When Was the First Super Bowl Played? Full History & Facts

By Sarah Miller · June 14, 2031

The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967. Officially known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game at the time, it featured the Green Bay Packers of the NFL defeating the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL by a score of 35-10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

What Was the First Super Bowl?

The inaugural Super Bowl, retroactively named Super Bowl I, marked the first championship game between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). This historic game was played to determine the best professional football team in the United States following years of competition between the two leagues.

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
Broadcast Networks: CBS (NFL contract) and NBC (AFL contract) — the only time in history two networks aired the same game

Historical Context Behind the First Super Bowl

Prior to the merger of the NFL and AFL, both leagues operated independently and competed for players and fans. The announcement of a merger in June 1966 included a provision for an annual championship game between the winners of each league.

Why Was the First Super Bowl Created?

To validate the legitimacy of the AFL against the established NFL
To accelerate the full merger process, which was completed in 1970
To showcase professional football’s potential as a national entertainment spectacle
To generate shared revenue and exposure for both leagues

Game Highlights and Key Moments

Coached by legendary Vince Lombardi, the Packers dominated the game with a balanced offensive attack and a strong defense. Bart Starr threw two touchdown passes, and running back Jim Taylor added a rushing score. Despite being underdogs, the Chiefs managed one touchdown but were unable to sustain drives against Green Bay’s defense.

Notable Performances

Bart Starr: 16-of-23 passing, 250 yards, 2 TDs
Max McGee: Unexpected star; caught 7 passes for 138 yards and 2 TDs despite minimal practice
Larry Wilson: Interception sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter

Statistic	Green Bay Packers	Kansas City Chiefs
First Downs	20	17
Total Yards	382	298
Passing Yards	298	223
Rushing Yards	84	75
Turnovers	1	3
Time of Possession	33:27	26:33

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge held by the Packers reflects their superior ball control and defensive consistency. With fewer turnovers and longer drives, Green Bay maintained dominance throughout the game. Their 33+ minutes of possession limited the Chiefs' opportunities and showcased Lombardi's strategic discipline.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Though overshadowed at the time by other events — including the ongoing Apollo space program and the halftime show receiving more TV viewers than the game — Super Bowl I laid the foundation for what would become America’s most-watched annual sporting event.

Today, the Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon, blending sports, entertainment, and advertising into a multi-billion-dollar event. The success of the first game helped solidify the NFL-AFL merger and contributed to the rise of the modern NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl

Why was the first Super Bowl called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game?

The term "Super Bowl" was not officially used until 1969. The first two championship games were formally titled the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The name "Super Bowl" originated from a casual remark by Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, who likened the game to his children's "Super Ball" toy. The nickname gained popularity and was eventually adopted officially.

Who broadcast the first Super Bowl?

The first Super Bowl was uniquely broadcast by both CBS and NBC. CBS held the rights to televise NFL games, while NBC had the AFL contract. To ensure nationwide coverage and fairness, both networks aired the game simultaneously, using different announcers and camera setups. This remains the only time in U.S. television history that two networks broadcast the same live sporting event.

Was the first Super Bowl sold out?

No, the first Super Bowl was not sold out. Despite an attendance of 61,946, there were approximately 10,000 unsold seats. Tickets ranged from $12 to $45. Interestingly, due to lower-than-expected public interest at the time, many tickets were given to charity and some fans even declined free tickets. Television ratings later revealed strong viewer engagement, signaling untapped potential.

Where was the first Super Bowl played?

The first Super Bowl was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The venue was chosen for its large capacity and central location, symbolizing the national nature of the new championship. The Coliseum has since hosted multiple Super Bowls and remains a historic landmark in American sports.

Did the Super Bowl have a halftime show in 1967?

Yes, the first Super Bowl featured a halftime show, though it was far simpler than today’s elaborate performances. It included the University of Arizona and University of Southern California marching bands, along with drill teams and dancers performing themed routines around “The Original Big Game.” An estimated 75 million viewers watched the halftime show, more than those watching the game itself, highlighting early audience preferences.