3 Things Entrepreneurs Can Look Forward to at the Super Bowl Get something out of the game, even if you aren't into sports.
By Nina Zipkin
More than 111 million people tuned into the 2017 Super Bowl. While many of those viewers were probably pretty invested in the outcome, many invited to the multitude of Super Bowl parties were likely simply there for the camaraderie and the snacks.
So even if you are not particularly interested in the matchup between the Patriots and the Eagles, here are three things that entrepreneurs can look forward to on game day.
The commercials
It goes without saying that ad placement during the Super Bowl is not cheap, with companies shelling out roughly $5 million for just 30 seconds of air time. But with that kind of investment, it inspires businesses to pull out all the stops and develop their most outsized and creative spots, often opting for a tear-jerker or something that's just plain weird. Even if you aren't in the position to put millions behind an ad, watching the response to the Super Bowl commercials can help as you develop your own campaign.
Related: Watch All of the Best Super Bowl Ad Teasers Here Before Sunday
The tech
There is some intriguing technology attached to both the game itself and the halftime show. Last year, Lady Gaga was accompanied by a 300-drone light show during her performance, and it's very possible that Justin Timberlake will attempt to top that. Minnesota's U.S. Bank Stadium, where the game is taking place, is also sufficiently tricked out with gadgets including two of the biggest HD video boards in the NFL, 2,000 HD flat screens, 1,300 Wi-Fi access points across the whole stadium and LED lights.
The competition
And we're not just talking about on the field. On Sunday before the game begins, nine startups were selected to participate in an event called 1st & Future. The companies are all in the sports safety and tech performance space and they will be pitching their products and services at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in a Shark Tank style contest sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal and the Mayo Clinic. The companies are hoping that the panel of six judges will think they are deserving of the three $50,000 prizes.
