The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League, deciding the champion of American football's top professional league. First played following the 1966 season, it has become one of the most-watched television broadcasts in the United States and a major cultural event built around the game, its advertising and its halftime show.
What the game is
The Super Bowl matches the champions of the NFL's two conferences, the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference, in a single game played at a predetermined neutral venue. The winner receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named after the championship-winning coach.
The game is identified by Roman numerals, a convention that has been used for most editions of the event.
Format and the road to the game
Teams reach the Super Bowl through the regular season and the NFL playoffs.
- A regular season determines playoff qualification and seeding
- A single-elimination playoff bracket runs in each conference
- The two conference champions meet in the Super Bowl
- The game itself is a single contest with overtime rules if scores are level
The event is held at a neutral stadium selected years in advance, rather than at the home of either competing team.
History and growth
The game grew out of a merger agreement between the NFL and the rival American Football League. The first championship was played in 1967, and the AFL-NFL merger was completed in 1970. The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots are among the franchises with the most titles, each having won six.
Over time the Super Bowl has expanded beyond sport into a national event, with its commercials and musical halftime performances drawing wide attention alongside the game.
Notable moments
The Super Bowl has produced many famous games, including the New York Jets' upset win in Super Bowl III and several contests decided in the closing seconds. Quarterbacks such as Tom Brady have featured in numerous editions, with Brady winning multiple titles across his career.
The halftime show has become a landmark of the broadcast, featuring some of the world's best-known musical performers, and the game regularly sets viewership records in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League, deciding the league's overall champion.
When was the first Super Bowl played?
The first championship game was played in early 1967, following the 1966 NFL and AFL seasons.
What trophy does the winner receive?
The winning team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named after the championship-winning coach Vince Lombardi.
Which teams have won the most Super Bowls?
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots are among the most successful franchises, each having won six titles.
Why is the Super Bowl numbered with Roman numerals?
The NFL uses Roman numerals to identify each edition of the game, a convention applied to most Super Bowls.
Where is the Super Bowl played?
It is held at a neutral stadium chosen years in advance, not at the home venue of either competing team.
Why is the halftime show famous?
The halftime show features major musical performers and has become one of the most-watched entertainment segments on American television.