The Super Bowl: A Spectacle of Energy Efficiency?

Kiana Kazemi

February 6, 2025

Ah, the Super Bowl. Since 1967, it’s been a glorious mashup of epic touchdowns, halftime show antics (looking at you, left shark), and commercials that are either hilariously genius or awkwardly cringe-worthy. But beyond the game-day glitz, there’s another MVP quietly working behind the scenes: energy. Yep, while we’re glued to our screens, cheering and snacking, the Super Bowl is pulling off an energy performance of its own—especially when it comes to heating and cooling.

Let’s talk stats—because what’s football without numbers? Hosting the Super Bowl is no small energy feat. Between lighting, sound systems, and climate control, the energy demand is, well, super. This year, Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the venue for Super Bowl LIX, is expected to pull about 12 megawatts of electricity. That’s roughly 70% of Entergy New Orleans’ max capacity. But let’s translate that into something more relatable: throughout the 3-hour game, that’s roughly 36 megawatt-hours of energy. Or, in other words, enough electricity to power 7,000 New Orleans homes for the same duration.

Here’s a fun twist: while the stadium burns through energy, homes across the country seem to take a breather. During the 2012 Super Bowl, residential electricity consumption dropped by 5% nationwide and 7% during the half-time show. Why? It could be due to the magic of gathering. When millions of people huddle together in living rooms, bars, and watch parties, they consolidate energy use. Plus, typical Sunday night chores—like laundry or cooking—get benched for the evening.

But let’s shift our focus to the stadium itself. owl is in early February, and weather conditions vary wildly depending on the host city. Keeping tens of thousands of fans comfortable is no small feat for any HVAC system—especially with current forecasts predicting that New Orleans will be a little warmer than average. HVAC systems typically account for around 40% of a venue’s energy use, meaning around 14 MWh used at the Superdome on game day will go toward keeping people comfortable. Even the most advanced and efficient setups face a serious workout on game day. Heating and cooling? They’re the unsung heroes of the event—or at least the ones ensuring you’re not sweating or shivering in the stands.

The good news? The NFL has been stepping up its efficiency game—think of it as their playbook for greener events. Energy-efficient stadium upgrades, renewable energy initiatives, and waste reduction strategies are becoming part of the game plan. Caesars Superdome, for instance, has rolled out new recycling procedures to up its waste diversion game. And get this: glass collected on game day will be processed and repurposed for coastal restoration projects in Louisiana.

So, what’s the big takeaway here? The Super Bowl isn’t just a showcase of athletic prowess and over-the-top commercials. It’s also a massive energy operation. While the scale of the event means high energy demands, adopting smarter tech and more efficient practices can help hosting venues manage their environmental impact. The next time you’re shouting at the screen over a missed field goal, remember: there’s a whole team behind the scenes, working to keep the show running smoothly—and maybe even making incremental steps toward a more efficient energy future.

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