Where Was the First Super Bowl Played?

By Sarah Miller · January 25, 2048

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

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 unified two rival leagues in a single showcase event, setting the stage for what would become the biggest annual sporting event in the United States.

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 35–10 Chiefs
MVP: Bart Starr, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Attendance: 61,946
Broadcast Networks: CBS and NBC (simulcast)

Why Was the First Super Bowl Held in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles was selected as the host city due to its central geographic location, large stadium capacity, and established reputation for hosting major sporting events. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, originally built in 1923, had previously hosted the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, making it a symbol of American sports history.

The NFL and AFL sought a neutral, high-capacity venue with national appeal, and Los Angeles fit that profile perfectly. Additionally, the city's mild January weather made it an ideal winter destination for fans and broadcasters alike.

How Did the AFL-NFL Merger Lead to the Super Bowl?

The creation of the Super Bowl was a direct result of the 1966 merger agreement between the NFL and AFL. Although the leagues maintained separate schedules and playoffs through 1969, they agreed to play an ultimate championship game starting in January 1967.

Purpose of the Merger and Super Bowl

End bidding wars for players between competing leagues
Unify professional football under one organizational structure
Create a premier championship event to boost national viewership
Legitimize the AFL as a competitive league equal to the NFL

Statistic	Green Bay Packers	Kansas City Chiefs
First Downs	21	13
Total Yards	431	284
Rushing Yards	149	77
Passing Yards	282	207
Passes Completed-Attempted-Intercepted	16–23–1	10–17–1
Punts-Average	3–48.0	5–40.2
Fumbles-Lost	2–1	3–1

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows the Packers dominated in nearly every category, particularly in total offense and field position. Their superior punting average gave them a significant advantage in field position, while their balanced attack—both rushing and passing—kept the Chiefs' defense off balance. The turnover margin and consistent first-down conversion rate underscored Green Bay’s execution under head coach Vince Lombardi.

Legacy of Super Bowl I

Although Super Bowl I did not yet carry the cultural weight it holds today, it laid the foundation for the modern NFL. The game proved that a unified championship could draw national attention, with an estimated 51 million television viewers across two networks.

Within a few years, the Super Bowl evolved into a major entertainment spectacle, featuring halftime shows, high-profile commercials, and global media coverage. The success of the first game validated the AFL-NFL merger and helped shape the NFL into the most popular sports league in America.