Parity of Teams, Snowstorm May Result in Highest Super Bowl Rating Ever

Super Bowl XLIX, which will be contested between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, may end up posting the highest rating for a television broadcast of all time.

The current record for the most watched TV broadcast belongs to Super Bowl XLVIII (Fox), which was played last year between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. Despite the lopsided contest, 111.5 million people watched the game. The numbers bumped up even more during the halftime show, as 115.3 million people were tuned in to watch the performances by Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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Due to a number of different factors, this year's broadcast on NBC may end up topping last year's number, with some TV executives speculating that we will see a number in excess of 112 million.

Here are the reasons ratings are expected to be even stronger this year:

1) The game is expected to be close. The Seattle Seahawks are currently one point favorites to win. Since the conclusion of the AFC and NFC Championship games two weeks ago, the Patriots and Seahawks have both enjoyed time as favorites in Las Vegas. In short - this game is expected to be very close.

2) Snow storm. With a blizzard currently bringing snow to Chicago and other major cities in the United States, people who may have had other plans will likely decide to stay home and watch the game.

3) "Deflate-gate". The talk of "Deflate-gate" has dominated the headlines over the past two weeks and I'm sure that many people will be curious as to what is said about the scandal over the course of the game.

4) The strength of the two franchises' fan bases. The Patriots and Seahawks both have very loyal fan bases. The Seahawks have the largest geographic footprint of any time in the NFL, as their fan base stretches from British Columbia down to Oregon and over into Idaho and Montana. The Patriots, on the other hand, have been very successful over the past 15 years and have amassed a giant fan base over that time.

5) The animosity towards both teams. There is no underdog this year. The Seahawks are the defending champions while the Patriots have won three Super Bowls since Tom Brady first joined the team. Many people will be tuning in because they desperately want to see one of these two teams lose.

6) The commercials. With companies ponying up $4.5 million for a 30 second commercial, many people will be tuning in to see what these companies can come up with.

7) Half-time show. Katy Perry, one of the biggest pop stars in the world, will be performing during the half-time show. Given that Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers provided a ratings boost during last year's half-time show, I would expect even bigger numbers from Katy Perry this year.

Source: Reuters.com - Despite rout, Super Bowl sets TV ratings record - Fox

Filed under: General Knowledge