Celebrating the Super Bowl

This study examines the Super Bowl as a popular culture mega-event. The author analyzes such topics as the economics of the event, fandom, ratings, halftime entertainment, religion, sexism, militarism, gender issues, medical concerns, and more.

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A de facto American national holiday and phenomenon, the Super Bowl claims a spot as one of the biggest sporting events in the world and the most widely celebrated, feasted and feasting event of the year—when more avocados (105 million pounds) are consumed, and more beer is drunk (325 million gallons) on the single day of Superbowl Sunday. But there is much more at play than partying at our annual sports extravaganza, as this scholarly researched yet readable volume demonstrates: Here you will read an historical perspective that includes discussions of the mega-event’s economics (stake holders, host cities, advertising, gambling, and media), fandom, ratings, halftime entertainment, the roles of mythic spectacle and religion, football’s sexist, militaristic language, gender issues like cheerleaders and sex trafficking, the Puppy Bowl, medical concerns like concussions and violence, tailgating and foodie ideas—all along with tidbits about your favorite team(s) and player(s).