SCC Blog

Big Numbers for the Big Game

As the New England Patriots and their 18-0 record barreled into Phoenix to take on the New York Giants, high expectations were abound on many fronts, particularly for the business of the Super Bowl.  And, unlike the Patriots performance, those expectations were met.  Record revenues.  Record ratings.  Record crowds.  Not only was this a game for the ages ON the football field, this was a game for the ages for corporate America. 

Let’s examine a sampling of the statistical evidence presented Monday morning around the country:

* Super Bowl XLII was the most-watched game of all-time with 97.5 million viewers tuning in

* Ratings for the game ranks second in television history (only the “M-A-S-H” finale had a larger audience)

* 81 percent of all TV sets on in the Boston area Sunday were tuned in to watch the game

* 30 second ad spots cost advertisers a record $2.7 million each

* Consumer spending on “hard” goods such as flat-screen TVs, entertainment furniture and comfy chairs is expected to hit as much as US$10-billion (financialpost.com)

* Merchandise sales bearing the Giants logo flew off the shelves and racks at sporting goods stores around the New York metropolitan area beginning early Monday, and the NFL estimated the total sales of official Super Bowl merchandise could surpass a Super Bowl record (www.nj.com)

As the numbers continue to pour in, this year’s Super Bowl will likely be anointed the greatest success from a business and financial perspective, maybe ever.

*** Questions for Classroom Discussion ***

1) What areas of sports and entertainment business were impacted by the Super Bowl?

2) Do you think this will be considered one of the greatest sports business successes of all-time?  Why or why not?

3) Will the success of this year’s “Big Game” carry over to next year’s NFL season?  How?  Discuss as a class.

Posted in Advertising, Branding, Marketing |

Comments are closed.