When Was the First Super Bowl? Facts & History

By Sarah Miller · April 12, 2042

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, with the Packers winning 35–10.

What Was Super Bowl I?

Super Bowl I marked the beginning of what would become one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the world. Officially called the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game," it was the first championship game between the rival American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) following the merger agreement announced in 1966.

Key Details of the First Super Bowl

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 Created?

Prior to 1966, the NFL and AFL operated as separate professional football leagues, each crowning its own champion. The announcement of the merger in June 1966 led to the creation of a single championship game to determine the true champion between the two leagues.

Objectives Behind the Inaugural Game

To validate the legitimacy of both leagues through direct competition
To promote the upcoming AFL-NFL merger
To establish a unified national audience for professional football
To set the foundation for a major televised sports event

How Did the Teams Qualify?

The Green Bay Packers earned their spot by defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the 1966 NFL Championship Game. The Kansas City Chiefs qualified by beating the Buffalo Bills in the 1966 AFL Championship Game.

Path to Super Bowl I

Team	League	Championship Game	Opponent	Score
Green Bay Packers	NFL	NFL Championship	Dallas Cowboys	34–27
Kansas City Chiefs	AFL	AFL Championship	Buffalo Bills	31–7

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The Packers, coached by legendary Vince Lombardi, dominated the game with a balanced offensive attack and strong defense. Quarterback Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Max McGee, who famously partied the night before, caught two early TD passes, including the first touchdown in Super Bowl history.

Notable Performances

Bart Starr: 16/23 passing, 250 yards, 2 TDs
Max McGee: 7 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TDs
Jim Taylor: 14 rushing attempts, 48 yards, 1 TD
Lionel Aldridge: Key defensive pressure leading to turnovers

Television and Cultural Impact

Despite its historical significance, Super Bowl I received mixed attention from broadcasters and audiences. Two networks, CBS and NBC, aired the game simultaneously using different camera crews and announcers — a unique moment in sports broadcasting history.

Year	Date	Stadium	City	Average Viewers (Millions)	Ad Cost (30 sec)
1967	Jan 15	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	Los Angeles, CA	51.2	$42,000
1977	Jan 9	Rose Bowl	Pasadena, CA	81.9	$125,000
1987	Jan 25	Caesars Superdome	New Orleans, LA	92.3	$300,000
1997	Jan 26	Louisiana Superdome	New Orleans, LA	98.6	$1.3 million
2025	Feb 9	Caesars Superdome	New Orleans, LA	123.7 (projected)	$7.5 million (est.)

Table data source:1, 2

The viewership for Super Bowl I reached approximately 51.2 million, combining both CBS and NBC audiences. While this number seems modest compared to modern standards, it laid the foundation for exponential growth. By 2025, Super Bowl viewership is projected to surpass 123 million, reflecting its evolution into a cultural phenomenon far beyond just a football game.

Legacy of the First Super Bowl

Although not officially named "Super Bowl" at the time (the term became official with Super Bowl III), the 1967 game established the template for future championships. It helped legitimize the AFL, accelerated integration between the leagues, and began the tradition of a grand season finale that now includes elaborate halftime shows and high-profile commercials.

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.

Who played in the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers (NFL) faced the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL) in Super Bowl I.

Where was the first Super Bowl held?

The first Super Bowl took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

Who won the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers won the first Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10.

Was it always called the Super Bowl?

No, the term "Super Bowl" was not officially used until later. The 1967 game was initially called the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game." The name "Super Bowl" became official with Super Bowl III in 1969.