STEAM & The Super Bowl: There’s More to the Big Game than just Football!

The Super Bowl isn’t just about touchdowns and halftime shows—it's also a showcase for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Behind the excitement of the big game are countless innovations and creative solutions that make it all possible. STEAM powers the Super Bowl in ways you might not expect, from designing advanced football stadiums to choreographing mesmerizing halftime performances.

The Science of Throwing the Perfect Spiral

Ever wonder how quarterbacks make those perfect spirals look so effortless? According to Popular Science, “To get a great spiral, you need to master angular momentum.” It all starts with a good grip on the laces to act as torque (the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis). Next, to give the ball velocity, you have to balance the frictional force and the forward force. Finally, to get your perfect spiral you need the hand on the back of the ball to give it forward velocity but too far back to prevent the necessary torque for the spin. But both science and football take practice, even Patrick Mahomes had to start somewhere!

Instant Replay Technology

Have you ever watched a game-changing play and held your breath for the instant replay? This game-saving tech doesn’t just capture the action—it brings fans closer to the game, letting us see every angle in crystal-clear detail! A man named Tony Verna invented instant replay in 1963. While the first videotape recording was demonstrated in 1951, video equipment was bulky and had its fair share of technical challenges. Verna’s solution involved using audio cues—a set of beeps—recorded onto an unused audio track on the tape during the live broadcast. These beeps helped the crew find specific moments in the footage, even though the technology of the time didn't allow for precise tape editing or instant playback (New York Times). Verna’s technology revolutionized the way we experience sports, bringing fans even closer to the action with the instant replays we now celebrate in every game.

Engineering a Stadium for the Big Leagues

SoFi Stadium stands as a testament to cutting-edge engineering, blending innovation and design to create a world-class venue worthy of the big league. The stadium hosted the 2022 Super Bowl and showcased groundbreaking engineering. One of the coolest innovations in SoFi stadium is its massive translucent canopy, making it the first indoor-outdoor stadium in the world. Built from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), a sustainable, corrosion-resistant material, the canopy combines functionality and innovation by protecting fans from the elements while allowing natural sunlight to illuminate the space. Supported by an intricate 75,000-foot cable net system weighing 1,450 tons, this structure enables sections of the roof to open and close, providing vertical ventilation and precise temperature regulation—an impressive feat of modern design and engineering. SoFi Stadium not only redefines the fan experience but also inspires future generations to see how engineering can shape the world of sports and beyond.h

The Art of the Halftime Show

The Super Bowl halftime show is a masterclass in artistry, blending music, design, and cutting-edge technology to create a performance seen by millions around the world. Each year, a team of choreographers, set designers, and visual effects artists work together to transform the stage into a dynamic work of art, often in under eight minutes. Past shows have featured awe-inspiring elements like Lady Gaga’s drone light display in 2017 and the 360-degree staging of Beyoncé’s 2013 performance. This fusion of creativity and technical precision makes the halftime show one of the most anticipated moments of the Super Bowl, proving that art and science work hand-in-hand to captivate audiences. Check out this full list of amazing artists who have performed at Super Bowl halftime shows!

Statistics: The Math of Football

Statistics and analytics have transformed the Super Bowl for coaches, players, and even the viewers. According to the NFL, their Next Gen Stats “provide clubs with data to analyze trends and player performance, while enhancing the fans’ experience in-stadium, online and during game telecasts.” Their system that is installed in all the NFL stadiums includes 20–30 ultra-wideband receivers, 2–3 radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags installed into the players’ shoulder pads, and RFID tags on officials, pylons, sticks, chains, and in the ball. All these devices capture data such as location, speed, distance traveled, and acceleration at a rate of 10 times per second, and chart individual movements within inches. These numbers not only influence strategy but also enhance the viewing experience, showing how math powers the excitement behind every play.

Feature Friday: Football Edition!

If your family is curious about how STEAM influences the Super Bowl, join us for Feature Friday on February 21st from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the Magic City Discovery Center! This month’s event is all about the Super Bowl. Whether you’re a football fan or not, there’s something for everyone.

Activities include:

• Building your own field goalposts

• Tackling football-themed obstacle courses

• Competing in a paper football shoot challenge

Plus, you’ll learn about fascinating STEAM careers that help bring the Super Bowl to life. Don’t miss this fun-filled event—it’s the perfect way to explore science, creativity, and innovation with your kids!

Mark your calendar and bring the whole family to experience how STEAM shapes one of the biggest sports events of the year. Who knows? You might even inspire the next great football engineer, sports analyst, or entertainment designer!