When Was the First Super Bowl? Date, Teams, and Winner

By Sarah Miller · May 14, 2039

The first Super Bowl, known as Super Bowl I, was played on January 15, 1967. It featured a matchup between the NFL champion Green Bay Packers and the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Packers, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, won the game 35–10.

What Was Super Bowl I?

Super Bowl I marked the beginning of what would become the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States. Officially called the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game," it was retroactively dubbed "Super Bowl I." The game was created to unify the two rival leagues — the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) — following their merger agreement in 1966.

Key Facts About Super Bowl I

Date: January 15, 1967
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Teams: Green Bay Packers (NFL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (AFL)
Final Score: Packers 35, Chiefs 10
MVP: Bart Starr, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Attendance: 61,946
Halftime Show: University of Arizona and University of Southern California marching bands

Why Was the First Super Bowl Played?

The AFL and NFL were competing for talent and fans throughout the early 1960s. To resolve this rivalry and ensure long-term stability, the leagues agreed to merge in 1966. As part of the deal, they established a championship game between the winners of each league.

Purpose of the Merger and Super Bowl

To end bidding wars for players
To create a unified professional football structure
To crown a true national champion
To increase television ratings and revenue through a single marquee event

Game Highlights and Performance

The Green Bay Packers dominated from the start. Quarterback Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Max McGee, who didn't expect to play and reportedly partied the night before, caught two touchdown passes, including the first-ever Super Bowl TD.

Notable Performances

Bart Starr: 16/23 passing, 250 yards, 2 TDs – named MVP
Max McGee: 7 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TDs
Lionel Aldridge: Key defensive pressure leading to turnovers
Len Dawson: Chiefs' QB completed 12 of 17 for 142 yards but threw one interception

Category	Green Bay Packers	Kansas City Chiefs
First Downs	20	10
Total Yards	382	298
Rushing Yards	119	75
Passing Yards	263	223
Passing Completions	16 of 23	12 of 17
Turnovers	1	3
Penalties	6 for 55 yards	8 for 72 yards

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical dominance of the Packers is evident in key metrics such as total yards, first downs, and turnover margin. Their balanced offense and disciplined defense controlled the tempo throughout the game. The Chiefs struggled to maintain drives, turning the ball over three times compared to just one for Green Bay.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Although not yet called "Super Bowl" officially at the time, the game laid the foundation for a cultural phenomenon. Over time, the Super Bowl evolved into more than just a football game — it became a national holiday of sorts, complete with high-profile commercials, celebrity performances, and massive viewership.

The term "Super Bowl" was coined by AFL founder Lamar Hunt, inspired by his children's toy "Super Ball."
Only about 50 million people watched the game live or on tape delay; today, broadcasts exceed 100 million viewers annually.
The game was broadcast simultaneously on CBS and NBC, marking the only time in history that a single event was aired by two networks.

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, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It featured the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10.

Who won the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers won the first Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10. They were coached by Vince Lombardi and led by quarterback Bart Starr, who was named MVP.

Where was Super Bowl I held?

Super Bowl I was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. With a capacity of over 90,000 at the time, it was one of the largest stadiums in the country.

Why was the first Super Bowl created?

The first Super Bowl was created as part of the AFL-NFL merger agreement in 1966. Its purpose was to determine a true champion between the two leagues and unify professional American football under one structure.

Did people call it 'Super Bowl I' at the time?

No, the game was officially called the 'AFL-NFL World Championship Game.' The name 'Super Bowl' was popularized by the media and fans, originating from AFL owner Lamar Hunt, and was adopted officially starting with Super Bowl III.