The Super Bowl LIX: Insider rundown of what you need to know
As the NFL playoffs keep going, with thrilling match after thrilling match, we are edging ever closer to the biggest game on the calendar.
On Sunday, February 9, Caesars Superdome in New Orleans will be hosting Super Bowl 59, the first time the city has hosted the event since 2013.
New Orleans will have hosted 11 Super Bowls after Super Bowl 59 this year, which is tied with the most number hosted alongside Miami.
Will we see another Kansas City Chiefs win, or are you checking the Super Bowl odds to see where the value is on a new winner in this year's event?
Preparing for a New Orleans Super Bowl
The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals each year to count through. This year, we are 59, or LIX, Roman numerals.
Each year, the design for the numerals has gone red with green fleur-de-lis patterns.
For the first time in the NFL's history, they have reached out and collaborated with a local artist in the location for the Super Bowl.
Local Artist "Queen" Tahj Williams was chosen to design the logo. She is a member of the Black Masking Indian tribe in New Orleans and used traditional beading methods and inspiration from Mardi Gras and the traditional ironwork balconies in the French Quarter of New Orleans to complete the design.
The stadium has been under preparation since being awarded the chance to host. Organizers will have used their regular season matches with the New Orleans Saints to test and plan for the big event.
It's a massive event with the world tuning in, having spent so long combing through the Super Bowl odds and making their picks for who they think will go all the way.
Top Sides in the Playoffs
The best of the best make it to the playoffs; the top 14 sides in the league this season earned the chance to make the following steps to compete for the opportunity to reach the Super Bowl.
The Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs were the champions of the NFC and AFC, respectively. Both are the top two in the betting to reach the Super Bowl. The Chiefs are looking to win their third in a row, while Detroit are chasing their first for the franchise.
As the playoffs kicked off in the AFC, both the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens felt they had enough to compete with the Chiefs to get themselves a place in the Super Bowl. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have been standout quarterbacks, while Derrick Henry has helped give the Ravens a fierce running game alongside an elite-level defense.
The Philadelphia Eagles were considered the biggest threat to the Detroit Lions in the AFC. Since adding Saquon Barkley to the offense, he has registered over 2000 yards this season as a running back. His addition to the roster has made the Eagles a genuine threat who, on their day, could steamroll anyone in the league. Can they find the opportunities to do that this year and attend the Super Bowl?
Outside of the favorites, the Washington Commanders went into the playoffs with a point to prove and a desire to upset their rivals. Jayden Daniels has been exciting as a quarterback, while Brian Robinson Jr. has proved himself reliable and dangerous.
Half Time Show
Whoever makes it to the Super Bowl will share the field with Kendrick Lamar, who has been booked to play the halftime show this year.
Lamar stated on social media that "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date, and I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one".
His solo call comes three years from the Super Bowl 56 show, where he was part of a monster lineup that included Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige.
Year after year, the halftime show is one of the biggest concerts broadcast on the calendar. The excitement built up before the match, and the spectacle made the show almost as important as the match itself to many viewers tuning in.
Preparing for the Event
Fans can be excited about the Super Bowl being broadcast worldwide. In the United States, viewers can tune in and watch on Fox, which will be nationally televised at 18:30 Eastern Time.
If you are getting ready for the event, ensure you're all set up with Fox and your plans have been made. Catch all the playoff games you can to see where each team is in their form, and spot their weaknesses to know who you think will come out on top. Give yourself the best chance to enjoy and make an educated bet on the Super Bowl this year.