The Super Bowl, America’s most-watched sporting event, is not just about football.
While the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs battle for glory on the field, the non-sporting spectacle surrounding the game often captivates audiences worldwide.
This year’s Super Bowl, set to kick off at 23:30 GMT (18:30 EST) on Sunday, 9 February at the Superdome in New Orleans, promises to deliver unforgettable moments both on and off the field.
From Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated halftime show to rumours of a Taylor Swift engagement and Donald Trump’s historic attendance, here’s what to watch for during Super Bowl 2024.
Kendrick Lamar headlines the halftime show amid Drake feud
Kendrick Lamar, the Compton rapper and five-time Grammy winner, will headline the Super Bowl halftime show for the second time. Fresh off his Grammy success, including Song of the Year for Not Like Us, Lamar’s performance is expected to be a highlight of the evening.
However, fans are speculating whether he will perform the track, which is a diss aimed at hip-hop rival Drake.
Last month, Drake filed a lawsuit against Lamar, claiming defamation and harassment over the song.
Whether Lamar chooses to perform Not Like Us or avoid further controversy remains to be seen. Either way, his performance is sure to captivate the record-breaking audience. Last year’s Super Bowl drew over 123 million viewers, setting a new benchmark for U.S. television audiences.
Taylor Swift rumours swirl as Travis Kelce eyes his fourth ring
While Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, aims to secure his fourth Super Bowl ring, many viewers are more interested in his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift.
The couple went public in 2023, and Swift joined Kelce on the field to celebrate his team’s victory last year.
Rumors of a potential proposal have been circulating online, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the post-game celebrations.
When asked about the possibility, Kelce responded with a smile, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Whether or not a proposal happens, Swifties will undoubtedly be watching closely.
Donald Trump makes history as the first sitting president to attend
Donald Trump is set to make history as the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl.
A longtime NFL enthusiast, Trump has been critical of league commissioner Roger Goodell in the past, particularly over player protests during the national anthem.
Trump’s attendance at the Super Bowl underscores his unique relationship with the sport and its cultural significance.
Fox, the network broadcasting the game, will also air an interview with Trump during their pre-game show, focusing on his first 100 days in office.
Super Bowl ads: Beckham, Damon, and Ramsay take center stage
Super Bowl commercials are as much a part of the event as the game itself, with brands spending millions to capture the attention of the massive audience.
This year, at least 10 ads have been sold for over £6.4 million ($8 million) each, setting a new record.
Among the most anticipated ads is Stella Artois’s spot, featuring David Beckham and Matt Damon in a humorous twist that reveals Beckham has a long-lost twin brother named Dave Beckham.
Other notable ads include Hellman’s mayonnaise recreating the iconic deli scene from When Harry Met Sally, Haagen-Dazs enlisting Fast & Furious stars, and Gordon Ramsay promoting HexClad cookware.
NFL removes “End Racism” slogan from the field
In a notable change, the NFL has decided not to use the “End Racism” slogan in this year’s Super Bowl, a phrase that has appeared in the last four editions.
The league stated that the decision was not influenced by the current political climate but rather in response to recent tragedies, including the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in New Orleans and the California wildfires.
Instead, the NFL will feature slogans like “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us,” which have been used in various games since 2020.
Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to diversity:
We’ve not only convinced ourselves, we’ve proven it to ourselves. It does make the NFL better.
National anthem performance and pre-game festivities
Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste will perform The Star-Spangled Banner, with viewers eagerly watching for any lyrical slip-ups and bettors timing the duration of his rendition.
Other pre-game performances include America the Beautiful by Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle, as well as Lift Every Voice and Sing by Ledisi.
How to watch Super Bowl 2024
For fans around the world, the BBC will provide live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app, with live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
The game will also be broadcast on ITV, Sky, and Dazn.
This year’s Super Bowl is a rematch of the 2022 showdown, where the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Eagles by a single field goal.
With star quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, Kansas City aims to secure an unprecedented third consecutive championship.
Whether you’re tuning in for the football, the halftime show, or the off-field drama, Super Bowl 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event.
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