As fans gear up for Super Bowl 59, taking place on February 9 at the Superdome in New Orleans, the excitement goes beyond just the athletic competition. While the Philadelphia Eagles square off against the Kansas City Chiefs at 23:30 GMT (18:30 EST), several key moments, performances, and appearances are set to create a spectacle beyond the game itself.
Kendrick Lamar is slated to headline the halftime show for the second time, accompanied by SZA. Lamar, who recently dominated the Grammy Awards, has made headlines with his track "Not Like Us," a diss aimed at Drake. There is speculation whether he’ll perform it amid Drake's recent legal claims against him. This decision could play out in front of one of the largest TV audiences in US history, as last year's Super Bowl attracted over 123 million viewers.
Travis Kelce, tight end for the Chiefs, is another figure of interest, particularly due to his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, which became public in 2023. Fans, known as "Swifties," are buzzing with anticipation regarding possible engagement rumors after the game. Kelce, aiming for his fourth Super Bowl ring, responded playfully when asked about a proposal plan, further stirring speculation.
Commercials during the Super Bowl are an event in themselves, with at least 10 costing more than £6.4m ($8m) each this year. David Beckham stars in one ad where he discovers he has a twin brother, played by Matt Damon. Other ads include Sydney Sweeney in a humorous mayonnaise spot and appearances by Gordon Ramsay.
In a noteworthy political twist, former President Donald Trump will make history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. Trump, who has a contentious history with the NFL, will be showcased in a pre-game interview discussing his first 100 days in office. The NFL has opted out of using its "End Racism" slogan this year, a significant change that’s been addressed in light of recent tragedies, replacing it with slogans like "Choose Love."
In addition to these happenings, Grammy winner Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem, as festivities include other musical performances before the game kicks off. Fans eager to catch all the action can follow updates and live commentary through various media platforms, including the BBC, ITV, and Sky.
Expect this Super Bowl filled with both thrilling athletic competition and captivating entertainment moments, marking a memorable event in sports history.
