Five most watched Super Bowl games of all-time
With just over a week to go until the greatest of games the preparations and build-up are in full speed. Raymond James Stadium is where the Kansas City Chiefs are going to try and defend last season's title. They will do it against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who’ll be the first ever team to play a Super Bowl game at home ground, as if the motivation wasn’t enough for Tom Brady and the Bucs.
How and where to watch Sunday's Super Bowl on TV & stream:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Kansas City Chiefs
When? February 7th, 6.30pm ET
Where? Raymond James Stadium
TV/Stream info here
5 Most Watched Super Bowls on TV
1. Super Bowl XLIX, February 1st, 2015 – 114 442 000 viewers
The most watched Super Bowl game in the history was played on the February 5th, 2015 between New England Patriots and the defending champions, Seattle Seahawks. The game was played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona in front of 70 000 fans. After a scoreless first quarter the second quarter resulted in a tie, 14-14. The Seahawks surely thought they had put themselves in a good position when they finished the third quarter with a 10-point lead, but the Patriots led by Tom Brady were going to switch things around and could later lift the trophy after an impressive last quarter. The Super Bowl XLIX finished 28-24 for the New England Patriots. The national anthem was performed by Idina Menzel and Kate Perry was the main act of the halftime show.
2. Super Bowl XLVIII, February 2nd, 2014 – 112 191 000 viewers
The second most watched Super Bowl is the Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. This was going to be the Seahawks first ever Super Bowl trophy and they did it in style. The Broncos didn’t have a chance against the Seahawks and after four quarters the scoreboard showed 43-8 in favor of the Seattle Seahawks. Malcom Smith, linebacker for the Seahawks, was named the MVP as his team brought home their first ever Super Bowl champions trophy. The game was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in front of 82 500 fans.
3. Super Bowl 50, February 7th, 2016 – 111 864 000 viewers
With an average of almost 111.9 million viewers the Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos hits position three on this list. With Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars as performing guests, Peyton Manning’s final career game and over 70 000 spectators in the stands, this game had everything in order to become a true classic. The Broncos were favorites going into the game and proved to be the stronger team early on. After a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, they never let the Panthers into the game. The game ended 24-10 and the Broncos lifted their third ever Super Bowl Trophy.
4. Super Bowl XLVI, February 5th, 2012 – 111 346 000 viewers
Not many would have thought that the Giants would go all the way and win the Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. After a season record of 9 wins and 7 losses, they’re still today the team with the lowest regular season record that have won the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots, who were their opponents in the final, came close but after a strong fourth quarter by the Giants the game was over. The Super Bowl XLVI was played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana and broadcast by NBC with an average of almost 111.4 million viewers.
5. Super Bowl LI, February 5th, 2017 – 111 319 000 viewers
The last Super Bowl game on this list is the Super Bowl LI, New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons. After a first quarter without any scoring the following three gave us everything we wished for. Both teams had their chances to finish the game, but it was going to take an overtime quarter in order to separate the two teams. The New England Patriots and Tom Brady were the stronger side in overtime and could later lift the trophy in front of 70 000 fans at NRG Stadium in Texas. Tom Brady was named the Super Bowl MVP, an award he’s got four times – Will there be a fifth on Sunday?
Author: Dan Anderson