How is the date of the Super Bowl determined?

Answer 1

Currently it's the first weekend in February.

"The game is played annually on a Sunday as the final game of the NFL Playoffs. Originally, the game took place in early to mid-January, following a fourteen-game regular season and two rounds of playoffs. Over the years, the date of the Super Bowl has progressed from the second Sunday in January, to the third, then the fourth Sunday in January; the game is currently played on the first Sunday in February, given the current seventeen-week (sixteen games and one bye week) regular season and three rounds of playoffs. Also, February is television's "sweeps" month, thus affording the television network carrying the game an immense opportunity to pad its viewership when negotiating for advertising revenue. The progression of the dates of the Super Bowl was caused by several factors: the expansion of the NFL's regular season in 1978 from fourteen games to sixteen; the expansion of the pre-Super Bowl playoff field from six teams (two AFL and four NFL) prior to the merger, to eight in the 1970-71 season, then to ten in 1978-79, and finally twelve in 1990-91, necessitating the addition of additional rounds of playoffs; the addition of the regular season bye-week in the 1990s; and the decision to start the regular season the week following Labor Day."

Answer 2

Several years before the game is played, NFL cities with warm climates or enclosed stadiums submit bids to the NFL for the right to host the game. Each city must meet certain minimum criteria of available hotel rooms, practice facilities, stadium capacity, and more before they will be considered for a Super Bowl. At the NFL's annual meeting (usually in May), the 32 NFL owners vote on the location. Cities that receive few votes are eliminated, and votes continue until one city receives a clear majority (at least 17 votes). Most recently, Indianapolis was awarded the 2012 Super Bowl by virtue of a vote that occurred in May 2008.

Answer 3

The formula for determining the date of the Super Bowl has changed over the years. Currently, it is being played on the first Sunday in February.