The Super Bowl Power Outage: A Brief History of Disrupted Games
The Super Bowl, the pinnacle of American football, is an event eagerly anticipated by fans and advertisers alike. It showcases the finest football talent and provides a platform for memorable performances. However, throughout the history of the Super Bowl, there have been instances where unforeseen circumstances have disrupted the game, including power outages. This article explores the Super Bowls that have experienced power outages, examining the causes, durations, and impacts of these incidents.
Super Bowl XLVII: The Blackout in the Big Easy
Super Bowl XLVII, held on February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, witnessed one of the most notable power outages in Super Bowl history. With the Baltimore Ravens leading the San Francisco 49ers, a sudden and unexpected power failure plunged the Superdome into darkness, halting the game for approximately 35 minutes. The outage occurred in the third quarter, causing a significant disruption and altering the course of the game.
Super Bowl XLVII: Cause and Response
The cause of the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII was traced back to a malfunctioning electrical relay. This relay, designed to protect the Superdome’s equipment, unexpectedly triggered, leading to the interruption of power supply to a portion of the stadium. The incident raised concerns about the reliability of the infrastructure and prompted a swift response from Entergy New Orleans, the power company responsible for the Superdome. The faulty relay was removed, and measures were implemented to prevent a recurrence of such an incident in the future.
Super Bowl XXXVII: A Brief Blackout
Super Bowl XXXVII, held on January 26, 2003, in San Diego, experienced a relatively minor power outage compared to Super Bowl XLVII. During this game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders, a brief blackout occurred when a transformer outside the stadium malfunctioned. The outage lasted for approximately 27 minutes, causing a temporary disruption but not significantly impacting the outcome of the game.
Super Bowl XLIX: The Glitch in Glendale
Super Bowl XLIX, held on February 1, 2015, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, also encountered a power-related incident. However, this time it was not a complete blackout but a partial malfunction of the stadium’s electrical system. The malfunction caused approximately half of the stadium’s lights to go out for a brief period during the third quarter. The issue was quickly resolved, and the game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks continued without further interruptions.
Conclusion
While power outages during the Super Bowl are rare occurrences, they have captured significant attention and left lasting impressions on fans and viewers. Super Bowl XLVII stands out as one of the most notable instances, with a prolonged disruption that affected the flow and momentum of the game. However, the incidents during Super Bowl XXXVII and Super Bowl XLIX serve as reminders that even minor power-related glitches can momentarily halt the action on football’s grandest stage. As technology and infrastructure continue to advance, efforts are made to prevent and address such disruptions, ensuring the smooth progression of future Super Bowl games.
FAQs
Which Super Bowl experienced a power outage?
Super Bowl XLVII, held on February 3, 2013, in New Orleans, experienced a significant power outage that interrupted the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.
How long did the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII last?
The power outage lasted for approximately 35 minutes, causing a notable disruption to the game.
What caused the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII?
The power outage was attributed to a malfunctioning electrical relay that triggered unexpectedly, resulting in a partial loss of power in the Superdome.
What impact did the power outage have on the Super Bowl XLVII game?
The power outage occurred with 13 minutes and 22 seconds remaining in the third quarter, with the Baltimore Ravens leading 28-6. After the game resumed, the San Francisco 49ers mounted a comeback, but the Ravens ultimately held on to win with a score of 34-31.
Were there any other Super Bowls that experienced power outages?
Yes, there have been other Super Bowls with power-related incidents. For example, during Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, a brief blackout occurred due to a malfunctioning transformer outside the stadium. Additionally, during Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, a partial malfunction of the stadium’s electrical system caused a temporary outage of half the stadium’s lights.
How quickly was the power restored during Super Bowl XLVII?
After approximately 35 minutes, power was restored, and the game resumed, allowing the Super Bowl to conclude without further interruptions.
Was the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII investigated?
Following the incident, there were investigations into the cause of the power outage. The malfunctioning electrical relay was identified as the primary cause, prompting the power company, Entergy New Orleans, to take corrective actions and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Have measures been taken to prevent power outages in future Super Bowls?
Following the power outage during Super Bowl XLVII, efforts have been made to enhance the reliability and resilience of the electrical infrastructure at Super Bowl venues. Power companies and event organizers collaborate to implement robust systems and safeguards to minimize the risk of power interruptions during future Super Bowl games.