Many people are wondering why Roman numerals are used for Super Bowl games, sparking curiosity about the tradition behind the practice.
Every year, millions of people watch the Super Bowl, one of the biggest sporting events in the United States.
But have you ever wondered why the game is labeled with Roman numerals instead of regular numbers?
This tradition has an interesting history and purpose.
The importance of Roman numerals
The Super Bowl is not just another football game; it is a major cultural event.
Each year, it features the top two teams from the National Football League (NFL).
The game usually takes place on the second Sunday of February, but it represents the season that started the previous year.
This can create confusion about which year the game actually refers to.
Using Roman numerals helps to avoid this confusion.
For example, Super Bowl LIX, which is the 59th Super Bowl, will take place in 2025.
The use of Roman numerals makes it clear that this number refers to the game itself, rather than the year it is played.
The tradition of Roman numerals began successfully.
The idea of using Roman numerals for the Super Bowl began in the 1970s.
Lamar Hunt, who was the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, was a strong supporter of this change.
After his team won the Super Bowl in 1970, he suggested using Roman numerals to give the event a more sophisticated feel.
He believed it would add a touch of elegance to the game.
At the time, organizers simply numbered the first four Super Bowls as Super Bowl I, II, III, and IV.
After Hunt’s suggestion, the NFL decided to officially adopt Roman numerals starting with Super Bowl V.
Many welcomed this change, as it added tradition and prestige to the Super Bowl.
Roman numerals enhance the Super Bowl’s prestige
For example, we see them in the names of kings, popes, and even in movies like “Star Wars: Episode IV.”
By using Roman numerals, the Super Bowl aligns itself with this sense of historical importance.
It makes the event feel grander, elevating it beyond just a football game.
Many fans appreciate this aspect of the Super Bowl. It makes the game feel like a celebration, not just a sports match.
The Roman numerals contribute to the overall excitement surrounding the event.
A brief overview
In case you are unfamiliar with how Roman numerals work, here’s a quick guide:
I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1,000.
People combine these letters to create other numbers.
For example, VI represents 6 (5 + 1), while IV represents 4 (5 – 1).
People have used this system for centuries, and it continues to be a fascinating part of our culture.
Super Bowl L uniquely used Arabic numerals.
Interestingly, there was a unique situation that occurred in 2016.
They marketed Super Bowl L, which stands for the 50th Super Bowl, differently.
Organizers chose Arabic numeral 50 over Roman numeral “L” for better ad appeal.
This was a rare departure from the tradition, but it shows how marketing can influence even the most established customs.