How Are Super Bowl Host Cities Selected? Everything You Need to Know

How Are Super Bowl Host Cities Selected?

The Super Bowl is the largest sporting event in the U.S., attracting fans, media, and celebrities from across the globe. But how does the NFL choose the cities to host this monumental event? 

In this post, we will explore the history, process, and requirements for cities aspiring to become the next Super Bowl host. We will also highlight some of the upcoming Super Bowl locations. 

And if you want even more insights, don’t forget to check out our exclusive 🏈NFL Next Super Bowl Locations REVEALED for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 detailing the next four Super Bowl venues!

The Super Bowl Host Cities Selection Process: Then and Now

Pre-2018: The Open Bidding Era

Before 2018, any U.S. city with a stadium meeting basic NFL standards could enter an open bidding process for a chance to host the Super Bowl. The steps in this bidding process were fairly straightforward and highly competitive.

1. Bid Book Issuance: Every November, the NFL would send interested cities a bid book detailing the requirements and guidelines for hosting the Super Bowl.
2. Bid Submission: In April, cities would submit their draft bids, outlining their infrastructure, facilities, and plans to accommodate Super Bowl festivities.
3. Final Presentations and Voting: During the spring or summer, selected cities made final presentations to the 32 NFL team owners, who would then vote on the next Super Bowl host city.

This open bidding process was often competitive, with cities lobbying hard to win the prestigious event.

Post-2018: The Shift to Invitation-Only Selection

The NFL shifted to an invitation-only process in 2018, beginning with Super Bowl LVII. Now, the NFL proactively identifies cities that meet baseline criteria, inviting them to submit proposals. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Proposal Invitation: The NFL reaches out to cities with stadiums that meet league standards, extending an invitation to submit a formal proposal.
2. Detailed Proposal Submission: The invited city prepares a comprehensive proposal detailing its stadium facilities, accommodations, transport infrastructure, and entertainment options.
3. Owner Voting: NFL owners review the proposal, voting on whether to accept or reject the city’s offer.

Key Criteria for Super Bowl Host Cities

Not every city can meet the NFL’s rigorous requirements. To host the Super Bowl, a city must meet several infrastructure, climate, and accommodation standards. 

Here are the core criteria:

1. Stadium Requirements

• Seating Capacity: The host stadium must have at least 70,000 seats, although temporary seating can be added if approved by the league.
• Weather Conditions: For outdoor stadiums, the game day temperature must be above 50°F, or the stadium should have a roof.
• Media Amenities: Sufficient media facilities, with power and network capabilities, are essential for the event.

2. Accommodations and Infrastructure

• Hotels: A large number of hotel rooms must be available within an hour's drive to house the influx of fans, media personnel, and teams.
• Transportation and Parking: Adequate parking, reliable public transport, and easy access to the stadium and event venues are required for successful operations.

3. Facilities for Super Bowl Events

• NFL Experience Venue: The NFL Experience, a fan-focused football theme park, requires an 850,000-square-foot indoor space (or one million square feet outdoors).
• Practice Facilities: High-quality practice facilities with both grass and turf fields must be available within a short drive of team hotels.

4. Entertainment Venues

• Pre-Game Entertainment: A dedicated area for the "Gameday Experience" should be near the stadium to facilitate pre-game festivities.
• Recreation Venues: Host cities are also asked to provide three golf courses, media centers, and even bowling alleys for team and event staff.

Perks and Incentives Cities Offer to Win Super Bowl Hosting Rights

In recent years, cities have become increasingly competitive, offering various perks to sweeten their proposals. For example, in 2007, Miami provided a yacht for each NFL owner, while Tampa extended free golf access for all NFL teams. These added incentives highlight how hosting the Super Bowl can significantly impact a city’s tourism, economy, and reputation.

Why Do Warm-Weather Cities Dominate the Super Bowl Host List?

Warm weather is highly desirable for Super Bowl locations, not only for the comfort of fans but also for logistical convenience. Cities like Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Tampa have hosted the Super Bowl multiple times, as their climate allows for an ideal experience. The only exception to the climate rule has been the 2014 Super Bowl in New Jersey, hosted at the new MetLife Stadium in the greater New York market.

Upcoming Super Bowl Locations: 2025 - 2028

Curious about where the next Super Bowls will be held? Here’s a look at the upcoming locations for the next few years:

1. 2025 Super Bowl LIX - Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
2. 2026 Super Bowl LX - Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
3. 2027 Super Bowl LXI - SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
4. 2028 Super Bowl LXII - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Each offers unique features and world-class amenities to ensure fans have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to watch our 🏈NFL Next Super Bowl Locations REVEALED for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 for an in-depth look at each of these Super Bowl venues and what makes them exceptional!

Meet the Key Players in the Super Bowl Selection Process

NFL Owners

The 32 team owners play the ultimate role in selecting Super Bowl host cities, voting on final proposals. Their preferences heavily shape the selection process, as they consider stadium facilities, fan engagement, and logistical ease.

NFL Fan Engagement and Major Events Advisory Committee

This committee is composed of owners and presidents from 11 NFL clubs and reviews potential host cities, offering recommendations to the full ownership group.

Notable Figures in the Super Bowl Selection Landscape

• Matt Shapiro: NFL Vice President of Event Strategy, overseeing the host city evaluation process.
• Jim Steeg: Former NFL executive instrumental in modernizing the bidding process for Super Bowl hosting rights.
• Jay Parry: CEO of the Phoenix Super Bowl Host Committee, highlighting the financial demands of hosting the event.

These individuals have helped shape and refine the Super Bowl city selection process, making it one of the most sought-after hosting opportunities in the sports world.

The Super Bowl City Selection – A Coveted Process

Hosting the Super Bowl is a coveted honor for any city, offering an economic boost and a spotlight on the global stage. From its open bidding past to today’s exclusive invitation process, the NFL’s selection of Super Bowl host cities is a complex blend of logistical needs, climate preferences, and fan engagement potential. 

If you’re fascinated by this process and want a closer look at upcoming Super Bowl venues, don’t miss our latest Game Arenas YouTube video. 

Get all the insider info on the stadiums, unique features, and the impact of these future locations on Super Bowl history!

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