Sammies
Click Here for Sandwich Recipe: Anytime Tailgate Sandwiches
Click Here for Chicken Wing Recipe: Our Favorite Garlic Parm Wings
Click Here for Buffalo Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Click Here for Easy Nachos: Game Day Beer Pretzcho’s
Click Here for Recipe: Cheese Appetizers w/Chicken, Green Onion & Bacon
Click Here for Brownie Recipe: Nutella Brownies
