While acrobatic catches and hard hits are the main attraction for American football fans watching the Super Bowl, there is also a lot of non-sporting excitement to look forward to. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for during the upcoming game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, set to begin at 23:30 GMT (18:30 EST) on Sunday, February 9th at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kendrick Lamar will be the star performer during the halftime show, and unexpected connections between David Beckham and Matt Damon will be unveiled. Rumors also suggest that Taylor Swift might make a special appearance, possibly showing off a new piece of jewelry.
The talented rapper from Compton will be headlining the musical break for the second time, with support from SZA. Fresh off a successful year at the Grammy Awards, where he won five prizes, including Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” Lamar might choose to perform a different setlist due to a recent lawsuit filed against him by fellow rapper Drake.
Travis Kelce will be aiming for his fourth Super Bowl ring and contemplating retirement if he achieves this milestone, solidifying his legacy as a great player. While many know him as Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, their relationship has been public since 2023, and Swifties are eagerly anticipating what may happen after the game, fueled by online rumors of a possible proposal.
The commercials aired during the Super Bowl are among the most expensive in the world, with this year setting a new record for ad prices. Companies are pulling out all the stops to ensure their ads are memorable, with familiar faces like David Beckham, Matt Damon, Sydney Sweeney, and Gordon Ramsay gracing screens in various spots.
Notably, this year’s game will make history as President Trump becomes the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl. Having been vocal about his opinions on the NFL in the past, Trump’s presence adds another layer of intrigue to the event.
In anticipation of the upcoming Super Bowl broadcast on Fox in the US, viewers can expect not only the highly anticipated game but also an exclusive interview with the president reflecting on his first 100 days in office. This pre-game show special is set to provide a unique insight into the leader’s early tenure.
On a different note, the NFL has decided to pivot away from its “End Racism” slogan, a staple of the past four Super Bowl editions. The league’s shift in messaging is not a direct response to political changes but rather a reflection of recent events that have gripped the nation. In light of the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in New Orleans and the devastating wildfires in California, new slogans “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” have been deemed more fitting and will take center stage during the Super Bowl.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed pride in the league’s commitment to diversity and vowed to uphold these efforts, emphasizing that inclusivity enhances the overall NFL experience. Additionally, this year’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner will be performed by acclaimed musician Jon Batiste, adding a touch of musical excellence to the game’s opening ceremony.
As fans eagerly await the kickoff, they can also look forward to performances of iconic songs like “America the Beautiful” by Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle, as well as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Ledisi. The Super Bowl festivities are set to be a celebration of unity and resilience in the face of recent adversities.
For those unable to attend the game in person, live coverage will be available on various platforms including the BBC Sport website and app, as well as on ITV, Sky, and Dazn. Radio enthusiasts can tune in to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for live commentary, ensuring that fans can stay connected to the action regardless of their location.
Looking back at the teams’ history, the Chiefs and the Eagles last faced off in the Super Bowl two years ago, with the Chiefs emerging victorious by a narrow margin. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes now has the opportunity to lead his team to a historic third consecutive championship if Kansas City secures a win in the upcoming rematch.
As anticipation builds and excitement mounts, all eyes are on the Super Bowl as it promises to deliver a thrilling blend of sportsmanship, entertainment, and unity. Stay tuned for an unforgettable game day experience that will showcase the best of American football and camaraderie on the grandest stage.
