No other American sports event is like the annual Super Bowl held every February. Pitting the two best teams in the National Football League, this event pulls more television viewers than nearly any other in the history of the medium. Even wonky folks like myself work up some kind of lather for the event — if only for the wacky commercials and Half Time performance, which this year is helmed by Justin Timberlake.
Taking place Sunday February 4th in Minneapolis, the contenders are veteran winners, The New England Patriots and The Philadelphia Eagles, who have never won a Super Bowl. The spotlight again falls on Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady who has been an occasional controversial figure during his time playing the sport.
No other event is more celebrated not only by fans, advertisers, beer manufacturers, avocado growers, but by the many bars, pubs and restaurants throughout America. This is an event not only for family but for friends and rivals. It both energizes and galvanizes — even for those who have to decide what team to root for, do you go for the much awarded Patriots or the Eagles who finally have a real chance to win this time.
The Super Bowl — now in its 52nd iteration — has grown from an event among others to the perfect expression of mainstream sports. Despite recent doubts about the safety of the game and the conflicts between players and owners, football still remains an intrinsic national sport and a reflector of many trends happening in the country. Especially when you add in what happens with its unique set of commercials and the Half Time entertainment. No matter who wins today, it’s that one event that expresses the national psyche like no other.