When Was Super Bowl 50? Date, Winner, and Highlights

By Sarah Miller · September 1, 2046

Super Bowl 50 was played on February 7, 2016, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10, securing their third Super Bowl title in franchise history. MVP honors went to Broncos linebacker Von Miller, whose dominant defensive performance was pivotal in the victory.

Overview of Super Bowl 50

Super Bowl 50 marked a milestone event in the history of the National Football League (NFL), celebrating the 50th anniversary of the championship game between the NFL and American Football League (AFL) champions. Unlike future editions that use Roman numerals, the league opted for Arabic numerals—'50' instead of 'L'—to enhance public recognition and branding.

Key Facts About Super Bowl 50

Date: February 7, 2016
Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Affiliated Teams: Denver Broncos (AFC) vs. Carolina Panthers (NFC)
Final Score: Denver Broncos 24, Carolina Panthers 10
MVP: Von Miller, Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Halftime Show Performer: Coldplay, with special guests Beyoncé and Bruno Mars
Viewership: Over 111 million viewers in the U.S. alone

The Road to Super Bowl 50

Both teams entered the game with strong regular-season records. The Carolina Panthers finished the 2015 season with a 15-1 record, led by league MVP quarterback Cam Newton. The Denver Broncos secured a 12-4 record, relying heavily on their top-ranked defense.

Playoff Path to the Championship

Carolina Panthers: Defeated the Seattle Seahawks (Divisional Round) and Arizona Cardinals (NFC Championship)
Denver Broncos: Beat the Pittsburgh Steelers (Divisional Round) and New England Patriots (AFC Championship)

Von Miller’s Game-Defining Performance

Von Miller was the standout player of Super Bowl 50, recording five tackles, 2.5 sacks, and forcing two critical fumbles—one of which led directly to a touchdown. His pressure on Cam Newton disrupted Carolina’s offensive rhythm throughout the game.

Key Defensive Plays by Miller

Forced fumble on Cam Newton in the second quarter, recovered by Malik Jackson for a touchdown
Strip-sack in the fourth quarter, leading to an insurance touchdown by C.J. Anderson
Consistently pressured Newton, contributing to only one offensive touchdown by Carolina

Statistic	Denver Broncos	Carolina Panthers
Total Yards	304	353
Rushing Yards	128	97
Passing Yards	176	256
Turnovers	1	4
Time of Possession	31:09	28:51
Third-Down Efficiency	5/13	4/11

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights how Denver won despite being outgained in total yards. Their ability to force four turnovers—three fumbles and one interception—proved decisive. Superior red-zone defense and timely rushing plays allowed them to control momentum, even with modest offensive output.

Cultural Impact and Halftime Show

Super Bowl 50 featured a globally watched halftime show headlined by British band Coldplay, with high-energy guest performances from Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. Beyoncé's appearance stirred widespread attention due to her performance of "Formation," released just before the game, which carried cultural and political symbolism.

Notable Aspects of the Halftime Show

Attendance: Over 71,000 fans at Levi's Stadium
Global Viewers: Estimated 112 million live viewers
Performers: Coldplay (main act), Beyoncé (surprise guest), Bruno Mars (cameo)
Theme: Celebration of unity and musical legacy

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 50

Why was it called Super Bowl 50 instead of Super Bowl L?

The NFL temporarily abandoned Roman numerals for the 50th edition to improve public recognition and branding. While all other Super Bowls use Roman numerals (e.g., Super Bowl XLIX), the league used 'Super Bowl 50' for marketing clarity and visual impact.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 50?

Von Miller, linebacker for the Denver Broncos, was named Super Bowl MVP. He recorded 2.5 sacks and forced two fumbles, playing a crucial role in the Broncos' defensive victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Where was Super Bowl 50 held?

Super Bowl 50 took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers. The venue opened in 2014 and hosted its first Super Bowl with this event.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 50?

The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers with a final score of 24-10. Denver's defense dominated, forcing four turnovers and limiting Carolina to a single touchdown.

Who performed at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show?

The halftime show was headlined by Coldplay, with special appearances by Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. Beyoncé's performance of "Formation" generated significant media discussion due to its cultural messaging and choreography.