What Date Is The Super Bowl? The Ultimate Guide to Gridiron’s Grandest Stage

Set against the thunderous roar of stadiums and the glitz of national television, the Super Bowl stands as the pinnacle of professional American football—a contest where elite athletes converge for a single lawn to determine the NFL champion. More than just a game, the Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon, a spectacle broadcast to hundreds of millions worldwide, culminating each year on a specific date that fans mark with anticipation. Understanding the exact date of the Super Bowl—its timing, evolution, and the factors behind its scheduling—reveals much about the event’s enduring significance and organizational precision.

The date of the Super Bowl changes annually, governed by complex NFL scheduling rules designed to seal the championship series within a narrow April-to-May window. Since 1967—when the inaugural Super Bowl I was played—the event has typically occurred on the first Sunday in February. This haven has anchored the tradition for over five decades, allowing teams to conclude a grueling regular season and a playoff journey before reaching the ultimate prize.

In 2024, the Super Bowl is scheduled for February 10, but this may shift depending on final playoff outcomes and logistical considerations.

From History to June: The Evolution of the Super Bowl Date

The first Super Bowl, a 1967 showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, took place on January 15, 1967—a date reflective of mid-20th century scheduling norms. As the NFL expanded and broadcasting rights grew in value, the league standardized the event to the first Sunday in February, a slot chosen to maximize primetime viewership in the United States. This timing deliberately avoids weather disruptions in most major host cities, historically favoring southern and central regions during winter.

Over the years, the date served as a stable anchor for fans, broadcasters, and sponsors alike. However, the NFL has never locked the date with absolute inflexibility. While 2024’s game lands on February 10, past exceptions reveal adaptability: - 1971 marked Super Bowl V on February 14.

- Post-2020, with interspersed COVID-19 adjustments, scheduling precision became even tighter. - The league consistently selects dates ensuring clear skies, favorable climates, and strong television ratings, especially in key markets like Miami, Atlanta, and Glendale.

The 2024 date—February 10—fits within a broader pattern: Super Bowls typically fall between February 5 and February 25.

This window aligns with post-Thanksgiving viewership peaks, a tradition rooted in American media culture. Networks and advertisers favor this period for maximum audience engagement and commercial return.

Why February? Weather, Tradition, and Audience Appeal

February was selected not only for broadcasts, but for practical reasons deeply tied to the sport’s history and geography.

American football’s development in the Northeast gave rise to winter and early spring playing seasons—conditions often damp and chilly—but leagues prioritized consistency over weather comfort. Staging championship games in February avoids the deeper, more severe winter storms common in northern states peak season. The first Sunday in February also serves as a psychological cutoff.

By that weekend, playoff outcomes are largely determined, and the NFL network specializes in delivering a tightly edited, emotionally charged finale. For broadcasters, the date guarantees fewer scheduling conflicts with college sports or international events, securing premium ad slots. For fans, it marks a clear, countdown to celebration—a temporary alignment of weekday routines, party planning, and tribal identifiers rallying behind their team.

Historically, early prices also reflected early playoff models. Before the current 14-team playoff format, Super Bowl IV (January 11, 1970) began its era later, but the shift to February January–February reflected a growing need to unify a national championship narrative. The first Sunday anchors the event in a familiar rhythm: weekends of football, halftime shows, and poll-driven hype build steadily through late January and early February.

How the Date Is Finalized Each Season

The date for the Super Bowl is not set years in advance but determined by the NFL office in collaboration with the chosen host city’s stadium authority and local partners.

Once playoff brackets are sealed—ending in late January—the league commits definitively to the first Sunday in February. This timing allows for final stadium reservations, broadcast plans, and vendor logistics to solidify. While rare, last-minute shifts are possible only under extraordinary circumstances, such as extenuating weather events or logistical crises, though these remain exceptions rather than the rule.

The choice of venue further influences scheduling nuances. Since 2004, host cities must demonstrate not only stadium readiness but also favorable climates on or around February 10. Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium consistently rank among top picks due to their mild winters, modern facilities, and deep fan engagement.

The NFL’s selection process