By Dylan McDonough
This year I am really looking forward to the Super Bowl. You might watch this event too. Have you ever wondered how the Super Bowl came about? This article should give you the information you need.
The Super Bowl is a very popular sporting event that takes place each year to determine the championship team of the National Football League (NFL). Broadcast in more than 170 countries, the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
Though the NFL officially formed in 1920, the Super Bowl did not happen until 40 years later. In 1960, a group of businessmen who wanted to own football franchises, but were denied by the NFL, decided to launch an alternative league, known as the American Football League (AFL). For several years, the NFL and AFL were rivals, competing for fans, players and support.
The first Super Bowl, which featured the AFL and NFL champions, took place in 1966. The game was originally called the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game,” which was not exactly catchy. The AFC Kansas City Chief’s owner, Lamar Hunt, suggested calling the game, “Super Bowl”.
After the leagues merged, the NFL split into two main conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The champions of each now play in the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl I took place on January 15, 1967, and included the Green Bay Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and even though ticket prices averaged just $12, it was the only Super Bowl that did not sell out. Still, the game aired on two different networks and was watched by more than 61,000 fans. The Packers beat the Chiefs, winning 35-10. The next year, the Packers won again in Super Bowl II, defeating the Oakland Raiders 33-14.
The early Super Bowls featured marching bands from local high schools or colleges during halftime shows. Some viewers consider the halftime show, now a full 30-minute act, a bigger event than the actual football game.
I hope you enjoy the Super Bowl this year and that this information increases your experience in watching the game. Go Pats!
