Where Was the First Super Bowl Played?

By Sarah Miller · November 16, 2030

The first Super Bowl was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 1967. This historic game, officially known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, featured the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10.

History of the First Super Bowl

The inaugural Super Bowl marked a pivotal moment in American sports history, symbolizing the merger between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). Originally not called “Super Bowl,” the game was officially titled the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game.” The name “Super Bowl” gained popularity later, inspired by a toy called the “Super Ball” that children were playing with at the time.

Key Background Facts

The game was played between the champions of the NFL and AFL to determine an overall champion.
It took place during a period of intense rivalry between the two leagues before their full merger in 1970.
The term “Super Bowl” was not officially adopted until Super Bowl III in 1969.
Despite its significance today, the first Super Bowl did not sell out and was even blacked out in the local Los Angeles market due to low ticket sales.

Game Details and Matchup

The first Super Bowl featured the NFL champion Green Bay Packers, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, against the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers were heavily favored, reflecting the prevailing belief that the NFL was superior to the upstart AFL.

Key Game Elements

Date: January 15, 1967
Final Score: Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10
Most Valuable Player: Bart Starr, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Attendance: 61,946
Halftime Show: University of Arizona and University of Southern California marching bands

Team	Coach	League	Regular Season Record	Final Score
Green Bay Packers	Vince Lombardi	NFL	12-2	35
Kansas City Chiefs	Hank Stram	AFL	11-2-1	10

Table data source:1, 2

The data highlights the dominance of the Green Bay Packers, who entered the game with a strong 12-2 record compared to the Chiefs' 11-2-1. The final score of 35-10 underscored the perceived gap between the two leagues at the time, although the Chiefs did manage to keep the game competitive into the third quarter.

Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, built in 1923, served as the host stadium for the first Super Bowl. Located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, it has a rich history in sports and entertainment, including hosting two previous Summer Olympics (1932 and 1984).

Why Was the Coliseum Chosen?

Its large seating capacity made it suitable for a high-profile event.
Los Angeles was a major media market, ideal for national television broadcast.
The city had no NFL team at the time, making it a neutral site.
The warm January weather ensured favorable playing conditions.

The Coliseum underwent renovations in later years but remains an iconic venue. It hosted Super Bowl I again temporarily in 2022 for Super Bowl LVI, marking a symbolic return to roots.

Legacy and Impact

Although modest by today's standards, Super Bowl I laid the foundation for what would become the biggest annual sporting event in the United States. Over time, the game evolved from a simple championship contest into a cultural phenomenon featuring elaborate halftime shows, multi-million dollar commercials, and global viewership.

The success of the Packers helped validate the NFL's dominance early in the merger era.
The game was televised live on both CBS and NBC, marking the first time a sports event received dual-network coverage.
Ad rates for 30-second commercials averaged $42,000, a fraction of today's costs exceeding $7 million.
Over 51 million Americans watched the game via rebroadcast or live, despite limited marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl

Where was the first Super Bowl played?

The first Super Bowl was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

Who won the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in the first Super Bowl on January 15, 1967.

What was the first Super Bowl originally called?

The first Super Bowl was officially named the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The term “Super Bowl” became official only after a few years.

Was the first Super Bowl sold out?

No, the first Super Bowl was not sold out. Approximately 61,946 fans attended, but over 20,000 seats remained empty. Local TV blackout rules also prevented live broadcast in Los Angeles.

Which stadium has hosted the most Super Bowls?

As of 2025, Miami's Hard Rock Stadium has hosted the most Super Bowls (11 times), followed by the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has hosted three Super Bowls: I, VII, and XI.