Earlier in the season, it wasn’t a sure thing that NFL fans would get to enjoy a full regular season, let alone get to have a fairly ‘normal’ playoffs and eventually a Super Bowl. But, after a season with some ups and downs, challenges with various players testing positive for COVID, and game times adjusting as needed, here we are with just one final big game to wrap up the season. So, what do you need to know in order to watch the game this year?
Date, Time & Location
Mark your calendars for Feb 7, 2021, at 6:30 pm ET for the game to be played in Tampa Bay’s, Raymond James Stadium. Hang on… aren’t the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing in the Super Bowl? Yes, indeed they are. The Bucs play the Kansas City Chiefs for the championship. In a normal year, that home-field advantage might mean a lot more, but this year, only 22,000 fans will be allowed in the stadium.
The Lead-Up
Normally, the lead-up to the Super Bowl starts two weeks before the game, with tons of fan events, media days with the teams, and just plenty of coverage of the players and coaches in town for the game. However, we know that this year, things are a bit different.
The teams won’t be arriving until at most 2 days before the Super Bowl this year, as all the pre-game festivities will be largely virtual.
The Commercials
For many people, the commercials during the Super Bowl are even more entertaining than the game itself. But, you may have heard that some big brands that we normally expect to see during the game have bowed out this year. Brands like Budweiser and Pepsi, among others, have decided to skip advertising this year. However, the ads are said to be virtually sold out. So, maybe we’ll get some new brands in the mix this year to come up with unique ads.
Halftime Show
Another highlight (and lowlight) for many viewers - the halftime show. These have run the gamut over the years from awesome (Prince 2017) to the less than awesome (Blues Brothers Bash 1997). This year, we get TheWeeknd taking center stage/mid-field.
How to Watch the Game
You will have plenty of viewing options this year, that will work for cable/satellite viewers and cord-cutters alike.
This year’s game will air on your local CBS affiliate and will also play on many live-TV streaming services, other than SlingTV. Here are a few places you can watch it online or streaming.
- CBSsports.com - the website will stream the show live on its website, without requiring viewers to have a pay-TV subscription.
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV
- CBS All Access
- Hulu Plus Live TV
- AT&T TV
