Who Played in Super Bowl 2013? Teams, Score & Highlights

By Sarah Miller · October 5, 2047

The two teams that played in Super Bowl 2013 were the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. The game took place on February 3, 2013, at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Baltimore Ravens won the championship with a final score of 34-31.

Overview of Super Bowl 2013

Super Bowl XLVII, commonly known as “The Harbaugh Bowl” and “Blackout Bowl,” was one of the most memorable games in NFL history. It featured a clash between two powerhouse teams: the AFC champion Baltimore Ravens and the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. The game was notable for its dramatic storyline, including brothers John and Jim Harbaugh coaching against each other, a power outage that halted play, and an intense second-half comeback by the 49ers.

Key Highlights

First Super Bowl meeting between head coaches who are brothers
Momentary stadium blackout in the third quarter
Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco named Super Bowl MVP
Ray Lewis's final NFL game before retirement
High-scoring finish with 35 points in the fourth quarter alone

Team Profiles: Who Played in Super Bowl 2013?

Baltimore Ravens (AFC Champions)

The Ravens entered the playoffs as the AFC's #4 seed. Despite a mid-season record of 9-6, they gained momentum in the postseason under quarterback Joe Flacco, who delivered one of the greatest playoff performances by a QB. Key players included Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, and Torrey Smith.

San Francisco 49ers (NFC Champions)

The 49ers were the NFC's top seed with a 12-4 regular season record. Coached by Jim Harbaugh, they boasted a dominant defense and a dynamic offense led by Colin Kaepernick, who had taken over as starting quarterback mid-season. Other key contributors included Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, and Aldon Smith.

Game Summary and Timeline

Super Bowl XLVII began with the Ravens taking control early, building a commanding 28-6 lead by early in the third quarter. However, a partial power failure in the Superdome caused a 34-minute delay, shifting momentum. After play resumed, the 49ers launched a furious comeback, scoring 17 unanswered points and narrowing the gap to 28-23. Though they came close, the Ravens held on defensively in the final minutes to secure the win.

Final Score Breakdown

Quarter	Baltimore Ravens	San Francisco 49ers
1st	14	3
2nd	7	3
3rd	7	15
4th	6	10
Total	34	31

Detailed Player and Game Statistics

Statistic	Baltimore Ravens	San Francisco 49ers
Passing Yards	287 (Joe Flacco)	302 (Colin Kaepernick)
Rushing Yards	195 (Vick + Rice)	112 (Gore + Kaepernick)
Turnovers	2	2
Time of Possession	31:22	28:38
Third Down Efficiency	7/15 (47%)	5/13 (38%)
Punts	4	5
Penalties	6 (51 yards)	10 (104 yards)

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical comparison shows both teams were evenly matched in offensive production, but the Ravens controlled the clock more effectively and capitalized on key moments. The 49ers committed significantly more penalty yards, which hurt their comeback attempts in critical drives. Joe Flacco outperformed Kaepernick in efficiency despite similar yardage totals.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Super Bowl 2013 is remembered not only for the on-field drama but also for its off-field significance. Ray Lewis’s emotional farewell after his final game marked the end of an era for defensive excellence. The halftime show, headlined by Beyoncé, drew over 110 million viewers and included a surprise reunion of Destiny's Child. Additionally, the power outage sparked discussions about stadium infrastructure and emergency protocols during major televised events.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2013

Who won Super Bowl 2013?

The Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl 2013, defeating the San Francisco 49ers with a final score of 34-31. It was the franchise's second Super Bowl victory in team history.

Where was Super Bowl 2013 held?

Super Bowl XLVII was held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 3, 2013. This was the seventh time the city hosted the event.

Why was there a blackout in Super Bowl 2013?

A partial power outage occurred early in the third quarter due to a malfunction in the electrical system of the Superdome. The issue triggered a safety mechanism that shut down half the lights, causing a 34-minute delay before play resumed.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2013?

Joe Flacco, quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, was named Super Bowl MVP. He threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions during the game.

What made Super Bowl 2013 unique?

Super Bowl XLVII was nicknamed “The Harbaugh Bowl” because it featured brothers John Harbaugh (Ravens) and Jim Harbaugh (49ers) as opposing head coaches. It was also dubbed the “Blackout Bowl” due to the stadium lighting failure, and it included a legendary halftime performance by Beyoncé.