When Was the First Super Bowl Played?

By Sarah Miller · October 19, 2030

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 American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). It was held to determine the top professional football team in the United States following the merger agreement between the two rival 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
Halftime Show: University of Arizona and University of Southern California marching bands

Why Was the First Super Bowl Created?

Prior to 1967, the NFL and AFL operated as competing leagues, each crowning its own champion. The announcement of a merger in June 1966 led to the creation of a unified championship game.

Objectives of the Merger and First Super Bowl

Establish a single, recognized national champion in professional American football
Legitimize the AFL as a competitive league equal to the NFL
Unify broadcasting rights and expand national viewership
Lay the foundation for a long-term, commercially viable championship event

Statistic	Value
Date	January 15, 1867
Stadium	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
City	Los Angeles, CA
Winning Team	Green Bay Packers
Losing Team	Kansas City Chiefs
Final Score	35-10
Attendance	61,946
TV Viewers (Est.)	51.2 million (combined CBS and NBC)
Broadcast Networks	CBS and NBC
Most Valuable Player	Bart Starr

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights that Super Bowl I was a landmark event in sports broadcasting history, being the first major professional sporting event aired simultaneously on two networks. Despite lower attendance than capacity, the combined TV audience exceeded 51 million, demonstrating strong public interest.

How Did the Teams Qualify?

The Green Bay Packers earned their spot by winning the 1966 NFL Championship, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-27. The Kansas City Chiefs qualified by defeating the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the AFL Championship game.

Coaches and Leadership

Green Bay Packers: Coached by legendary Vince Lombardi, who emphasized discipline, fundamentals, and powerful running game.
Kansas City Chiefs: Led by Hank Stram, an innovative coach known for using wireless play-calling technology.

Legacy of the First Super Bowl

Although it lacked the commercial spectacle of modern editions, Super Bowl I established the framework for what would become the biggest annual sporting event in the United States. It validated the NFL-AFL merger and set the stage for the unified league structure introduced in 1970.

Common 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 the first Super Bowl.

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 official at the time. It was initially called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The name "Super Bowl" became official with Super Bowl III.