By Ethan Hoang, @deca.ethanhoang | Denver South High School, CO
Every February, millions of fans tune in for one of the most exciting events in sports. Tuning in to the Super Bowl, they are watching and expecting intense playing, incredible halftime performances and unforgettable commercials.
Beyond the touchdowns and the trophies, the Super Bowl is a significant example of sophisticated marketing and business operations worldwide. The Super Bowl has evolved into a billion-dollar experience that showcases the power of strategic marketing, consumer tech, and, of course, global reach.
The Price of Attention
DECA Member Devansh Bhalla from Klein Cain High School, TX, explains that one of the most talked-about aspects of the Super Bowl is its advertising, where a single 30-second spot costs millions of dollars. Yet so many companies line up each year just for the opportunity to hold an ad space, but why?
The Super Bowl attracts mass attention, with viewers actively watching advertisements rather than skipping them as they do in regular-season games. This allows brands to reach a diverse audience simultaneously.
Branding Beyond the Field
The Super Bowl is a branding powerhouse for the National Football League, as it carefully controls every aspect of the event, including sponsorship deals, product licensing, and more. Merchandise sales will spike as fans purchase a wide range of items to mark their attendance at this major event.
Lessons for Business Leaders
For DECA members and aspiring entrepreneurs, the Super Bowl shows that successful marketing requires understanding your audience, delivering clear, compelling value, and adapting to multiple platforms. As well as how companies must justify high advertising costs by focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
