As Super Bowl 59 approaches, excitement is building not just for the game itself, but for the numerous cultural moments that will unfold during the event. Scheduled to kick off on February 9 at 23:30 GMT (18:30 EST) at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the matchup features the Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs. This year’s Super Bowl promises to be a spectacle, with highlights including a highly anticipated halftime performance by Kendrick Lamar, potential celebrity engagements, and a historic appearance by former President Donald Trump.
Kendrick Lamar, fresh from a successful Grammy Awards season where he won five awards, including song of the year for his track "Not Like Us," will headline the halftime show. Lamar’s performance is particularly intriguing due to his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake, which has intensified following a recent lawsuit filed by Drake against Lamar. While many expect Lamar to perform his hit diss track, the legal tensions could influence his setlist, potentially making the halftime show a focal point for millions of viewers.
Off the field, the relationship between NFL star Travis Kelce and pop icon Taylor Swift continues to capture public interest. Kelce is vying for his fourth Super Bowl ring, which could solidify his legacy in the sport. Meanwhile, Swifties will be watching closely for any signs of an engagement, following rumors of a proposal circulating online. When asked about the possibility, Kelce playfully responded, "Wouldn’t you like to know?" This relationship has brought a new audience to the NFL, further intertwining pop culture with sports.
In the advertising realm, Super Bowl commercials are known for their high stakes and creativity. This year, at least ten ads have been sold for over $8 million each, setting a new record. Among the notable commercials is one featuring David Beckham and Matt Damon, where Beckham discovers he has a long-lost twin in the U.S. named "Dave Beckham." Other brands, like Hellman’s and Haagen-Dazs, are also expected to deliver memorable spots that will likely be discussed long after the game.
Adding to the historical significance of this Super Bowl, Donald Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the event. His presence has stirred interest given his past criticisms of the NFL and its commissioner, Roger Goodell. Trump’s attendance is expected to draw considerable media attention, especially as Fox plans to air an interview with him during the pre-game show.
This year, the NFL has made a notable change by omitting the "End Racism" slogan from the Super Bowl, which has been used in previous years. Instead, the league will promote slogans like "Choose Love" and "It Takes All of Us," reflecting a shift in messaging following recent tragedies in the U.S. This decision aligns with the NFL’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, as emphasized by Commissioner Goodell.
The national anthem will be performed by Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste, with viewers anticipating a powerful rendition. Other performances, including "America the Beautiful" by Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle, will set the stage for the game.
Fans eager to follow the action can tune in through various platforms, including the BBC, ITV, Sky, and Dazn, with live text coverage available on the BBC Sport website and app. The Chiefs and Eagles last met in the Super Bowl two years ago, where the Chiefs narrowly claimed victory by a field goal. This rematch could see Kansas City aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive championship, further heightening the stakes as the teams prepare to clash on one of the biggest stages in sports.