The Super Bowl is one of the country’s biggest sporting events, occurring annually as the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). It may have started as an exciting yet simple occurrence, only meant for hardcore football fans, but over time, it’s developed into something much more significant. With a whopping 126 million American viewers this year, the Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon, gathering viewers ranging from intense football fans supporting their favorite team, music fans, to people who are most interested in the commercials. Everyone has different traditions when it comes to the Super Bowl, and the Berkeley High School community is no exception.
One way that the big game creates such a big cultural impact is its ability to bring friends and loved ones together. One of the most common traditions across the U.S. is kicking back and simply enjoying the wonders of the game with friends and family. However, a common theme in every watch party is the food. “I spent the game with my friends and their cousins,” said BHS junior Samuel Fesseha, “We had great food. Chili, steak, cookies, brownies, the works.”
The Super Bowl is known for more than just football; its most iconic event other than the sport itself is the halftime show. The Super Bowl halftime show is the pinnacle of music — every artist’s dream. “I like the halftime shows so much because it’s fun to see different artists try to do their best for such a short amount of time,” Marnina Dimond, a BHS sophomore, said, “They always go all out and put everything they’ve got into it. I watch it every year.” The halftime show is always a spectacle, featuring artists playing their biggest hits alongside top tier dancers. Some, like Kendrick Lamar, take it an extra step further by weaving powerful messages into their performances. This year, the rapper’s show highlighted the struggles of Black Americans and the shifting dynamics of governmental power.
Another aspect of the Super Bowl’s allure is the commercials and celebrity sightings. They draw in a younger audience who might not have tuned in otherwise. Big-name brands capitalize on this by crafting memorable, often humorous or emotional ads featuring A-list celebrities, pop culture references, and viral trends. “I love the commercials. To me, they’re more entertaining than the game,” BHS junior Aarushi Bhandari said, “They’re always so creative.” Many viewers share this sentiment as companies pour absurd amounts of money into producing ads that leave lasting impressions. “The fact that one 30 second ad costs eight million dollars is insane to me,” Bhandari said, “They do work well though.”
The Super Bowl is more than a championship football game, it’s a cultural spectacle that brings people together. From passionate fans to casual viewers, everyone finds something to enjoy, making it one of the most unifying events in American culture. It’s more than just a football game for football fans — it’s a tradition that connects millions, including members within the BHS community, year after year.