Where Was Super Bowl 50 Played? Location and Results

By Sarah Miller · January 13, 2052

Super Bowl 50 was held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 7, 2016. The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10 to claim their third Super Bowl title.

Overview of Super Bowl 50

Super Bowl 50 marked a milestone event in NFL history, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the championship game between the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). Unlike future Roman numeral-labeled games, this edition used Arabic numerals as ‘50’ instead of ‘L’ for branding clarity and visual impact.

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
Attendance: 71,088 fans
Broadcast Network: CBS

Venue: Levi's Stadium and the Bay Area

Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, was selected as the host venue for Super Bowl 50 by the NFL owners in May 2013. Located in Santa Clara, it is part of the larger Silicon Valley region and offers state-of-the-art facilities with a seating capacity of over 68,000, expandable for major events.

Why Santa Clara Was Chosen

Modern infrastructure and stadium technology
Proximity to major airports (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland)
Strong public transportation links via Caltrain and shuttle services
Support from local government and business communities
Temperate winter climate ideal for outdoor events

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The Denver Broncos, led by defensive stars Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, dominated the high-powered Carolina Panthers offense. The turning point came in the second quarter when Miller forced a fumble from quarterback Cam Newton, which was recovered and returned for a touchdown.

Notable Performances

Von Miller: 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles – named Super Bowl MVP
C.J. Anderson: Rushed for 90 yards and one touchdown
Cam Newton: Threw for 265 yards but struggled under constant pressure
Peyton Manning: In his final NFL game, managed the game efficiently without throwing a touchdown or interception

Category	Data
Event	Super Bowl 50
Date	February 7, 2016
Stadium	Levi's Stadium
City	Santa Clara, CA
Capacity	68,500 (expandable to ~72,000)
Attendance	71,088
Weather at Kickoff	53°F (12°C), partly cloudy
Halftime Show Artist	Beyoncé, Coldplay, Bruno Mars
TV Viewership (USA)	111.9 million (Nielsen)
Ad Rate (30 sec)	$5 million average
Winner	Denver Broncos
Final Score	24–10
Super Bowl MVP	Von Miller

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table highlights key logistical and performance metrics from Super Bowl 50. With over 71,000 attendees and nearly 112 million TV viewers, it ranked among the most-watched broadcasts in U.S. history. The $5 million ad rate underscored its commercial significance, reflecting strong brand interest during the halftime show and game breaks.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Super Bowl 50 was notable not only for its athletic competition but also for its cultural moments. The halftime show featuring Beyoncé's surprise performance of “Formation” sparked widespread discussion and became a defining pop culture moment of 2016. Additionally, Peyton Manning’s retirement shortly after the game closed a legendary chapter in NFL history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 50

Where was Super Bowl 50 played?

Super Bowl 50 took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 7, 2016.

Who won Super Bowl 50?

The Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50, defeating the Carolina Panthers with a final score of 24–10.

What was special about Super Bowl 50?

It was the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, and the NFL used Arabic numerals (‘50’) instead of Roman numerals (‘L’) for branding purposes. It also featured a star-studded halftime show with Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 50?

Von Miller, linebacker for the Denver Broncos, was named Super Bowl MVP after recording 2.5 sacks and forcing two critical fumbles.

Did Peyton Manning retire after Super Bowl 50?

Yes, Peyton Manning retired from professional football on March 7, 2016, exactly one month after winning Super Bowl 50, marking the end of a historic 18-year NFL career.