What Year Was the First Super Bowl? (1967)

By Sarah Miller · April 8, 2045

The first Super Bowl was held in 1967. Officially known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game at the time, it took place on January 15, 1967, marking the inaugural championship game between the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). The Green Bay Packers of the NFL defeated the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL with a score of 35–10.

Understanding the First Super Bowl

The first Super Bowl, now retroactively called Super Bowl I, was a historic event that unified two rival football leagues and laid the foundation for what would become the biggest annual sporting event in the United States.

Key Facts About Super Bowl I

Date: January 15, 17:00 EST (January 15, 1967)
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Teams: Green Bay Packers (NFL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (AFL)
Final Score: Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10
MVP: Bart Starr, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Average Viewership: Approximately 51.7 million (estimated combined audience)
Halftime Show: University of Arizona and University of Southern California marching bands

Historical Context of the AFL-NFL Merger

Prior to the first Super Bowl, the NFL and AFL operated as competing professional football leagues. The rivalry intensified throughout the early 1960s, leading to escalating player salaries and bidding wars. In 1966, the two leagues agreed to merge, with the merger officially completed in 1970. As part of the agreement, a championship game was established to determine the best team between the leagues.

Why Was It Not Originally Called the Super Bowl?

The term "Super Bowl" was not used officially until Super Bowl III. The game was initially titled the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game." The name "Super Bowl" was coined informally by Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, who reportedly said it after seeing his children play with a "Super Ball" toy. The catchy name gained popularity among fans and media, eventually becoming the official title.

Performance Highlights from Super Bowl I

The Green Bay Packers, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, dominated the game. Quarterback Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers' defense also played a crucial role, intercepting three passes. Despite a strong regular season, the Chiefs struggled under pressure and were unable to match the Packers' execution.

Statistic	Green Bay Packers (NFL)	Kansas City Chiefs (AFL)
First Downs	24	11
Total Yards	429	277
Passing Yards	268	157
Rushing Yards	161	120
Turnovers	2	4
Penalties	6 (50 yards)	7 (70 yards)

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows a clear advantage for the Packers in nearly every offensive category. Their ability to sustain drives and limit turnovers was instrumental in their victory. The Chiefs' four turnovers, including three interceptions, proved costly in the final outcome.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Although Super Bowl I did not receive the massive commercial attention seen today, it set the precedent for future games. Over time, the Super Bowl evolved into a cultural phenomenon, featuring high-profile halftime shows, multi-million-dollar commercials, and global viewership exceeding 100 million.

How Has the Super Bowl Changed Since 1967?

Viewership: From around 50 million estimated viewers to over 115 million in recent years.
Advertising: A 30-second ad cost ~$42,000 in 1967; in 2025, it exceeds $7 million.
Halftime Shows: Evolved from college bands to performances by global pop stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Global Reach: Broadcast in over 150 countries and translated into dozens of languages.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl

When was the first Super Bowl played?

The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967. It featured the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Who won the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers won the first Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 35–10. The team was coached by Vince Lombardi and led by quarterback Bart Starr.

Why is Super Bowl I sometimes not recognized as such?

Super Bowl I was not officially called the "Super Bowl" at the time. It was labeled the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game." The name "Super Bowl" became official only after the third edition, which is why some historical references initially avoided the term.

Where was the first Super Bowl held?

The first Super Bowl was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The venue had a capacity of over 94,000 and was chosen for its central location and accessibility.

Did the first Super Bowl have a halftime show?

Yes, the first Super Bowl featured a halftime show performed by the University of Arizona and University of Southern California marching bands. Unlike today's celebrity-driven performances, the early shows focused on traditional musical presentations.