When Was Super Bowl 52? Date, Winner & Key Facts

By Sarah Miller · October 29, 2050

Super Bowl 52 took place on February 4, 2018. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, securing their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Overview of Super Bowl 52

Super Bowl 52 was a landmark event in NFL history, not only because it marked the Philadelphia Eagles' first championship win but also due to its dramatic gameplay and record-breaking statistics. Held on February 4, 2018, the game featured a high-octane matchup between the NFC champion Eagles and the AFC champion Patriots, led by Tom Brady.

Key Highlights

First Super Bowl win for the Philadelphia Eagles
Held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Most total yards in Super Bowl history (1,151)
Tom Brady set a Super Bowl record with 505 passing yards
Nick Foles became the first quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP as a wildcard playoff team starter

Game Details and Venue

Super Bowl 52 was hosted at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. This indoor stadium provided a climate-controlled environment despite winter conditions outside. With a seating capacity of over 66,000, the venue was filled to near capacity for the event.

Venue Facts

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stadium: U.S. Bank Stadium
Covered: Yes (retractable roof, closed for event)
Capacity: ~66,655 for Super Bowl configuration
Surface: FieldTurf

Team Matchup: Eagles vs. Patriots

The matchup pitted the underdog Philadelphia Eagles against the defending champions, the New England Patriots. The Eagles entered the playoffs as a wildcard team but surged through the NFC bracket, defeating the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots, led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, defeated the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars en route to their third consecutive AFC title appearance.

Season Context

Eagles finished regular season 13-3, best in NFC
Patriots finished 13-3, AFC East champions
Eagles lost starting QB Carson Wentz late in season; Nick Foles stepped in
Patriots made their eighth Super Bowl appearance in 17 years

Statistic	Philadelphia Eagles	New England Patriots
Final Score	41	33
Total Yards	538	613
Passing Yards	373	505
Rushing Yards	165	108
Turnovers	1	2
Time of Possession	34:08	25:52
Third Down Efficiency	7/12 (58.3%)	5/12 (41.7%)

Table data source:1, 2

The game set the record for most combined yards in Super Bowl history (1,151). Despite the Patriots gaining more total and passing yards, the Eagles controlled time of possession and converted efficiently on third downs, which proved decisive. Philadelphia’s balanced offensive attack and critical red zone stops allowed them to maintain leads throughout the second half.

Key Players and MVP Performance

Nick Foles, stepping in after Carson Wentz’s season-ending injury, delivered one of the most memorable performances in Super Bowl history. He threw for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a crucial touchdown pass on the “Philly Special” trick play just before halftime.

Notable Performances

Nick Foles (Eagles QB): 28/43, 373 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT – Super Bowl MVP
Tom Brady (Patriots QB): 28/48, 505 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT – Most passing yards in Super Bowl history
Zach Ertz (Eagles TE): Game-winning touchdown catch with 2:21 remaining
Alshon Jeffery (Eagles WR): 9 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD
Jordan Hicks (Eagles LB): Key interception late in fourth quarter

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Super Bowl 52 is widely regarded as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played due to its back-and-forth action, offensive fireworks, and storyline of an underdog team winning its first title. The “Philly Special” play became instantly iconic and is still celebrated by fans today.

The halftime show featured Justin Timberlake, who paid tribute to Prince, whose home was nearby. Though criticized by some for relying heavily on pre-recorded vocals, the performance drew over 106 million viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 52

When and where was Super Bowl 52 held?

Super Bowl 52 was held on February 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Who won Super Bowl 52 and what was the score?

The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 52 with a final score of 41-33 against the New England Patriots.

Who was named Super Bowl 52 MVP?

Nick Foles, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Did Tom Brady break any records in Super Bowl 52?

Yes, Tom Brady set the Super Bowl record for most passing yards in a single game with 505 yards.

What was the significance of the 'Philly Special'?

The 'Philly Special' was a trick play just before halftime where tight end Trey Burton threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles. It became a defining moment of the game and a symbol of the Eagles’ bold strategy.