What’s so super about the Super Bowl?

One Sunday a year, America shuts down for its biggest unofficial holiday: Super Bowl Sunday. Sports fans and non sports fans alike gather around with friends and family to watch arguably the biggest game in American sports. But what is it about this day that attracts so many viewers and brings in so much revenue? From the entertaining commercials to the lavish production, University of San Diego students weigh in on why Super Bowl Sunday is so highly anticipated.

Some argue that even more famous than the game itself are the over the top commercials strategically placed in between the game. This is the time of year that big name companies suddenly become creative with their advertisements to win over the hearts and wallets of viewers. It has been reported that a 30 second air time may cost a company up to $5 million. That’s a lot of money for a little bit of time. But with an average of over 114 million viewers a year, that hefty price tag may be worth it. These commercials draw in an audience of their own for those who want to join in on the festivities but are a little less interested in the football rivalry.

Sophomore Megan Weiss is willing to confess that her favorite part about Super Bowl Sunday is watching the captivating and funny commercials.

“Usually commercials are annoying,” Weiss said. “The Super Bowl is the one day a year when commercials actually matter and people really, genuinely want to watch them.”

The halftime show is the other highly anticipated, attention grabber of the afternoon. Those who are less interested in the actual football game going on can channel their attention to the musical guests. This spectacle usually satisfies both the older and younger generations with guests such as Bruno Mars, Janet Jackson, and Bruce Springsteen. This year, viewers will enjoy a performance from the band Coldplay with guest appearances from past performers Beyoncé and Bruno Mars.

Sophomore Samirah Qabazard admits that the halftime show is what she most looks forward to when watching the Super Bowl.

“Honestly, the halftime show is one of the main reasons I choose to watch the Super Bowl,” Qabazard said. “I feel like it’s a mini concert that everyone sees and the next day everyone can talk about it so it’s kind of cool.”

Aside from the flashiness and overall production of Super Bowl Sunday, the celebration ultimately comes down to people coming together to watch two teams face off to with a football championship. Sometimes the extravaganza and production overshadows the overall reason millions of people choose to tune in. At the end of the day, the reason this production comes together is for two teams battle it out to earn the championship title. No matter who is playing, whether it is your favorite team or not, spectators ultimately want to see who will come out on top.

First year and Denver Broncos fan Caroline Gallagher seems to be one of few who is genuinely excited to watch a good game of football.

“I’ve grown up a Broncos fan and I used to go to every game when I was younger,” Gallagher said. “So it’s fun to see them at the Super Bowl and cheer them on.”

I believe the Super Bowl is a cultural representation of America: big, flashy, and expensive. Millions choose to join in on the festivities because it is essentially a reflection of America and what our culture values. People come together to celebrate, maybe as rivals, drink a beer, order a pizza, and enjoy each other’s company. With the Super Bowl, there’s a little bit of something for everyone: sports, entertainment, music, and food. No one goes home unsatisfied. This super event gives friends, family, teams, and rivals a fun and casual reason to come together for four hours on a Sunday.

“I feel like it’s an American pastime,” Qabazard said. “When you think about it, it’s a fun day that really brings the whole country together.”

So whether your team wins or loses, or you are just in it for the entertainment, when it comes to the Super Bowl, there is a little bit of something for everyone.