That’s the Biggest Gap in Sports, the Difference between the Winner and the Loser of the Super Bowl.
Riddle takes a look at the Super Bowl 50
For our American cousins on the other side of the pond, the Super Bowl is regularly called the greatest sporting event in the world. Some tune in to watch the best teams that season go head to head to claim bragging rights, others tune in for the half time show…. So what is it? Last year 114.4 million people in the USA with an estimated 160 million worldwide watched the game (making it the most watched TV event of the year) along with 28.4 million tweets about the game. More are expected to both watch and comment about the game on social media this year, with with Americans expected to consume 2168 million pints of beer during the game along with 1.25 billion chicken wings and 11.2 million pounds of crisps.
Carolina Panthers won 15 games and lost just one in the regular season before vanquishing the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals in the play-offs. Whilst they search for their first ever Super Bowl victory, they face three time winners, the Denver Broncos whose season record was 12- 4 before then overcoming the Pittsburgh Steelers and defending champions the New England Patriots. Taking place in the neutral venue of Levi’s Stadium (the home ground of the San Fransisco 49ers) in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday 7th February, kick off is at 11:20pm with coverage starting at 10:50pm on BBC2.
The much feted half time show will see Beyonce and Coldplay entertain the crowds with advertisers reportedly forking out $5 million (£3.45 million) for a single 30-second commercial during the broadcast.
Odds currently stand at 5/9 for the Panthers and 6/4 for the Broncos with many predicting a win for the Panthers given their form and season record. Others believe the experience the Broncos have will see them through. Given eight of the last 14 Super Bowls have been decided by four points or fewer, whoever wins, it’s going to be close. 