If you're scratching your head trying to remember exactly when was the super bowl 2023, you aren't alone. Time flies. It feels like just yesterday we were watching Rihanna float on a literal platform in the sky, but it’s actually been a minute. To be precise, Super Bowl LVII went down on February 12, 2023.
The game kicked off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It was a dry, sunny desert evening, though they kept the retractable roof open for that crisp February air. If you were looking for a blowout, you didn't get one. Instead, we got one of the highest-scoring, most controversial finishes in recent memory. The Kansas City Chiefs walked away with a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, but that scoreline barely tells half the story.
The Day Everything Changed in Glendale
Why do people keep asking about the date? Kinda simple, really. The NFL season is long, and the "2023 season" actually culminates in a Super Bowl played in 2024. So, when people search for "when was the super bowl 2023," they are usually looking for the game that capped off the 2022 regular season. It’s a bit of a scheduling mind-game.
The kickoff happened around 4:43 p.m. MST. FOX handled the broadcast, and they pulled in a staggering 115.1 million viewers. At the time, it was the most-watched TV program in American history. People weren't just there for the football; they were there for the spectacle.
That Wild Rihanna Halftime Show
Honestly, some people probably remember the halftime show better than the actual game. Rihanna hadn't performed live in over five years. When she appeared on those suspended platforms, the internet collectively lost its mind.
She wasn't just singing; she was also subtly announcing her second pregnancy. It was a masterclass in "less is more" choreography. She ran through a medley of hits like Umbrella, Diamonds, and Work. Interestingly, more people actually tuned in for her performance than for the game itself. Nielsen data later showed that her set peaked at 121 million viewers. That’s a lot of eyeballs on one person.
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Chiefs vs. Eagles: The Gridiron Drama
The game was a back-and-forth slugfest. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles' quarterback, played arguably the best game of his life. He tied a Super Bowl record by scoring 20 points individually (three rushing touchdowns and a two-point conversion). If the Eagles had won, he was a lock for MVP.
But Patrick Mahomes had other plans. Despite aggravated a high-ankle sprain right before halftime—an injury that had fans in Kansas City holding their breath—he came out for the second half looking like a man on a mission. He didn't put up massive yardage (only 182 yards passing), but he was efficient. Three touchdowns. Zero interceptions.
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The Turning Point
The game really swung on a few specific moments that Eagles fans probably still see in their nightmares:
- The Fumble: In the second quarter, Hurts uncharacteristically dropped the ball without being hit. Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton scooped it up for a 36-yard touchdown.
- The Punt Return: Kadarius Toney, who the Chiefs basically stole in a trade with the Giants, uncorked a 65-yard punt return in the fourth quarter. It was the longest in Super Bowl history.
- The Holding Call: This is the big one. With less than two minutes left and the game tied at 35, officials called a defensive holding penalty on Eagles cornerback James Bradberry. It gave the Chiefs a fresh set of downs, allowing them to bleed the clock.
The Aftermath of February 12th
Harrison Butker eventually stepped up and nailed a 27-yard field goal with only eight seconds left on the clock. Game over. 38-35.
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Mahomes won his second Super Bowl MVP. Andy Reid beat his former team. And the "Kelce Bowl" (the first time two brothers, Travis and Jason, played against each other in the big game) ended with Travis hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
If you're looking to revisit the magic or verify some stats for a bar bet, here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Official Date: February 12, 2023.
- Location: Glendale, Arizona (State Farm Stadium).
- Winner: Kansas City Chiefs.
- Final Score: 38-35.
- Halftime: Rihanna.
- National Anthem: Chris Stapleton (whose rendition actually made several players cry on camera).
For those looking to watch the highlights, the NFL’s official YouTube channel has the full 15-minute game recap. It’s worth a watch just to see that Toney punt return again. If you're planning a trip to a future game, keep in mind that the NFL usually announces locations years in advance, so you can already start looking at 2027 and 2028 dates.
The best way to stay on top of these dates is to sync the NFL's official schedule to your digital calendar. This prevents that "wait, when is the game again?" panic every February.