Millions of Americans gather around their televisions, usually on the first Sunday in February, to watch the annual National Football League, NFL, championship game, more commonly known as the Super Bowl. About 103.4 million people watched last year’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. This year, the same number, if not more, is expected to take part in this long-standing tradition. From parties and favorite game time snacks, to memorable commercials and halftime performances, the Super Bowl has been a part of America’s history since 1967. Throughout the years, the game has developed a unique history and fun facts, including the ones below.

• The first Super Bowl was held on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City. The Packers defeated Kansas City with a score of 35-10. In addition, it was created as a game, combining the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL).
• Since Super Bowl V (5), the NFL has been labeling each game with a Roman numeral. This tradition was to prevent confusion for when the game is played. For example, the Super Bowl is played in the next year for the regular football season of the past year. The 2019 championship is going to be Super Bowl LIII.
• The winning team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl rings. The trophy weighs seven pounds, is 21 inches high, and is worth $25,000. Also, it is named after winning coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, leader of the first Super Bowl winners. A new trophy is made each year by Tiffany & Co. out of sterling silver.
• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this day is the second-largest day for eating in the United States, next to Thanksgiving.
• The average cost for 30 seconds of air time for a commercial is $2.8 million. When the first Super Bowl was played, commercials for one minute cost between $75,000 and $85,000.
• The most unforgettable Super Bowl commercials of all-time are Apple’s “1984,” Always “Like a Girl,” Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef,” and Budweiser’s “Puppy Love.”
• Football player Peyton Manning has made history as being the only starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl with two different teams. In 2007, he won with the Indianapolis Colts, and in 2016, he won with the Denver Broncos. The New England Patriots’ Tom Brady has won five Super Bowls, making him the most awarded starting quarterback in the game’s history. Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana follow behind with four each.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers have won the most Super Bowls championships, with six trophies. Coming in with five wins are the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and the New England Patriots. As for the most losses, that would be the Denver Broncos with five.
• Another first for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is that they were the first team to visit the White House in 1980. Along with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1979 World Series winners, they met with President Jimmy Carter.
• Pop singer Michael Jackson’s 1993 halftime performance had higher ratings than the Super Bowl game itself.
• Other “Super Bowls” are held throughout the country and on television. One is the annual Otter Bowl at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. The animals play with a football while an employee is the commentator.

Excitement for Super Bowl Sunday begins long before the two teams are decided. Now, you are able to surprise your friends and family with your newly acquired Super Bowl trivia, while watching the big game.