What Year Was the Super Bowl? Annual Dates Explained

By Sarah Miller · November 16, 2052

The Super Bowl is an annual event, so it does not belong to just one year. The first Super Bowl was held in 1967, and the most recent edition, Super Bowl LVIII, took place on February 11, 2024. Future games are scheduled annually, with Super Bowl LIX set for February 9, 2025.

Understanding the Super Bowl: A Year-by-Year Tradition

The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), played annually to determine the league's champion for that season. It began as a merger agreement between the NFL and the American Football League (AFL) and has since evolved into one of the most-watched sporting events globally.

Origins of the Super Bowl

The first Super Bowl, known as Super Bowl I, occurred on January 15, 1967.
It featured the Green Bay Packers (NFL) vs. the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL).
The game was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Green Bay won 35–10 under legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

Evolution of the Super Bowl Over the Decades

What started as a post-merger exhibition game has grown into a cultural phenomenon, combining high-stakes football with elaborate halftime shows and record-breaking advertising.

Key Milestones by Era

1960s–1970s: Establishment of the Super Bowl brand and dominance by teams like the Steelers and Cowboys.
1980s: Rise of iconic quarterbacks such as Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw.
1990s: Expansion of global viewership and commercial appeal.
2000s: Patriots' dynasty under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick begins.
2010s–2020s: Increased focus on player safety, diversity, and digital engagement.

Recent and Upcoming Super Bowls

The Super Bowl is scheduled every February, concluding the NFL season that begins in September. Below is a list of recent and upcoming games.

Super Bowl	Date	Champion	Runner-up	Score	Location
LVI	February 13, 2022	Los Angeles Rams	Cincinnati Bengals	23–20	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
LVII	February 12, 2023	Kansas City Chiefs	Philadelphia Eagles	38–35	State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
LVIII	February 11, 2024	Kansas City Chiefs	San Francisco 49ers	25–22 (OT)	Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
LIX	February 9, 2025	TBD	TBD	TBD	Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
LX	February 8, 2026	TBD	TBD	TBD	Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a clear scheduling pattern: the Super Bowl is consistently held on the first Sunday in February. Recent venues include major metropolitan areas with state-of-the-art stadiums. The 2024 game marked the first overtime in Super Bowl history since the format change allowing both teams a possession in overtime.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Super Bowl

What year was the first Super Bowl?

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

When is the next Super Bowl?

The next Super Bowl, Super Bowl LIX, will be played on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

How often is the Super Bowl held?

The Super Bowl is held once every year, typically on the first Sunday in February, marking the conclusion of the NFL season.

Why is the Super Bowl referred to by Roman numerals?

The NFL uses Roman numerals to emphasize the significance and prestige of each game, distinguish seasons across calendar years, and avoid confusion with regular-season games. This tradition began with Super Bowl V in 1971.

Has any team won the Super Bowl three years in a row?

No NFL team has won three consecutive Super Bowls. The closest were the Buffalo Bills (appeared in four straight from 1990–1993, losing all) and the New England Patriots (won back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, and again in 2014 and 2016, but not three in a row).