With the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles gearing up for Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, excitement among fans is at fever pitch. A recent report from LendingTree shows Americans are set to spend significantly more on this year's big game, reflecting the heightened interest surrounding the matchup.
According to LendingTree, the average viewer anticipates spending around $142 on Super Bowl-related expenses, marking a remarkable 22% increase compared to last year. Food and drinks top the spending list, but many fans are also investing in team merchandise and decorations to amplify their game-day experience.
A compelling factor contributing to the surge in spending is the influence of pop superstar Taylor Swift, who is linked to NFL interest. LendingTree noted some intriguing statistics there; 39% of Gen Zers and 31% of millennials attribute their heightened engagement with football to Swift's presence, creating ripples across both fandom and spending habits.
The trend isn't just about casual viewing; sports betting is also on the rise this year. LendingTree highlighted how 41% of viewers plan to place bets, with Gen Z leading the charge at 66%. Dominant online betting platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel have become go-to resources for many enthusiasts eager to engage with the game on multiple levels.
For those looking to spice up their Super Bowl festivities, there are numerous unique betting opportunities tied to entertainment events surrounding the game. Notably, Kendrick Lamar's halftime show has generated considerable buzz not just for his music but for betting on various aspects of his performance. R.J. White, a fantasy and gambling editor for CBS Sports, has suggested several intriguing prop bets related to Lamar’s show, covering everything from his expected first song to the overall duration of his set.
White's expertise is evident—he has successfully backed prop bets related to the halftime show before, capitalizing on historical performance trends to forecast what fans can expect this year.
Another significant highlight this Super Bowl is the performance of Jon Batiste, who will grace the stage to sing the "Star-Spangled Banner." The length of his rendition is also attracting wagers, with the over/under set at 120.5 seconds. Given Batiste's musicality, which often includes instrumental elements, fans and bettors alike are curious how long he will take to deliver the anthem. A noteworthy point from history: last year's anthem rendition, performed by Reba McEntire, lasted just 94 seconds, the shortest since 2007.
Yet, the spotlight doesn’t just rest on the entertainers. The traditional Super Bowl coin toss remains one of the simplest yet most engaging aspects of betting. LendingTree stated the odds are close to even, with betting markets offering insight on which team wins and the side of the coin landing face-up. Historically, through 58 Super Bowls, the coin toss has run about 52% tails and 48% heads, drawing significant bets each year, reflecting how even small moments capture fans' imaginations and dollars.
Among the prop bets, fans also find fun options like wagering on the color of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach. This year’s frontrunner? Purple, celebrated after the Kansas City Chiefs showered their coach with it for the last two seasons. Betting on the Gatorade color adds another layer of engagement to the Super Bowl experience as fans revel not just in the competition but all the festive moments surrounding it.
With fans eagerly anticipating February 9, the combination of high-stakes sporting action and the various entertainment angles is set to intensify interest and dollars flowing toward the Super Bowl. Not only can viewers expect thrilling play from the Chiefs and Eagles, but their game-day experiences will involve immersing themselves fully, whether through team merchandise, delicious snacks, or, for the bravest, strategic prop bets.
It's clear this Super Bowl season, the stakes are as high off the field as they are on it, marking another unforgettable chapter for both the NFL and its ardent supporters. There's no denying the growing cultural significance of not just the game itself but everything surrounding it, shaping how fans and audiences experience this iconic event.