The Evolution of Super Bowl Traditions

Over the decades, the Super Bowl has grown into much more than a championship football game. The emergence of halftime shows featuring major artists, innovative and high-budget commercials, and the tradition of Super Bowl parties have transformed the event into a cultural extravaganza.
These elements attract viewers who might not even be football fans, making the Super Bowl a shared national experience. The halftime spectacle and memorable ads have become as anticipated as the game itself, cementing the Super Bowl’s status as a unique blend of sports and entertainment. Explore how these traditions developed at Smithsonian Magazine’s feature on halftime show history.