Superbowl 2012: Super Bowl Future Sites 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, Ticket Contest, Superbowl XLVI

The Superbowl is one of the most celebrated events worldwide with millions tuned in to cheer for the champions of the AFC and NFC football conferences. Here's NFL and Superbowl history, as well as, the low-down on 2011- 2012 season with scores and travel information for the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Superbowls. Whether you are a coach potato, tailgater or stadium convert, you will find helpful information. Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

The National Football League was started in 1920 in Canton, Ohio; there were 11 teams. The American Football League was formed in 1960; in 1966 the two leagues were combined. Today, there are 32 professional teams in the NFL with each team competing in 16 regular season games. The NFL is comprised of two divisions -- the NFC (National Football Conference) and the AFC (American Football Conference). Each conference is then divided into four geographical segments -- East, West, North and South. Each team has one week off, called a bye, during the regular season.

Post-season playoffs feature the top teams from the eight segments in addition to four wild card teams. These teams play until two teams--one each from the AFC and NFC--compete in the Super Bowl.

As you can imagine, the Superbowl is big business, pumping $200-$500 million in the local economy of the host. Cities hoping to house this extravaganza go through a bidding process, with the NFL team owners voting in a secret ballot, to select the next hosting city. The bidding committees bring mega clout to the bidding process with state and city officials and local celebrities in attendance. These committees work to present a rationale showing why their city is a superior site to host this event. One positive that occurs from this process is that potential cities often commit to legacy projects to improve housing or other elements for needy areas in their cities.

Superbowl I or the First World Championship Game was played in Memorial Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35 to 10 on January 15, 1967. Quarterback Bart Starr was the MVP (most valuable player). The last Superbowl, XLV, was played in the Dallas/Arlington, Texas area. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31- 25.

A ticket to a coveted Superbowl seat is prime real estate. Only a few thousands are generally available to the general public. And, not only do fans of the opposing teams want to secure a spot, this game is popular worldwide with even soccer fans eager for an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tickets are reserved for VIP's corporate sponsors, other football franchises and the two competing teams. Most of the tickets are bought and sold on the secondary ticket market. Sellers are using Ebay and Stub Hub to hawk their tickets. Sports fans can except to spend at least $2,000 for a ticket. Tickets prices may exceed $10,000!

2010 Season (Feb, 2011), SuperBowl Champs, the Green Bay Packers, continue their winning ways in the first regular game of the season. They defeated a tough New Orleans Saints team 42 to 34, in Green Bay. Their win, however, was overshadowed by the news that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who hasn't missed a game start during his tenure at Indianapolis, would miss two to three months of the football season during to a secondary neck surgery. The rumor mongers think he's out for the season.

Well, the spiraling football has sung leaving some teams estatic and others, well not so happy as the playoff picture solidified. Now the bloodletting begins as discontent team owners shed managers, coaches and staff.

Playoff Teams and Division Winners

New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.

Wildcard Teams

Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons

Congrats to the Eli Manning and the New York Giants. They are the 2012 Super Bowl Champions. The game was exciting and well played by both, but once the football landed, the New York Giants proved they were giants on the football field with a final score of 21 to 17.

Here are the upcoming SuperBowl locations starting in the 2011-2012 season.

Lucas Oil Stadium (Indoor/Retractible roof)

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 5, 2012

Average Feb. temp. 39 H - 22 L with 2.10" average February precipitation

This downtown stadium is home to Peyton Manning and The Indianapolis Colts, winners of the 2007 Superbowl. This stadium was completed in 2009 at an estimated cost of $720 million. It was financed by the State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis in part with a food, beverage, motel/hotel and auto rental tax increase. The Indianapolis Colts kicked in $100 million.

Although, fans can anticipate some cold weather for the Indy based Superbowl, the city plans to provide tons of cold and hot entertainment and activities to keep fans warm. In fact, the bidding committee used the compactness of Indy's downtown as a selling point. Check out the Super Bowl 2012, Indianapolis, IN visitor's guide for additional information.

Louisana Superdome (Indoor/domed)

New Orleans, Louisiana

February 3, 2013

Average February temp. 65 H - 46 L, average February precipitation 5.47"

This 70,000 seat, domed stadium is infamous for housing NO residents during the deadly Hurricane Katrina crisis. The Saints, were the sentimental favorites who triumphed in Superbowl XLIV which was played in the Miami Sun Life Stadium in 2010.

Meadowlands Stadium (open air)

New York/New Jersey Region

February 2014 -- Date TBD

Average Feb. temp. 40 H - 24 L with 2.94" average February precipitation

This $1.7 billion stadium is home to two NFL teams, the New York Jets and Giants, and is jointly owned by the two franchises. This region made history with their winning Superbowl bid as this is the first open-air, cold-weather site to host this grand event. Previously, cities had to adhere to a 50 degree rule -- meaning that if the stadium was not enclosed, the hosting city area had to have an average temperature of at least 50 degrees to obtain a Superbowl. The owners voted to waive this rule for the 2014 game. The stadium seats 82,500.

University of Phoenix Stadium

Glendale, Arizona (Phoenix, Arizona area)

February 2015 -- Date TBD

Average February temperature -- 70 h - 43 low, 1.05" average precip.

The Cardinals Stadium opened in August 2006. Naming rights were later awarded to the University of Phoenix. This stadium is home to the Arizona Cardinals and was built at a cost of $455 million. The stadium features a retractible roof and a natural grass surface; it was financed by the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, the Arizona Cardinals and the City of Glendale.