NFL games are watched by millions of people, and not just in the U-S. All across the world, millions of people tune in to watch their favorite team either dominate or fail to win, while the fans place wagers based on the odds.
There’s no better time to consider some of the NFL’s greatest moments than now, with a subsequent Super Bowl seemingly right around the corner. As nothing compares to experiencing an NFL game with tens of thousands of other fans who share the same interest and passion, seeing the highs and lows of one of the marque sporting events in the world.
So without ado, let’s take a look at some of those Super Bowls with the largest crowds to date.
Let’s check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL predictions. We’ve got plenty of NFL expert picks for you to consider.
1) Super Bowl VII – 90,182 (Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
This was Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins coming back to the Super Bowl, then completing a perfect (17-0) season with a 14-7 win over the Washington then-Redskins. One year after losing badly to the Cowboys, Miami had an equally-impressive defensive display. Jake Scott, a Dolphin safety, had interceptions en route to his Super Bowl MVP award
This was also the first game with a crowd of more than 90,000, further cementing the lure of the game as among the largest sporting events of the calendar in the world.
2) Super Bowl XXVII – 98,374 (Rose Bowl)
Pasadena’s Rose Bowl hosted the game one last time. It was both significant and noteworthy.
Later in this list, you will come to see many more of the legendary Super Bowls at the Rose Bowl, but this one—the lowest game attendance in Pasadena–had its moments.
It was Michael Jackson’s performance which heralded the beginning of the halftime show era with top-tier musical talent. With 69 total points (Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17), this Super Bowl is also tied at third place in terms of scoring.
3) Super Bowl XXI – 101,063 (Rose Bowl)
The New York Giants-Denver Broncos game attracted more than 100,000 spectators to Pasadena. The Giants were favored, and didn’t let down their supporters. A second half with 30 Big Blue points propelled New York to its first Super Bowl title, a final of 39-20.
It was one of the first instances of the Gatorade shower, which has become a rite of passage now. Players will do this to celebrate a win, pouring a whole cooler over the head of the coach.
4) Super Bowl XLV – 103,219 (Cowboys Stadium)
The only entry on this list not located in Southern California is this one. Arlington was the venue as the Green Bay Packers met the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the installation of an additional 15,000 temporary seats, the game’s maximum capacity was attempted. A decline in attendance of about 1,000 people was the result of delays in figuring out the seating, leading to legal problems and the relocation of fans.
The Packers won the game, 31-25.
5) Super Bowl XI – 103,438 (Rose Bowl)
The Rose Bowl’s first time hosting the event. The previous record crowd was immediately surpassed by more than 13,000 people.
In order to win the Super Bowl in their home state, the Oakland Raiders had to defeat the Minnesota Vikings. Oakland had a 16-0 lead at the half, easing to a 32-14 win. Oakland, under the brilliant direction of coach John Madden, won its first Super Bowl.
Minnesota hasn’t won one yet.
6) Super Bowl XVII — 103,667 (Rose Bowl)
The Rose Bowl saw the second-highest Super Bowl attendance ever as the Miami Dolphins opposed the Washington then-Redskins after a strike-shortened season.
Having lost to the Fish a decade earlier in Super Bowl VII, Washington was ready to turn the tables. A second half 17-0 shutout lifted the Hogs to 2717 victory over Miami. Bruising John Riggins had 38 carries and 166 rushing yards, including a backbreaking, 43-yard touchdown to become an easy MVP choice.
7) Super Bowl XIV – 103,985 (Rose Bowl)
The Los Angeles Rams drew the Pittsburgh Steelers in what remains as the highest attended Super Bowl to date.
It was the Rams with the nearest thing to home-advantage as the game was in Pasadena. In fact, it wasn’t until after the 2020 season when a team finally played a Super Bowl in their home (Tampa) stadium.
LA didn’t do much with its home-market in the game, the Steelers winning a second consecutive title, the final 31-19.
Pittsburgh’s tied with New England with six Super Bowl wins, more than any other team.
