Super Bowl XLVII: The Power Outage That Halted the Game

The Super Bowl, one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States, is known for its thrilling moments and memorable performances. However, the 2013 edition of the Super Bowl, known as Super Bowl XLVII, will forever be remembered for an unexpected turn of events—a power outage that brought the game to a halt. In this article, we will delve into the details of the power outage, its impact on the game, the investigation that followed, and the reactions of fans in attendance.

Cause of the Outage

The power outage during Super Bowl XLVII was attributed to a malfunctioning electrical relay device. This device was installed to protect the equipment at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the venue for the game. The malfunction caused a disruption in the flow of power, leading to a partial blackout in the stadium. The exact reason behind the malfunctioning of the device remains unknown, as the investigation did not yield conclusive results.

Duration of the Outage

The power outage lasted for approximately 34 minutes, creating a significant delay in the game. The interruption occurred with 13:22 remaining in the third quarter, leaving players and spectators in suspense as they awaited the restoration of power. The unexpected break in the game’s momentum had a profound impact on the outcome.

Impact on the Game

Super Bowl XLVII was a matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. The power outage occurred while the Ravens were leading the 49ers 28-6. Once play resumed, the 49ers experienced a resurgence, closing the gap to a narrow 34-31 loss. The delay caused by the power outage seemed to shift the momentum of the game, allowing the 49ers to mount a comeback that fell just short of victory. The unexpected turn of events added a unique twist to an already high-stakes game.

Investigation into the Outage

Following the power outage, an investigation was launched to determine the exact cause of the device malfunction. Despite extensive efforts, the investigation did not provide a definitive explanation. The malfunctioning relay device served as a catalyst for the chain of events that led to the power outage, but the root cause of its failure remains elusive.

Fan Reactions

Despite the disruption caused by the power outage, many fans attending the Super Bowl took the incident in stride. Some used the unexpected break in gameplay as an opportunity to refill their drinks or engage in conversation with fellow spectators. Notably, fans even initiated the wave—a collective, synchronized display of enthusiasm—during the outage, creating a lighthearted atmosphere amid the temporary darkness.

Backup Systems and Partial Illumination

While the power outage affected various aspects of the stadium, including escalators and credit-card machines, auxiliary power systems ensured that the playing field did not go completely dark. Emergency lighting provided limited illumination in the concourses, allowing for basic visibility and ensuring the safety of attendees.

In conclusion, the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII was an unexpected occurrence that temporarily halted the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. The malfunctioning electrical relay device installed at the Superdome was identified as the cause, but the precise reason for its failure remains unknown. The outage had a notable impact on the game, shifting the momentum and allowing for a remarkable comeback by the 49ers. Despite the interruption, fans demonstrated resilience and used the downtime to their advantage. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live events and the resilience of both players and spectators in the face of unforeseen challenges.

FAQs

Which Super Bowl experienced a power outage?

Super Bowl XLVII, held in 2013, was the Super Bowl that encountered a power outage.

What caused the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII?

The power outage was caused by a malfunctioning electrical relay device that was installed to protect the Superdome’s equipment.

How long did the power outage last?



The power outage lasted for approximately 34 minutes, causing a significant delay in the game.

What impact did the power outage have on the game?

The power outage occurred with 13:22 left in the third quarter, and play resumed after the power was restored. The delay seemed to shift the momentum of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers made a comeback but ultimately lost to the Baltimore Ravens.

Was the exact cause of the power outage determined?

No, the exact cause of the malfunctioning electrical relay device that triggered the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII remains unknown.

How did fans react to the power outage?

Many fans took the power outage in stride, using the time to refill their drinks and even starting the wave to pass the time.

Were there any backup systems in place to mitigate the effects of the power outage?



Auxiliary power kept the playing field from going completely dark, but escalators stopped working, credit-card machines shut down, and the concourses were only illuminated by small banks of lights tied to emergency service.

Did the power outage have any lasting impact on the Super Bowl or the Superdome?

While the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII was a significant event, it did not have any long-term effects on subsequent Super Bowls or the Superdome itself.

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