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As we approach Super Bowl 50, the hype is at an all-time high.

After all, the showdown between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers mark the 50th year celebration of the game. Prior to its Super Bowl name, the AFL-NFL World Championship Game of 1967 lead to a victory for the Green Bay Packers and a merger of the two leagues.

From there, magic was made in the form of legendary match-ups, delicious treats, show-stopping half-time shows and of course, legendary (cameo-filled) commercials.

There’s plenty of facts to share with friends who know little to nothing about the game. While you’re munching your favorite Super Bowl snack, here are some fun facts to share about Sunday’s game and the history of the sport.

1. The Use of Roman Numerals 

Super Bowl III - New York Jets vs Baltimore Colts - January 12, 1969

The game between The New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts in 1969 was the first time the league used roman numerals to and the official “Super Bowl” name. The Jets went on to beat the Colts 16-7 and Joe Namath continued on a path that would eventually lead him to The Hall of Fame.

2. The Old v. New Staple Holds Up 

Washington Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers

Not everyone is a fan of the old v. new player round-up, but this year’s is quite hard to miss. The age difference between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Cam Newton is 13 years. The gap is the largest in Super Bowl history, making Manning the oldest starting QB in the game’s history. Expect a little friendly rivalry between these two. In a recent interview, Manning revealed he isn’t big on dancing like Newton is, but he respects the passion the 26-year-old has for the game. The athlete also mentioned he plans of dancing like Newton if he scores a touchdown on Sunday. Maybe we’ll get to watch Manning break out the dab.

3. Viewership Is Larger Than You Think 

friends watching football on TV

Super Bowl games don’t include overtime and they never end in ties, but it doesn’t stop fans from tuning in. Nielson reported over the last ten years (2004-2014) viewership has increased by 22.4 million. The most viewed games are from the last five years, surpassing the most watched program from February 1983 with 106 million viewers– the M*A*S*H finale. Super Bowl XXLVIII brought in over 25.3 million tweets generated between the game, Beyonce’s half-time show and the ads. While many think footaball is a man’s game, women’s viewership has increased to an average of 50 million viewers with females accounting for 46.8 percent of viewership.

4. Snacks on Snacks on Snacks

Dishes of food at party

Everyone enjoys a good Super Bowl party, especially when there’s food involved. The event is the second-highest day of food consumption after Thanksgiving. Brands like Lays and pizza chains such as Domino’s, Papa Johns and more sell millions of food for the big day. Guacamole has also become a fan favorite over the years. Approximately 100 million pounds of guacamole will be devoured by fans. Beer consumption has declined over the years, but its still one of the most popular beverages during the game.

5. History Making Coaches 

Tony Dungy

While most fans are fixated on the players, the coaches are also widely celebrated and adored. For Super Bowl XV, The Raiders’ Tom Flores, of Hispanic descent, became the first minority coach to win the game. In 2007, Tony Dungy became the first Black coach to win the Super Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts coach competed against his friend and protege Lovie Smith, making them the first two Black coaches to lead the game.

6. Halftime Games Flourish 

Super Bowl 10 in Miami welcomed the Up With The People, an organization who brought education and positive energy to the youth. The group was the first musical act to perform at the Super Bowl. One of the most legendary acts would come years later during Super Bowl XXVI starring the late Micheal Jackson. His show would set the precedent for flare and pop culture status as acts like U2, Beyonce, Janet Jackson and Prince hold up the tradition.

7. Super Bowl Ads Are Just As Enjoyable As The Game 

Back in the 60’s, Super Bowl commercials would cost as low as $37,500. This year, advertisers wasted no funds by shelling out up to $5 million for a 30-second spot. The cost is 11 percent higher than 2014’s commercials. Ads have generated a total of $2.19 billion in sales. Aside from its steady cash flow, ads have been implemented into pop culture for their controversy and celebrity cameos. From Ashley Madison

That’s 11% higher than the base price of $4.5 million that NBC charged advertisers during the previous Super Bowl, according to ESPN. Between 2005 and 2014, the price of a 30-spot has increased 75%, generating a total of $2.19 billion in sales.

5) Roman numerals are used in the Super Bowl because the football season falls in two calendar years.

football

6) Every year, there are 72 footballs used for the Super Bowl. There are more than 700,000 footballs purchased for the NFL each year.

 

7) According to the Hass Avocado Board, over Super Bowl weekend, approximately 100 million pounds of guacamole will be eaten. When dipping in the potassium rich concoction, approximately 14,500 tons of chips are chomped on.

 

8) The Super Bowl is a feast for sore eyes for many revelers. The event is the second highest day of food consumption after Thanksgiving.

 

9) There are more folks who’d rather miss a major life event like the birth of a child, funeral of a loved one, important work function, or the wedding of a close relative or friend than to miss the Super Bowl, according to Coupon Cabin.

party

10) The average number of people at a Super Bowl party is 17.

10 Fun Facts About The Super Bowl  was originally published on newsone.com