Who Does the Super Bowl: Halftime Show, Commercials, and Production Roles

The Super Bowl is a multiplatform event produced by the National Football League and the host venue, with the broadcast provided by a national television network. The most visible performance is the Super Bowl Halftime Show, curated and headlined by artists coordinated through the league and production partners. Advertisers pay premium rates to air commercials, while on-air talent, production crews, and officials are coordinated by the host broadcaster and league operations. This guide explains primary roles, stakeholders, and processes in a durable, verifiable context.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner

The Super Bowl Halftime Show features a major recording artist or group selected through a collaborative process involving the NFL, the host committee, and the broadcast network. Performers are typically globally recognized acts with broad appeal that align with the league’s audience profile. Decisions are made months before the game and are announced publicly in the weeks leading up to the event.

Halftime Show Historical Performers

Super Bowl Commercial Advertisers

Super Bowl commercials are sold by the host network through a national sales team and traded in real-time auctions. Advertisers span automotive, technology, consumer goods, finance, and entertainment sectors, investing billions annually for high-impact exposure. Campaigns are planned years in advance, with creative production often launching simultaneously with the game airing.

Notable Advertiser Categories

• Automotive brands frequently debut new models and concepts during the game.
• Technology companies highlight flagship devices and connected experiences.
• Beverage, food, and retail brands use the slot to drive seasonal awareness.

Broadcast and Media Partners

The Super Bowl is broadcast in the United States by a single national network on a rotating basis determined by NFL media rights agreements. Internationally, rights are licensed to broadcasters and streaming services that meet league technical and compliance standards. The host network manages play-by-play, color commentary, sideline reporting, and production infrastructure.

Key Broadcast Roles

Refereeing and Officiating Crew

The on-field officials for the Super Bowl are selected by the league office, not assigned by the normal weekly rotation. The crew includes experienced referees, umpires, head linesmen, line judges, field judges, and the replay official. All undergo rigorous training and review to ensure consistent enforcement of rules during the highest-stakes game of the season.

Officials Structure

• Referee: leads the crew and has final authority on rulings.
• Replay Official: reviews plays using instant replay protocols.
• Chain Crew: marks first-down measurements under field operations direction.
• Down Judge and Line Judges: manage line of scrimmage and timing.

Teams, Coaches, and Front Office

The participating teams are determined by the AFC and NFC playoff brackets. Each club’s head coach, coordinators, and senior football operations staff manage preparation, in-game decision-making, and media duties. Player contracts, injury designations, and active roster rules are enforced under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, adding structural consistency to the event every season.

Team Representation

Stadium, Security, and Venue Operations

The host stadium is selected years in advance through a competitive bidding process managed by the NFL and the host committee. The venue must meet strict technical, hospitality, and security criteria. Local law enforcement, private security, and federal partners collaborate on safety planning, while stadium staff coordinate concessions, medical services, and fan experiences.