The Holiday We Call Super Bowl

While on any other Sunday evening most college students would finally be getting to work that had been put off all weekend, Sunday Feb. 1 was an exception. The Super Bowl, the football game of all football games, was on television. Instead of packing up the book bag for a long night at the library, college students around the country packed into homes, bars and other places to catch the big game.

Since its debut in 1967, the Super Bowl has been one of the most watched events in sports. With its ratings climbing from 24,430,000 viewers in the first game, known as the NFL-AFL World Championship Game, to over 98,700,000 viewers during Super Bowl XLIII, its popularity has skyrocketed. While football fans have been watching intently for years regardless of who is playing, another set of Super Bowl viewers are not football fans and in some cases, not even sports fans. They still tune in and celebrate as intently as the most die-hard fan however.

The Super Bowl creates a distinct atmosphere from other championship games. From the food to the eccentric fan gear, it is truly a unique celebration. There are many reasons why those who are not football fans tune into the Super Bowl. The influence of friends and family that are sports fans, a good party or get-together or just the excitement of the competition, are some reasons that those who normally wouldn’t take a second look at a football game make sure not to miss this annual event. College students especially take interest in the Super Bowl because it also welcomes a much needed study break on an otherwise uneventful Sunday.

Among these reasons, the excitement of the competition seems to be the main reason why so many people watch the Super Bowl.

“The thrill is why I watch,” said Ithaca College junior Thomas Yee. “Not for the team or the sport, but for the excitement.”

Others celebrate Super Bowl Sunday because of its entertainment value outside of sports.

“I watch the Super Bowl because of the halftime show and because I want to be informed,” said Ithaca College junior Sarah Bennett.

Whether it is for the excitement of competition, the appeal of a good party or simply the atmosphere, Super Bowl Sunday has turned into one of the largest holidays of the year. So large in fact, that companies are willing to shell out millions of dollars for a 30 second ad slot due to the popularity of the game. Millions of people tune in to watch the new ads that debut on Super Bowl Sunday. The introduction of these comical, clever ads incorporates a new facet of entertainment into the game that also appeals to those who may have no interest in football.

With all of these factors considered, it’s easy to see that the Super Bowl is a widespread day of celebration for the American public. From the inaugural game in 1967 to Super Bowl XLIII this past February, the Super Bowl has grown to incite countless celebrations. The first Sunday in February has forever stamped itself as one of the most exciting days of the year, ensuring its place in America as a national holiday.