The Evolution of SuperBowl Advertising: From $37,500 to $7 Million
Super Bowl Advetising Evolution
The Super Bowl has transformed from a championship football game into advertising’s biggest stage, commanding record-breaking prices and reaching massive audiences. This evolution reflects both the game’s growing cultural significance and television’s changing landscape.
The Early Years (1967-1979)
The first Super Bowl in 1967 charged $37,500 for a 30-second spot, reaching 51.6 million viewers. Major advertisers included:
During this period, ads focused primarily on product features and direct sales messaging. The average cost per thousand viewers (CPM) was relatively low at $0.70.
The Creative Revolution (1980-1999)
Apple’s groundbreaking “1984” commercial revolutionized Super Bowl advertising. By 1985, 30-second spots cost $525,000, with audience reach growing to 85.5 million viewers. Notable campaigns included:
Coca-Cola’s polar bears (1993)
McDonald’s “The Showdown” with Jordan and Bird (1993)
Budweiser Frogs (1995)
Monster.com “When I Grow Up” (1999)
By 1999, ad costs reached $1.6 million per 30-second spot.
Digital Age Transformation (2000-2015)
The rise of social media and digital platforms changed how Super Bowl ads were consumed and measured:
Audience reach peaked in 2015 with 114.4 million viewers.
Memorable Campaigns:
CE*Trade baby series (2008-2014)
Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Chrysler “Imported from Detroit” (2011)
Volkswagen “The Force” (2011)
Modern Era (2016-2025)
Super Bowl advertising has become a multi-platform event, with digital engagement extending impact beyond broadcast:
Key Advertisers (2020-2024):
Anheuser-Busch (35+ year consecutive advertiser)
Amazon
Google
Doritos
Progressive
Audience Metrics (2024):
Linear TV: 123.4 million viewers
Streaming: 27.3 million viewers
Social Media Impressions: 475 million
Digital Ad Value: $236 million
Recent Pricing:
Future Trends
The Super Bowl advertising landscape continues to evolve:
