Super Bowl LII

File:US Bank Stadium - West Facade.jpg in Minneapolis, where Super Bowl LII was held]]

On October 8, 2013, the league announced that three venues were vying to host Super Bowl LII:{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=2013-10-08 |title=New Orleans, Minneapolis, Indy finalists for Super Bowl LII |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/new-orleans-minneapolis-indy-finalists-for-super-bowl-lii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008212856/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/08/new-orleans-minneapolis-indy-finalists-for-super-bowl-lii/ |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}{{cite news|title=Three bid cities tabbed finalists to host Super Bowl LII|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/three-bid-cities-tabbed-finalists-to-host-super-bowl-lii-0ap2000000259449|quote=NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Tuesday that the three bid cities for the game are Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and New Orleans, according to sources involved with the process. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the news during his Tuesday news conference|publisher=National Football League|date=October 8, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203015317/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000259449/article/three-bid-cities-tabbed-finalists-to-host-super-bowl-lii|archive-date=February 3, 2014}}{{cite video|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000259515/Goodell-on-future-Super-Bowls-expanding-postseason|title=NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on future Super Bowls, expanding postseason|time=1:05|publisher=National Football League|quote=We will have three cities competing for Super Bowl LII: New Orleans, Minneapolis and Indianapolis|date=October 8, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223184155/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000259515/Goodell-on-future-Super-Bowls-expanding-postseason|archive-date=February 23, 2014}}

• U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, which was demolished after the 2013 season and replaced in 2016 by U.S. Bank Stadium.
• Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm|title=Super Bowl XLVI – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots – February 5th, 2012|website=Pro Football Reference|access-date=November 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624050312/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm|archive-date=June 24, 2017}}
• Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The city has hosted 11 Super Bowls, including eight at the Superdome, which would go on to host Super Bowl LIX in 2025.

On May 20, 2014, the league's owners picked Minneapolis at their meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Super Bowl LII headed to Minnesota|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl-lii-headed-to-minnesota-0ap2000000352335|publisher=National Football League|date=May 20, 2014|access-date=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722192511/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000352335/article/super-bowl-lii-headed-to-minnesota|archive-date=July 22, 2017}}{{cite news|last=Wells|first=Mike|title=Minneapolis to host 2018 Super Bowl|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10960506/minneapolis-awarded-2018-super-bowl-nfl-owners|publisher=ESPN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118043818/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10960506/minneapolis-awarded-2018-super-bowl-nfl-owners|date=May 20, 2014|archive-date=January 18, 2017}}

File:Super Bowl Live DAEB023C-8CEE.jpg hosted the outdoor Super Bowl Live festival during the lead-up to the game.]]

The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee presented Super Bowl Live on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. This ten-day free festival and concert series featured Sheila E., The Revolution, Morris Day and The Time, and The New Power Generation, musicians from Minnesota who collaborated with Prince, a Minneapolis native. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Super Bowl Live also included performances by Idina Menzel, Soul Asylum, the Suburbs, Bob Mould, Sounds of Blackness, Dessa, VocalEssence, Mint Condition, and the Jets.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/jimmy-jam-terry-lewis-announce-super-bowl-live-lineup-idina-menzel-sheila-e-morris-day-soul-asylum/461298463/|title=A 'very Minnesota' Super Bowl Live lineup announced for free concerts on mall|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|access-date=December 1, 2017|date=December 1, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201184506/http://www.startribune.com/jimmy-jam-terry-lewis-announce-super-bowl-live-lineup-idina-menzel-sheila-e-morris-day-soul-asylum/461298463/|archive-date=December 1, 2017}} In addition to the concert series, Super Bowl Live featured a {{convert|200|ft|adj=on}} American Birkebeiner International Bridge on Nicollet Mall to showcase cross-country skiing, skijoring, fat-tire bicycle racing, and snow tubing demonstrations.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/birkebeiner-bridge-will-be-part-of-super-bowl-live-on-nicollet-mall/465521573/|title=Birkebeiner Bridge will be part of Super Bowl Live on Nicollet Mall|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=December 21, 2017|date=December 20, 2017|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221032308/http://www.startribune.com/birkebeiner-bridge-will-be-part-of-super-bowl-live-on-nicollet-mall/465521573/|archive-date=December 21, 2017}} There was also a snowmobile stunt show on February 3.

The NFL presented the Super Bowl Experience at the Minneapolis Convention Center{{cite news|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|url=http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-street-closings-could-begin-two-weeks-before-super-bowl/456455263/|title=Minneapolis Super Bowl Host Committee raises $50 million, plans street closures|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=November 10, 2017|date=November 10, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109231648/http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-street-closings-could-begin-two-weeks-before-super-bowl/456455263/|archive-date=November 9, 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.twincities.com/2017/12/04/tickets-for-super-bowl-experience-theme-park-go-on-sale-tuesday/|title=Tickets for Super Bowl Experience 'theme park' go on sale Tuesday|date=December 5, 2017|work=TwinCities.com|access-date=December 5, 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206140203/http://www.twincities.com/2017/12/04/tickets-for-super-bowl-experience-theme-park-go-on-sale-tuesday/|archive-date=December 6, 2017}} from January 27 to February 3 with an entrance fee. Kelly Clarkson performed at the Minneapolis Armory and a U.S. Bank Stadium lounge on the day of the Super Bowl.{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/kelly-clarkson-to-headline-game-day-parties-for-super-bowl-lii-ticket-holders/464471573/|title=Kelly Clarkson to headline game-day parties for Super Bowl LII ticket holders|work=Star Tribune|access-date=December 18, 2017|date=December 18, 2017|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221063957/http://www.startribune.com/kelly-clarkson-to-headline-game-day-parties-for-super-bowl-lii-ticket-holders/464471573/|archive-date=December 21, 2017}}

The Minneapolis Armory also hosted Jennifer Lopez, Imagine Dragons, and Pink concerts close to U.S. Bank Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/remodeled-minneapolis-armory-to-host-days-long-entertainment-during-super-bowl/437040583/|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|date=July 28, 2017|last=Norfleet|first=Nicole|access-date=August 31, 2017|title=Remodeled Minneapolis Armory to host days-long entertainment during Super Bowl|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831220921/http://www.startribune.com/remodeled-minneapolis-armory-to-host-days-long-entertainment-during-super-bowl/437040583/|archive-date=August 31, 2017}}{{cite news|title=Jennifer Lopez, the Chainsmokers to play local concerts during Super Bowl|url=http://www.twincities.com/2017/11/27/minneapolis-super-bowl-jennifer-lopez-chainsmokers-armory-tickets/|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|access-date=December 7, 2017|date=November 27, 2017|last=Raihala|first=Ross|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208070805/http://www.twincities.com/2017/11/27/minneapolis-super-bowl-jennifer-lopez-chainsmokers-armory-tickets/|archive-date=December 8, 2017}}{{cite news|title=Imagine Dragons to play Armory during Super Bowl week|url=http://www.startribune.com/imagine-dragons-to-play-armory-during-super-bowl-week/463971203/|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=December 13, 2017|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=December 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214005213/http://www.startribune.com/imagine-dragons-to-play-armory-during-super-bowl-week/463971203/|archive-date=December 14, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/pink-added-to-super-bowl-concert-lineup-at-armory/464186043/|title=Pink added to Super Bowl concert lineup at Armory|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=December 18, 2017|date=December 15, 2017|last=Walsh|first=Paul|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215011208/http://www.startribune.com/pink-added-to-super-bowl-concert-lineup-at-armory/464186043/|archive-date=December 15, 2017}} Pink also performed the national anthem before the Super Bowl. Halftime performer Justin Timberlake held a ticketed "listening session" of his newest album at Prince's Paisley Park.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/justin-timberlake-to-party-at-prince-s-paisley-park-during-super-bowl-week/469129833/|title=Justin Timberlake to party at Prince's Paisley Park during Super Bowl week|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=January 16, 2018|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=January 13, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131113/http://www.startribune.com/justin-timberlake-to-party-at-prince-s-paisley-park-during-super-bowl-week/469129833/|archive-date=January 17, 2018}} Dave Matthews Band performed at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Mystic Lake Casino hosted Gwen Stefani,{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/mystic-lake-helps-tout-prior-lake-as-suburban-epicenter-for-super-bowl/468333773/|title=Mystic Lake helps tout Prior Lake as suburban epicenter for Super Bowl|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=January 11, 2018|last=Sawyer|first=Liz|date=January 8, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111010947/http://www.startribune.com/mystic-lake-helps-tout-prior-lake-as-suburban-epicenter-for-super-bowl/468333773/|archive-date=January 11, 2018}} the Chainsmokers, Florida Georgia Line, and Kygo.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/club-nomadic-at-mystic-lake-canceled/469014293/|title=Super Bowl Club Nomadic canceled at Mystic Lake, concerts move to much smaller venues|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=January 12, 2018|date=January 12, 2018|first1=Chris|last1=Riemenschneider|first2=Rochelle|last2=Olson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093143/http://www.startribune.com/club-nomadic-at-mystic-lake-canceled/469014293/|archive-date=January 13, 2018}} Planners originally scheduled a {{convert|64000|sqft|adj=on}} traveling nightclub for 9500 people,{{cite news|title=Massive traveling nightclub with expected big acts coming to Mystic Lake for Super Bowl|url=http://www.startribune.com/mystic-lake-locks-up-massive-glitzy-nightclub-for-super-bowl-2018/445738033/|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|date=September 19, 2017|last=Walsh|first=Paul|access-date=September 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234146/http://www.startribune.com/mystic-lake-locks-up-massive-glitzy-nightclub-for-super-bowl-2018/445738033/|archive-date=September 19, 2017}} but cancelled, moving its concerts into the main casino. Ellie Goulding's appearance with Kygo was cancelled at the same time.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/mystic-lake-slashes-prices-loses-one-act-in-super-bowl-concert-mix/469737243/|title=Mystic Lake slashes prices, loses one act in Super Bowl concert mix|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=January 17, 2018|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=January 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118010724/http://www.startribune.com/mystic-lake-slashes-prices-loses-one-act-in-super-bowl-concert-mix/469737243/|archive-date=January 18, 2018}} The Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota, has the second-largest hotel in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and Prior Lake hosted Super Bowl-week events including winter activities, a hotdish competition, and fundraisers.

Other events were held at the Mall of America (including Radio Row as a home for national shows{{Cite news |date=December 15, 2017 |title=There's still time to get paid to work the Super Bowl |url=http://www.kare11.com/article/sports/nfl/superbowl/theres-still-time-to-get-paid-to-work-the-super-bowl/89-499597454 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |publisher=KARE}}{{Cite news|title=Suburbs ready for NFL weekend|last=Rogers|first=Andy|url=https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_thisweek/suburbs-ready-for-nfl-weekend/article_8edc4188-e10f-11e7-a525-ebbea7fc8d93.html|work=Sun ThisWeek|access-date=December 16, 2017|date=December 14, 2017|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519173732/https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_thisweek/suburbs-ready-for-nfl-weekend/article_8edc4188-e10f-11e7-a525-ebbea7fc8d93.html|url-status=live}}), Saint Paul's RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center,{{Cite news|url=http://www.twincities.com/2017/11/20/super-bowl-opening-night-party-st-paul-st-paul-xcel-energy-center-pregame-party/|title=Fans can watch Super Bowl players, coach, national media at St. Paul pregame party|date=November 20, 2017|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|access-date=November 21, 2017|last=Johnson|first=Olivia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120202731/http://www.twincities.com/2017/11/20/super-bowl-opening-night-party-st-paul-st-paul-xcel-energy-center-pregame-party/|archive-date=November 20, 2017}} the Minnesota Vikings' Winter Park location in Eden Prairie, and the University of Minnesota.{{Cite news|title=For Super Bowl, Minneapolis can expect rooftop snipers, restricted access and lots of security|url=http://www.startribune.com/for-super-bowl-minneapolis-can-expect-rooftop-snipers-restricted-access-and-lots-of-security/456195723/|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=November 9, 2017|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|date=November 8, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108220709/http://www.startribune.com/for-super-bowl-minneapolis-can-expect-rooftop-snipers-restricted-access-and-lots-of-security/456195723/|archive-date=November 8, 2017}} "Taste of the NFL" is a fundraiser for food banks and was held in Saint Paul.{{cite news|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|title=Super Bowl tickets available Friday – for Taste of the NFL event|url=http://www.startribune.com/super-bowl-tickets-available-friday-for-taste-of-the-nfl-event/442262753/|date=August 30, 2017|access-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929044345/http://www.startribune.com/super-bowl-tickets-available-friday-for-taste-of-the-nfl-event/442262753/|archive-date=September 29, 2017}} Minneapolis also offered a temporary zip-line across the Mississippi River near downtown.{{Cite news|url=http://www.fox9.com/news/zipline-across-the-mississippi-river-during-super-bowl-festival|title=Zipline across the Mississippi River during Super Bowl festival|work=Fox9.com|publisher=Fox Television Stations|access-date=December 16, 2017|date=December 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216144006/http://www.fox9.com/news/zipline-across-the-mississippi-river-during-super-bowl-festival|archive-date=December 16, 2017}} The Luminary Loppet around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis featured fire dancing, an ice pyramid, and luminary candles at night.

The 2018 Saint Paul Winter Carnival took place leading up to, during and after the Super Bowl.{{cite news|title=St. Paul Winter Carnival considering an ice palace for 2018 at the State Capitol|url=http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-winter-carnival-plans-15-million-ice-palace-for-super-bowl-at-state-capitol/439241843/|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|date=August 8, 2017|access-date=August 8, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808235330/http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-winter-carnival-plans-15-million-ice-palace-for-super-bowl-at-state-capitol/439241843/|archive-date=August 8, 2017}} Carnival organizers built a large ice palace to coincide with the Super Bowl festivities, as with Super Bowl XXVI in 1992.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-winter-carnival-to-build-ice-castle-after-all/465687023/|title=St. Paul Winter Carnival plans to build ice castle after all|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=December 21, 2017|first=James|last=Walsh|date=December 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222010216/http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-winter-carnival-to-build-ice-castle-after-all/465687023/|archive-date=December 22, 2017}} The ice palace was planned,{{cite news|url=http://www.twincities.com/2014/05/24/st-paul-hopes-to-cash-in-on-super-bowl-with-palace-sized-plans/|title=St. Paul hopes to cash in on Super Bowl with palace-sized plans|last=Melo|first=Frederick|date=May 24, 2014|newspaper=Twin Cities Pioneer Press|access-date=February 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013085806/http://www.twincities.com/2014/05/24/st-paul-hopes-to-cash-in-on-super-bowl-with-palace-sized-plans/|archive-date=October 13, 2016}}{{cite news|title=SB52: Ice palace returning to St. Paul's Winter Carnival|url=http://www.kare11.com/sports/nfl/super-bowl/sb52-ice-palace-returning-to-st-pauls-winter-carnival/395609539|last=McCardle|first=Ellery|date=February 6, 2017|publisher=KARE|access-date=February 7, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} cancelled for lack of funds,{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Olivia|last2=Woltman|first2=Nick|title=Haunted by 1992, St. Paul Winter Carnival cancels Super Bowl ice palace|url=http://www.twincities.com/2017/10/11/st-paul-minneapolis-ice-palace-canceled-super-bowl-winter-carnival/|newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press|access-date=October 11, 2017|date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012150036/http://www.twincities.com/2017/10/11/st-paul-minneapolis-ice-palace-canceled-super-bowl-winter-carnival/|archive-date=October 12, 2017}} then re-announced with sponsors. Events in Saint Paul also included an extreme sports demonstration, a "giant slide", and a block party. Officials in the capital city hoped to attract Minneapolis Super Bowl visitors.{{cite news|last=Van Berkel|first=Jessie|title=St. Paul has big plans to capitalize on Super Bowl tourism|url=http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-has-big-plans-to-capitalize-on-super-bowl-tourism/441572003/|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|date=August 23, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824015508/http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-has-big-plans-to-capitalize-on-super-bowl-tourism/441572003/|archive-date=August 24, 2017}} The Minneapolis Institute of Art had a free {{convert|20 x 40|ft|adj=on}}, {{convert|6|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} ice maze.{{cite news|title=Ice Maze Coming To South Minneapolis Ahead Of Super Bowl|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/01/02/ice-maze-mia-super-bowl/|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2018|work=CBS Minnesota|publisher=CBS Corporation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211212514/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/01/02/ice-maze-mia-super-bowl/|archive-date=February 11, 2018}}

The Great Northern was a winter festival in the Twin Cities from January 25 to February 4 that included the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, an ice bar,{{cite web |url=https://thegreatnorthernfestival.com/schedule/5rbcJZ3xCW/ |title=The Great Northern |access-date=February 9, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209063353/https://thegreatnorthernfestival.com/schedule/5rbcJZ3xCW/ |archive-date=February 9, 2018 }} and an "urban ski competition".{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2018/01/12/your-definitive-guide-to-super-bowl-lii|title=Your Definitive Guide To Super Bowl LII|work=Forbes Travel Guide|access-date=January 19, 2018|date=January 12, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070857/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2018/01/12/your-definitive-guide-to-super-bowl-lii|archive-date=January 20, 2018}}

ESPN broadcast its studio programming from the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis,{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/espn-chooses-ids-crystal-court-for-super-bowl-week-set/455860383/|title=ESPN chooses IDS Crystal Court for Super Bowl week set|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=November 7, 2017|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107190127/http://www.startribune.com/espn-chooses-ids-crystal-court-for-super-bowl-week-set/455860383/|archive-date=November 7, 2017}} while Golf Channel (a sister network of Super Bowl LII broadcaster NBC) aired two live episodes of David Feherty's eponymous interview show from the State Theatre.{{cite news|url=http://www.golfchannel.com/article/press-releases/david-feherty-hosting-back-back-nights-feherty-live-minneapolis-during-week-super-bowl|title=David Feherty Hosting Back-to-Back Nights of "Feherty Live" in Minneapolis During Week of Super Bowl|work=Golf Channel|access-date=January 13, 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113203025/http://www.golfchannel.com/article/press-releases/david-feherty-hosting-back-back-nights-feherty-live-minneapolis-during-week-super-bowl|archive-date=January 13, 2018}}

Native American communities of Minnesota performed nightly drum ceremonies. Various drumlines from around the state performed at different locations throughout the day.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Kay |date=2018-01-25 |title=Phoenix Drumline to perform Saturday at Super Bowl Live! |url=https://www.crowrivermedia.com/hutchinsonleader/news/local/phoenix-drumline-to-perform-saturday-at-super-bowl-live/article_6c2f1e17-0dcc-5342-82d9-38ecae8af84c.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125193710/http://www.crowrivermedia.com/hutchinsonleader/news/local/phoenix-drumline-to-perform-saturday-at-super-bowl-live/article_6c2f1e17-0dcc-5342-82d9-38ecae8af84c.html |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Crow River Media |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2018-01-31 |title=Drumline helps kick off Super Bowl Live event |url=https://www.presspubs.com/white_bear/drumline-helps-kick-off-super-bowl-live-event/article_4b233bd2-0616-11e8-ae2e-c3bc3040dd73.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131180527/http://www.presspubs.com/white_bear/article_4b233bd2-0616-11e8-ae2e-c3bc3040dd73.html |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Press Publications |language=en}}

The slogan Bold North was developed by the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee to promote Super Bowl LII and its surrounding festivities. The slogan was intended to represent an embrace of the region's climate as part of its identity, and was used on merchandise and by the host committee's official sponsors. The NFL unveiled the official logo for Super Bowl LII (a cerulean-colored version of a standardized design) prior to Super Bowl LI, and the official branding elements and secondary logo in October 2017—featuring blue and purple aurora motifs.{{Cite news |last=Orrick |first=Dave |date=January 30, 2018 |title=Why you'll be hearing 'Bold North' all week and the story behind Minnesota's new motto |url=https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/29/why-youll-be-hearing-bold-north-all-week-and-the-story-behind-minnesotas-new-motto/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523010927/https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/29/why-youll-be-hearing-bold-north-all-week-and-the-story-behind-minnesotas-new-motto/ |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=May 22, 2018 |work=Twin Cities |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Olson |first=Rochelle |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Northern Lights: NFL releases official brand renderings for Super Bowl |url=http://www.startribune.com/northern-lights-nfl-releases-official-brand-renderings-for-super-bowl/450779863/#1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181549/http://www.startribune.com/northern-lights-nfl-releases-official-brand-renderings-for-super-bowl/450779863/#1 |archive-date=May 22, 2018 |access-date=May 22, 2018 |work=Star Tribune}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-unveils-logo-for-super-bowl-lii-in-minnesota-020617|title=NFL unveils logo for Super Bowl LII in Minnesota|date=February 6, 2017|work=Fox Sports|access-date=May 22, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522181406/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-unveils-logo-for-super-bowl-lii-in-minnesota-020617|url-status=live}}

In mid-January 2018, a food rivalry between Philadelphia and Boston emerged. Dottie's Donuts, a local Philadelphia-based donut shop, decided to stop selling Boston Cream donuts until after the Super Bowl as a way to send a message to New England fans. Quinton Johnson, one of the shop's employees, said "We are not doing Boston Cream right now until after the Super Bowl." He added that the shop was getting prank calls from Patriots fans with Boston accents. Charles River Esplanade, a well-known park in Boston, immediately retaliated by banning Philadelphia cream cheese, Philly cheese steaks, soft pretzels, and even Crisco into the park until after the Super Bowl.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/boston-cream-ban-super-bowl-2018/|title=Super Bowl Feud: Philly Business Stops Selling Boston Cream Doughnuts-- For Now|website=CBS Philly|date=January 23, 2018}} On Monday, February 5th, the respective food bans in both cities were lifted.

The NFC was represented by the number-one playoff seed Philadelphia Eagles, while the AFC was represented by the number-one playoff seed New England Patriots, marking the fourth time in the previous five years that the Super Bowl had featured the top team from each conference.{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/top-seeds/|title=Top Seeds|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|date=January 21, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714185913/http://www.profootballhof.com/news/top-seeds/|archive-date=July 14, 2017}}

{{main|2017 Philadelphia Eagles season}}

File:Nick Foles 2014 Pro Bowl.jpg in 2014]]

File:Philadelphia Eagles merchandise being sold in parking lot across from the Wynnewood SEPTA station ahead of Super Bowl LII 20180203 134348.jpg in the Philadelphia suburbs one day prior to the Super Bowl]]

The Eagles finished the regular season with a record of 13–3, the same as New England, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh, but the various tie-breaking provisions gave them the NFC's top seed in the 2017–18 NFL playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/index.htm |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} It was a substantial improvement for the team under second-year head coach Doug Pederson; the Eagles finished the previous season with a 7–9 record.{{Cite web |title=2016 Philadelphia Eagles Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2016.htm |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2017 season, the team scored 457 points (third in the NFL), while giving up just 295 (fourth) points.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2018-super-bowl-preview-the-52-things-you-must-know-about-eagles-vs-patriots/|title=2018 Super Bowl preview: The 52 things you must know about Eagles vs. Patriots|work=CBS Sports|last=Wagner-McGough|first=Sean|date=February 4, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205060712/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2018-super-bowl-preview-the-52-things-you-must-know-about-eagles-vs-patriots/|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

The offense was led by Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Wentz. In just his second season, he recorded a passer rating of 101.9, throwing for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions. His top target was Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, who caught 74 passes for 824 yards and eight touchdowns. Other contributors were two receivers acquired from off-season free agency: Alshon Jeffery, who caught 57 passes for 789 yards and nine scores; and Torrey Smith, who had 36 receptions for 430 yards. Meanwhile, third-year receiver Nelson Agholor had the best season of his career, hauling in 62 passes for 768 yards and eight touchdowns, a higher total in each category than in his previous two seasons combined. The Eagles rushing attack also benefited from two recently acquired players, LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi. Blount, an off-season signing who won a Super Bowl with the Patriots, gained 776 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Ajayi, picked up by a mid-season trade with the Miami Dolphins, rushed for 873 yards and caught 24 passes for 154 yards combined with the two teams.{{Cite web |title=2017 Philadelphia Eagles Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2017.htm |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Philadelphia also had a superb offensive line, led by two Pro Bowl selections: Tackle Lane Johnson and Guard Brandon Brooks, along with all pro center Jason Kelce.{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Six-Eagles-Named-To-The-2018-Pro-Bowl/7210dbbb-4a20-4ab2-aceb-5acb57e1859b|title=Six Eagles Named To The 2018 Pro Bowl|website=PhiladelphiaEagles.com|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209020036/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Six-Eagles-Named-To-The-2018-Pro-Bowl/7210dbbb-4a20-4ab2-aceb-5acb57e1859b|archive-date=February 9, 2018}}

The Eagles defense allowed the fourth-fewest yards in the league (4,904).{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/opp.htm |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox made the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career, recording 5{{frac|1|2}} sacks and two fumble recoveries, and he had plenty of help around him, such as former Patriots defensive end Chris Long, who had five sacks and forced four fumbles, and defensive end Brandon Graham, who led the team with 9{{frac|1|2}} sacks. Middle linebacker Nigel Bradham led the team in combined tackles with 88. The Eagles secondary featured Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins, who had 76 combined tackles and two interceptions, along with cornerback Patrick Robinson, who led the team with four interceptions.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/21/eagles-patrick-robinson-vikings-interception-pick-six-touchdown-video|title=Watch: Eagles' Patrick Robinson Returns Interception 50 Yards for a Touchdown|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Rapaport|first=Daniel|date=January 21, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184528/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/21/eagles-patrick-robinson-vikings-interception-pick-six-touchdown-video|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

Philadelphia had stormed to the top of the NFC by winning 10 of their first 12 games, but suffered a major setback on December 10, when Wentz went down with a season-ending ACL tear and was replaced by journeyman backup quarterback Nick Foles, who was playing for his third team in as many years and his second stint with the Eagles. After Wentz's injury, many analysts wrote off the remainder of the Eagles' season as they believed they would not recover from his loss. Surprising analysts, Foles was able to lead the team to victory in that game, as well as the next two. The Eagles rested Foles and were led by third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld for their meaningless game against the Cowboys in Week 17, a game they lost, but in the Eagles' two playoff games, Foles threw for a combined total of 598 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, replicating the excellent performance of Wentz to carry the Eagles to the NFC title.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2017_games.htm|title=2017 Philadelphia Eagles Schedule & Game Results|date=January 23, 2018|work=Pro Football Reference|access-date=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2017_games.htm|archive-date=January 24, 2018}}

{{main|2017 New England Patriots season}}

File:Tom Brady 2017.JPG in 2017]]

The Patriots entered the 2017 NFL season as defending Super Bowl champions. For the 16th time in their 18 seasons under head coach Bill Belichick, they recorded a double-digit win season, finishing the regular season with a record of 13–3 and, by virtue of tie-breaking procedures, earning the AFC's number one overall seed. The previous season's top wide receiver Julian Edelman went down in the preseason with a season-ending injury. Early season defensive struggles left the team with a 2–2 record after four weeks, and the worst overall defense in the league at that point.{{cite news|last1=McKenna|first1=Henry|title=Reviewing sad state of Patriots defense after Week 4 loss to Panthers|url=http://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2017/10/03/reviewing-sad-state-of-patriots-defense/|newspaper=USA Today|date=October 3, 2017|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206002645/http://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2017/10/03/reviewing-sad-state-of-patriots-defense/|archive-date=February 6, 2018}} The defense came together as a unit, and tightened up over the rest of the season however, with the Patriots going 11–1 after week 4. Their sole loss in the latter part of the season came in Week 14 to the Miami Dolphins, a division rival, though they were without star tight end Rob Gronkowski due to a one-game suspension for an unnecessary roughness call the prior week. The Patriots' defense was improved by several late-season free-agent signings, including Eric Lee, a defensive end, previously from the Buffalo Bills, whom the Patriots signed in Week 12, and James Harrison, a perennial All-Pro for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whom the Patriots picked up off waivers after Christmas. In just six games for New England, Lee recorded 3{{frac|1|2}} sacks, a safety, and an interception.{{cite web|title=Eric Lee Statistics|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2970397/eric-lee|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830195119/http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2970397/eric-lee|archive-date=August 30, 2017}} In his only regular season game with the Patriots, Harrison recorded two sacks.{{cite news|title=James Harrison notches two sacks in debut as Patriots wrap up AFC home-field advantage|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2017/12/31/james-harrison-notches-two-sacks-debut-patriots-wrap-up-afc-home-field-advantage/993180001/|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 31, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205133026/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2017/12/31/james-harrison-notches-two-sacks-debut-patriots-wrap-up-afc-home-field-advantage/993180001/|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

During the regular season, New England's offense led the league in yards gained (6,307) and ranked second in points scored (458). The 40-year-old Brady finished his 18th season with a league-leading 4,577 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, earning him his 13th selection to the Pro Bowl and his third league MVP award. One change that helped make up for the loss of Edelman was the acquisition of receiver Brandin Cooks, who caught 65 passes for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns. Brady was also aided by the healthy return of Gronkowski, who had played just eight games in the previous season, finishing this year with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight scores. Receiver Danny Amendola added 61 receptions for 659 yards, as well as another 240 yards returning punts. With the loss of their previous season's rushing leader LeGarrette Blount to free agency, Dion Lewis stepped up to take the lead, rushing for 896 yards and six touchdowns despite starting only eight games. He also caught 32 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns and added 570 yards and another touchdown returning kickoffs. Rex Burkhead chipped in 518 all-purpose yards, 30 receptions, and eight touchdowns. In passing situations, the team relied heavily on running back James White, who caught 56 passes for 429 yards and rushed for 171 on the ground. These backs were aided by the blocking of fullback James Develin, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection. On special teams, kicker Stephen Gostkowski ranked second in the NFL with 156 points and fourth in field goals made with 37, while veteran special team ace Matthew Slater earned his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl selection.{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/news/2017/12/19/four-patriots-selected-afc-pro-bowl-squad|title=Four Patriots Selected to the AFC Pro Bowl Squad|website=Patriots.com|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205191425/http://www.patriots.com/news/2017/12/19/four-patriots-selected-afc-pro-bowl-squad|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

The Patriots' defense ranked only 29th in yards allowed (5,856), but ranked fifth in fewest points, giving up only 296. Defensive end Trey Flowers led the team with 6{{frac|1|2}} sacks while also forcing two fumbles. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy had 73 tackles and 5{{frac|1|2}} sacks. The Patriots also had a superb secondary, led by cornerbacks Malcolm Butler (two interceptions, three forced fumbles) and Stephon Gilmore (two interceptions, 47 solo tackles), as well as safeties Devin McCourty (97 combined tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery), Patrick Chung (84 tackles, one interception, two fumble recoveries) and Duron Harmon (four interceptions).{{cite web|title=2017 New England Patriots Schedule & Game Results|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2017_games.htm|date=January 23, 2018|work=Pro Football Reference|access-date=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005748/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2017_games.htm|archive-date=January 24, 2018}}

{{main|2017–18 NFL playoffs}}

In the playoffs, the Patriots earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage due to their status as the AFC's first overall seed.{{Cite web |date=2017-12-31 |title=Patriots Clinch No. 1 Seed In AFC, Home-Field Advantage Throughout Postseason |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/patriots-clinch-no-1-seed-afc-home-field-advantage-2017-postseason/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=CBS News - Boston |language=en-US}} In the divisional round, they defeated the Tennessee Titans 35–14, as Brady passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns. In that game, the defense amassed eight quarterback sacks of Marcus Mariota and held the Titans' running game to 65 yards rushing.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130nwe.htm |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 24–20 in the AFC Championship Game, rallying from behind to win the game after the Jaguars jumped out to an early 14–3 lead and whose league-best defense stymied Brady and the rest of the offense for most of the first half. Down 20–10 in the fourth quarter, the Patriots' comeback was sealed by two Brady-led drives, both resulting in touchdown passes to Danny Amendola, as well as a key defensive stop by Stephon Gilmore, whose acrobatic block of a Blake Bortles pass ended Jacksonville's last chance to score.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots - January 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Rob Gronkowski was injured in the game with a concussion, leaving his status for the Super Bowl in doubt. Amendola was the breakout star for the Patriots during their two playoff wins, leading the team with 196 receiving yards, and serving as Brady's primary target.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/2017nflplayoffsindex/2017-nfl-playoffs-schedule-bracket-full-playoff-picture-coverage-super-bowl-lii-2018|title=2017 NFL playoffs schedule, Super Bowl LII coverage|date=January 4, 2018|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122230756/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/2017nflplayoffsindex/2017-nfl-playoffs-schedule-bracket-full-playoff-picture-coverage-super-bowl-lii-2018|archive-date=January 22, 2018}}

Philadelphia also earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage as the NFC's first overall seed.{{Cite web |title=Eagles clinch No. 1 seed with 19-10 win over Raiders|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400951719 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} They started off the divisional round by narrowly defeating the Atlanta Falcons 15–10, stopping the Falcons on four consecutive plays after the Falcons had a first-down-and-goal situation on the Eagles' 9-yard line during their final drive.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles - January 13th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801130phi.htm |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} They then soundly defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38–7 in the NFC Championship Game. Despite the Vikings scoring on their opening drive, the Eagles' defense held them to three punts, two turnovers on downs, two interceptions, and one lost fumble in their remaining drives of the game. Meanwhile, Foles had a great game, in which he completed 26 of 33 passes for 353 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles - January 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210phi.htm |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Weekly League Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/games.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606145040/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/games.htm |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

This game was a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXXIX - New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles - February 6th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200502060nwe.htm |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Only one player, Patriots starting quarterback Tom Brady, remained on either roster from that contest.{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Danny|title=The Super Bowl Rematch That Isn't|url=https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/1/30/16948972/super-bowl-lii-xxxix-patriots-eagles-2004-rematch|website=The Ringer|date=January 30, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184436/https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/1/30/16948972/super-bowl-lii-xxxix-patriots-eagles-2004-rematch|archive-date=February 5, 2018}} Bill Belichick, the Patriots' head coach in that contest, also remained in that position. Two Eagles, running back LeGarrette Blount and defensive lineman Chris Long, had been Patriots in Super Bowl LI, the previous year’s Super Bowl.{{cite news|last=Krammer|first=Andrew|title=Trading places: Eagles' LeGarrette Blount, Chris Long bring Patriots intel to Philadelphia huddles|url=http://www.startribune.com/trading-places-eagles-legarrette-blount-chris-long-bring-patriots-intel-to-philadelphia-huddles/472531383/|newspaper=Star Tribune|date=February 4, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204081557/http://www.startribune.com/trading-places-eagles-legarrette-blount-chris-long-bring-patriots-intel-to-philadelphia-huddles/472531383/|archive-date=February 4, 2018}} The Eagles were 1–4 against the Brady/Belichick era Patriots prior to this game (excluding preseason), including Super Bowl XXXIX. Philadelphia’s lone win was a 35–28 victory at Gillette Stadium, week 13 in December, during their relatively weak 2015 season. The Eagles were behind 14–0, then proceeded to rally for 35 points and hold the Patriots to only two more touchdowns, allowing the visitors to finally get their revenge for eleven years prior.

The Patriots were the designated home team for Super Bowl LII, because the AFC team is the designated home team in even-numbered years and the NFC team in odd-numbered years. As the designated home team, the Patriots chose to wear their road white jerseys with navy blue pants, becoming the sixth team to wear their white jerseys as the home team and the third team to wear white in back-to-back Super Bowls, following the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowls XII and XIII and again in Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} The Eagles therefore wore their standard home uniform of midnight green jerseys with white pants; the same two uniforms were worn when they faced off in Super Bowl XXXIX, but with the Eagles as the "home" team.{{cite news|last=Lewis|first=Edward|title=New England Patriots to wear white in Super Bowl LII|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/new-england-patriots-to-wear-white-in-super-bowl-lii-0ap3000000909752|publisher=National Football League|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124071844/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000909752/article/new-england-patriots-to-wear-white-in-super-bowl-lii|archive-date=January 24, 2018}} Twelve of the previous 13 Super Bowls had been won by teams wearing white jerseys. The last team to win a Super Bowl while wearing their home uniforms was the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV (who, coincidentally, had also worn green jerseys).{{cite news|last=Creamer|first=Chris|title=Why it's better to wear white on Super Bowl Sunday|url=https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/418656-why-it-s-better-to-wear-white-on-super-bowl-sunday|website=TheScore.com|date=January 28, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2018}}

Gambling establishments had the Patriots as 5 ½ point favorites and projected 47 ½ points scored.{{cite news|last=Brinson|first=Will|title=2018 Super Bowl odds, line: Eagles are big underdogs again, this time against Patriots|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2018-super-bowl-odds-line-eagles-are-big-underdogs-again-this-time-against-patriots/|work=CBS Sports|date=January 21, 2018|access-date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122125637/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2018-super-bowl-odds-line-eagles-are-big-underdogs-again-this-time-against-patriots/|archive-date=January 22, 2018}}

File:Super Bowl LII Prescreening.png before boarding the Metro Blue Line to U.S. Bank Stadium]]

To coordinate the game and 10 days of events, the National Football League temporarily operated an events office within the Minnesota Vikings office building next to U.S. Bank Stadium.{{cite news|title=Hartman: Twin Cities setting stage for Super Bowl LII in grand fashion|url=http://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-setting-stage-for-super-bowl-lii-in-grand-fashion/443096043/|last=Hartman|first=Sid|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=September 27, 2017|date=September 8, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005730/http://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-setting-stage-for-super-bowl-lii-in-grand-fashion/443096043/|archive-date=September 28, 2017}} More than 150,000 visitors were expected to attend events associated with the Super Bowl over ten days.{{cite news|last=Bruch|first=Michelle|title=Navigating the Super Bowl|url=http://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2018/01/navigating-the-super-bowl/|newspaper=Southwest Journal|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124135731/http://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2018/01/navigating-the-super-bowl/|archive-date=January 24, 2018}} Among them were some 5,000-plus media members; media day events and press conferences were held at The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

No sales tax was collected on admission tickets to the game and related events, including parking.{{cite web|title=Super Bowl|url=http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/sut/Pages/Super-Bowl.aspx|website=Minnesota Department of Revenue|access-date=September 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928103451/http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/sut/Pages/Super-Bowl.aspx|archive-date=September 28, 2017}}

To increase security around U.S. Bank Stadium, the stadium's light rail station was shut down for 48 hours before the game,{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/u-s-bank-stadium-rail-stop-won-t-be-an-option-in-48-hours-before-super-bowl/459078573/|title=U.S. Bank Stadium rail stop won't be an option in 48 hours before Super Bowl|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=November 21, 2017|last=Olson|first=Rochelle|date=November 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121185848/http://www.startribune.com/u-s-bank-stadium-rail-stop-won-t-be-an-option-in-48-hours-before-super-bowl/459078573/|archive-date=November 21, 2017}} and a nearby homeless shelter was temporarily moved beyond the security perimeter.{{cite news|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/11/15/homeless-shelter-super-bowl/|title=Minneapolis Homeless Shelter To Temporarily Move During Super Bowl|date=November 21, 2017|access-date=November 21, 2017|last=Mayerle|first=Jennifer|work=CBS Minnesota|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116085508/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/11/15/homeless-shelter-super-bowl/|archive-date=November 16, 2017}} The Blue Line of the light rail system was only open to ticketholders and passengers with a Gameday Pass, while the Green Line only ran to Stadium Village station on the University of Minnesota campus before continuing on with restricted access. Metro Transit ran shuttle buses between light rail stations, as well as regular bus service was moved for several weeks due to street closures.{{cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=January 12, 2018 |title=A month of Super Bowl disruptions ahead for Metro Transit riders |url=http://www.startribune.com/a-month-of-super-bowl-disruptions-ahead-for-metro-transit-riders/469074903/ |work=Star-Tribune |access-date=January 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122125351/http://www.startribune.com/a-month-of-super-bowl-disruptions-ahead-for-metro-transit-riders/469074903/ |archive-date=January 22, 2018 }}{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=Rochelle |last2=Pheifer |first2=Pat |date=November 15, 2017 |title=Super Bowl will limit light-rail use to ticket holders on game day |url=http://www.startribune.com/light-rail-transit-will-be-limited-to-all-but-ticket-holders-on-super-bowl-sunday/457586873/ |newspaper=Star-Tribune |access-date=January 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122181538/http://www.startribune.com/light-rail-transit-will-be-limited-to-all-but-ticket-holders-on-super-bowl-sunday/457586873/ |archive-date=January 22, 2018 }} Thirty activist groups organized a rally and protest against police brutality, corporate greed, and racist practices. Seventeen people blocked the Green Line train for 90 minutes before the game, and 200 protesters blocked an entrance to the stadium's security perimeter.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/protesters-blocking-light-rail-tracks-near-super-bowl-site/472633223/|title=Protesters block light rail, rally outside U.S. Bank Stadium|work=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=February 5, 2018|date=February 5, 2018|first1=Paul|last1=Walsh|first2=Pat|last2=Pheifer|first3=Liz|last3=Sawyer|first4=Erin|last4=Adler|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204231425/http://www.startribune.com/protesters-blocking-light-rail-tracks-near-super-bowl-site/472633223/|archive-date=February 4, 2018}}

Under a 1998 agreement, the Patriots and Eagles owners split the tickets, and the league controlled the game presentation and entertainment in the stadium. The Patriots practiced at the Minnesota Vikings facilities in Eden Prairie while the Eagles used the University of Minnesota. The Eagles got the Vikings' locker room and sideline. The Vikings had advanced to the NFC Championship Game before losing to the Eagles; until that point, the possibility of the Vikings advancing to the Super Bowl and thus becoming the first team to play the game in its home stadium was plausible. Had that happened, the Vikings would have used their own locker rooms and training facilities, while the AFC champion would have used the University of Minnesota.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Charean|title=Vikings would play Super Bowl as visitor in their home stadium|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-play-super-bowl-visitor-201054375.html|date=January 16, 2018|work=Yahoo Sports|access-date=January 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117070342/https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-play-super-bowl-visitor-201054375.html|archive-date=January 17, 2018}}

NBC broadcast Super Bowl LII as part of an annual cycle between the three main broadcast television partners of the NFL. This would be the first time NBC aired the Super Bowl in the same year that it aired the Winter Olympics. The network was then scheduled to broadcast Super Bowl LV in February 2021, their next scheduled Super Bowl at the time, but NBC eventually traded its broadcasting rights to CBS in exchange for February 2022's Super Bowl LVI to avoid having NBC Olympic broadcasts become Super Bowl counterprogramming. The NFL then assigned all subsequent Super Bowls in Winter Olympics years to NBC or any network that airs the Winter Olympics.{{Cite news |last=Draper |first=Kevin |date=February 5, 2018 |title=NBC's Super Bowl Win (Everyone Knows About the Olympics Now, Right?) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/sports/football/super-bowl-ratings.html |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Reedy |first=Joe |date=February 7, 2022 |title=Super Bowl/Olympics Sunday about to become routine for NBC |url=https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-super-bowl-los-angeles-rams-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-adb4dbb3f58cb3b1e35d21c45f6c6d60 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en |quote=NBC executives have promoted this as a “once in a lifetime” day. However, it is about to become a common occurrence. When the NFL’s 11-year television contract starts in 2023, NBC’s spot in the Super Bowl rotation lines up the same year as the Winter Olympics.}}{{Cite web |last=Reedy |first=Joe |date=February 7, 2022 |title=Super Bowl/Olympics Sunday about to become routine for NBC |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/02/06/super-bowlolympics-sunday-about-to-become-routine-for-nbc/49773293/ |access-date=February 12, 2024 |website=USA TODAY |publisher=Associated Press |language=en-US}}

Play-by-play announcer Al Michaels and color analyst Cris Collinsworth called the game. Dan Patrick and Liam McHugh served as the lead hosts for NBC's pre-game coverage.{{Cite news |last=Putterman |first=Alex |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Bob Costas won't work Super Bowl for NBC, even though he's also not working the Olympics |url=http://awfulannouncing.com/nbc/bob-costas-wont-work-super-bowl-nbc-prompting-question-whether-anti-nfl-comments-blame.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123035343/http://awfulannouncing.com/nbc/bob-costas-wont-work-super-bowl-nbc-prompting-question-whether-anti-nfl-comments-blame.html |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=January 23, 2018 |work=AwfulAnnouncing.com |language=en-US}} Mike Tirico, who replaced the retiring Bob Costas in 2017 as NBC's lead studio host for both the NFL and the Olympic Games, did not participate in coverage of Super Bowl LII due to his commitments to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea (which opened on the Friday following the game).{{Cite news |last=Justin |first=Neal |date=August 7, 2017 |title=Why NBC's Mike Tirico will be skipping the Super Bowl in Minneapolis |url=http://www.startribune.com/why-mike-tirico-will-be-skipping-the-super-bowl-in-minneapolis/438596363/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116015310/http://www.startribune.com/why-mike-tirico-will-be-skipping-the-super-bowl-in-minneapolis/438596363/ |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |work=Star Tribune}} Tirico did however, contribute to the pregame show from Pyeongchang to preview the Winter Games.

NBC employed 73 cameras within the stadium, and introduced "volumetric-AR" graphics featuring 3D body scanning of players,{{Cite news |last=Dachman |first=Jason |date=February 2, 2018 |title=Live From Super Bowl LII: NBC Sports Embarks on Largest-Scale Live Game Production in History |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/02/02/live-from-super-bowl-lii-nbc-sports-embarks-on-largest-scale-live-game-production-in-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517005849/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/02/02/live-from-super-bowl-lii-nbc-sports-embarks-on-largest-scale-live-game-production-in-history/ |archive-date=May 17, 2018 |access-date=March 26, 2018 |work=Sports Video Group |language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/02/03/super-bowl-lii-nbc-debuts-unique-new-virtual-3d-graphics-tech-incorporating-player-body-scans/|title=Live From Super Bowl LII: NBC To Debut Virtual 3D Graphics Tech Incorporating Player Body Scans|last=Dachman|first=Jason|work=Sports Video Group|access-date=March 26, 2018|language=en|archive-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084214/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/02/03/super-bowl-lii-nbc-debuts-unique-new-virtual-3d-graphics-tech-incorporating-player-body-scans/|url-status=live}} and a new on-air graphics package to be used exclusively for Sunday Night Football going forward.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/tech-media/2018/02/05/super-bowl-lii-nbc-broadcast-blackout-cris-collinsworth-al-michaels|title=Grading NBC's broadcast of Super Bowl LII|work=SI.com|access-date=March 14, 2018|language=en|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104659/https://www.si.com/tech-media/2018/02/05/super-bowl-lii-nbc-broadcast-blackout-cris-collinsworth-al-michaels|url-status=live}}

Sister cable network Universo carried a full Spanish language broadcast produced by Telemundo Deportes, with Edgar Lopez and Rene Giraldo. The Universo Spanish audio was also available on NBC through the SAP channel, where available.{{cite press release|title=NBC SPORTS ANNOUNCES SUPER BOWL LII ON-AIR TEAM FOR PATRIOTS-EAGLES – NETWORK'S 19TH SUPER BOWL BROADCAST|publisher=NBC Sports Group|date=January 22, 2018|url=http://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2018/01/22/nbc-sports-announces-super-bowl-lii-on-air-team-for-patriots-eagles-networks-19th-super-bowl-broadcast/|access-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123083750/http://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2018/01/22/nbc-sports-announces-super-bowl-lii-on-air-team-for-patriots-eagles-networks-19th-super-bowl-broadcast/|archive-date=January 23, 2018}}{{cite press release|title=TELEMUNDO DEPORTES & UNIVERSO TO ONCE AGAIN PRESENT LIVE, EXCLUSIVE SPANISH-LANGUAGE NFL GAMES THIS SEASON – INCLUDING SUPER BOWL LII|publisher=NBC Sports Group|date=September 7, 2017|url=http://www.nbcuniversal.com/press-release/telemundo-deportes-universo-once-again-present-live-exclusive-spanish-language-nfl|access-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012617/http://www.nbcuniversal.com/press-release/telemundo-deportes-universo-once-again-present-live-exclusive-spanish-language-nfl|archive-date=January 26, 2018}}

As NBC Sports Regional Networks operates regional sports networks in the markets of both teams which participated, the NBC Sports Boston and NBC Sports Philadelphia channels were used to provide additional coverage of the game from a local perspective. Both networks aired coverage from Minneapolis, including specials focusing on their respective teams, and a jointly-produced pre-game show aired by both channels.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/02/04/live-from-super-bowl-lii-nbc-sports-regional-networks-are-all-about-synergy-in-minneapolis/|title=Live From Super Bowl LII: NBC Sports Regional Networks Are All About Synergy in Minneapolis|last=Dachman|first=Jason|work=Sports Video Group|access-date=March 26, 2018|language=en|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517223209/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2018/02/04/live-from-super-bowl-lii-nbc-sports-regional-networks-are-all-about-synergy-in-minneapolis/|url-status=live}}

Nielsen reported a 47.4/70% overnight rating in metered markets, peaking at 52.2/74 during the fourth quarter. These numbers are about 3% lower than early numbers from Super Bowl LI, and the lowest since Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.{{cite news|last=Patton|first=Dominic|title=Super Bowl Ratings Slip To 8-Year Low As Eagles Score Historic Win|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/super-bowl-ratings-eagles-patriots-this-is-us-nbc-1202278181/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205170258/http://deadline.com/2018/02/super-bowl-ratings-eagles-patriots-this-is-us-nbc-1202278181/|archive-date=February 5, 2018}} The broadcast had an averaege of 103.4 million, down 7% of the previous year. However, according to Nielsen 2025`s estimation, the game had 104.1 million of averege audience with 43.1 of rating between NBC and Universo.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIX Makes TV History With Over 127 Million Viewers |url=https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2025/super-bowl-lix-makes-tv-history-with-over-127-million-viewers/ |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Nielsen |language=en-US}}Also, 2.6 million watched the game on streaming platforms. The total viewership was 106 million.{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=2018-02-05 |title=Eagles’ 1st Super Bowl Win Draws 103.4M Viewers, Smallest Audience In Nine Years – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/super-bowl-ratings-eagles-patriots-this-is-us-nbc-1202278181/ |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

Dan Lovinger, NBC Sports Group executive vice president of ad sales, stated to Variety in July 2017 that the network was seeking a price "north of $5 million" (the price set for the previous two Super Bowls) for a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl LII.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/super-bowl-commercials-nbc-tv-advertising-1202489354/|title=Madison Avenue, NBC Wrangle Over $5 Million Super Bowl Ads (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=July 7, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=January 9, 2018|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918195859/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/super-bowl-commercials-nbc-tv-advertising-1202489354/|archive-date=September 18, 2017}}{{Cite journal|last=Fry|first=Erika|date=February 1, 2018|title=Super Bowl Ads Can't Save TV|url=|journal=Fortune|type=print mail distribution|page=11|issn=0015-8259|quote=...and pay rapt attention to commercials that cost roughly $5 million a (30-second) pop.}} As they began five days after the Super Bowl, NBC offered advertising packages that covered both Super Bowl LII and the 2018 Winter Olympics (which marked the first time since 1992 that a single broadcast network had aired both the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics in the same year); the network estimated that it would bring in at least $1 billion in advertising revenue from the two events.{{Cite news|title=NBC Expects More Than $1 Billion in Ad Sales from Super Bowl, Winter Olympics|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/super-bowl-winter-olympics-tv-advertising-nbc-1202602368/|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=October 30, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=January 9, 2018|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102093647/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/super-bowl-winter-olympics-tv-advertising-nbc-1202602368/|archive-date=November 2, 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super/2017/05/09/super-bowl-olympics-winter-advertising-pyeongchang-nbc/101469776/|title=NBC looking to sell Super Bowl, Olympics ad combos|last=Spain|first=Kevin|date=May 9, 2017|access-date=November 26, 2017|newspaper=USA Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201073637/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super/2017/05/09/super-bowl-olympics-winter-advertising-pyeongchang-nbc/101469776/|archive-date=December 1, 2017}} During the second quarter, an equipment failure caused NBC's broadcast to experience dead air for 30 seconds during a commercial break. No actual commercial time was lost.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/4/16972120/super-bowl-2018-blackout-equipment-failure-black-screen|title=What caused a nearly 30-second ad blackout during Super Bowl|work=The Verge|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205064722/https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/4/16972120/super-bowl-2018-blackout-equipment-failure-black-screen|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/04/media/nbc-brief-blackout-super-bowl/index.html|title=NBC blames 'equipment failure' for brief blackout during Super Bowl|last=Stelter|first=Brian|work=CNNMoney|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205015845/http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/04/media/nbc-brief-blackout-super-bowl/index.html|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

Advertisements for Tide detergent featuring David Harbour of Stranger Things created a recurring theme, appearing in each quarter, often disguised as well-known commercials for other products, with Harbour eventually declaring "It's a Tide ad."{{cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/every-ad-is-a-tide-ad-inside-saatchi-and-pgs-clever-super-bowl-takeover-starring-david-harbour/|title=Every Ad is a Tide Ad: Inside Saatchi and P&G's Clever Super Bowl Takeover Starring David Harbour|date=February 5, 2018 |access-date=July 5, 2019|archive-date=July 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705231831/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/every-ad-is-a-tide-ad-inside-saatchi-and-pgs-clever-super-bowl-takeover-starring-david-harbour/|url-status=live}} Anheuser-Busch has, as it has done in previous Super Bowls, purchased multiple commercials in the game, advertising Bud Light, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra. For the first time since Super Bowl VIII, the company reduced the appearances of the Budweiser Clydesdales in a Super Bowl commercial, with the 60-second Budweiser commercial for this event instead focusing on a Budweiser factory plant in Georgia distributing water, referencing the beer maker's efforts to distribute water to families of victims affected by natural disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes. However, a Clydesdale was featured in a commercial for Tide detergent and the Budweiser Clydesdales only appeared in a five-second Budweiser commercial to remind viewers of the "ClydesdaleCam" livestream event.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/budweiser-benches-famous-clydesdales-for-super-bowl-lii-1516975201|title=Budweiser benches famous Clydesdales for Super Bowl LII|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 27, 2018|access-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127015522/https://www.wsj.com/articles/budweiser-benches-famous-clydesdales-for-super-bowl-lii-1516975201|archive-date=January 27, 2018}} Other signed advertisers included The Coca-Cola Company and Avocados from Mexico. Cellphone carrier T-Mobile aired a minute long ad with actress Kerry Washington narrating, featuring babies of various ethnic backgrounds. The commercial also features Nirvana's song "All Apologies" played as a lullaby. In the ad, Washington talks about the babies being born with natural instincts of love and not racism calling them "unstoppable" and that they will demand fair and equal pay. T-Mobile CEO John Legere posted to his Twitter account afterwards saying, "This year, we wanted to use our #SuperBowl airtime to share that @TMobile believes we all started in the same place. We are more alike than different. And we are unstoppable."{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's ad: Nirvana, Kerry Washington and a timely statement about equality|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/04/news/companies/t-mobile-super-bowl-ad/index.html|website=Money.Cnn.com|date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131436/http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/04/news/companies/t-mobile-super-bowl-ad/index.html|archive-date=February 6, 2018}}

Fiat Chrysler subsidiary Ram Trucks was met with criticism over its ad "Built to Serve", which featured an excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Drum Major Instinct" sermon on the virtues of serving others (February 4, 2018, was also the 50th anniversary of the sermon). The ad was considered an exploitation of King's words to sell a product, with media outlets noting that the sermon in the ad went on to specifically criticize advertisers (including automobile manufacturers) for being "gentlemen of massive verbal persuasion".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/business/media/mlk-commercial-ram-dodge.html|title=Ram Trucks Commercial With Martin Luther King Jr. Sermon Is Criticized|work=The New York Times|date=February 5, 2018 |access-date=November 11, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220221701/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/business/media/mlk-commercial-ram-dodge.html|url-status=live|last1=Maheshwari |first1=Sapna }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/02/05/mlk-speech-used-rams-car-ad-goes-criticize-car-ads/306984002/|title=That Martin Luther King Jr. speech used in Ram's car ad? It goes on to criticize car ads.|work=USA Today|access-date=February 6, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206133042/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/02/05/mlk-speech-used-rams-car-ad-goes-criticize-car-ads/306984002/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/business/media/mlk-commercial-ram-dodge.html|title=Ram Trucks Commercial With Martin Luther King Jr. Sermon Is Criticized|last=Maheshwari|first=Sapna|date=February 5, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 6, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220221701/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/business/media/mlk-commercial-ram-dodge.html|url-status=live}}

NBC's lead-out program was an episode of This Is Us, titled "Super Bowl Sunday",{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/this-is-us-to-super-bowl-christmas-episode-thursday-preemptions-1202093177/|title='This Is Us' To Air After the Super Bowl, Mulls Christmas Episode As It Faces Pre-emptions On New Night|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=May 14, 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 5, 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827094634/http://deadline.com/2017/05/this-is-us-to-super-bowl-christmas-episode-thursday-preemptions-1202093177/|archive-date=August 27, 2017}} alongside a special episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon from Minneapolis' Orpheum Theatre, with halftime performer Justin Timberlake, Dwayne Johnson, Chris Stapleton and the cast of This Is Us as guests.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/jimmy-fallon-to-host-tonight-show-live-from-minneapolis-after-super-bowl/457552343/|title=Jimmy Fallon to host 'Tonight Show' live from Minneapolis after Super Bowl|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=November 15, 2017|date=November 15, 2017|last=Justin|first=Neal|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115134232/http://www.startribune.com/jimmy-fallon-to-host-tonight-show-live-from-minneapolis-after-super-bowl/457552343/|archive-date=November 15, 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/this-is-us-cast-justin-timberlake-and-the-rock-will-join-jimmy-fallon-in-minneapolis/468466203/|title=Fallon unveils guests for Mpls. Super Bowl show: Timberlake, the Rock, 'This Is Us' cast|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|access-date=January 11, 2018|last=Justin|first=Neal|date=January 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111054607/http://www.startribune.com/this-is-us-cast-justin-timberlake-and-the-rock-will-join-jimmy-fallon-in-minneapolis/468466203/|archive-date=January 11, 2018}}

In a surprise move, Netflix used its advertising time to announce that The Cloverfield Paradox — the third film in the Cloverfield series — would be available for streaming on the service immediately after the game, potentially undercutting viewership of the lucrative post-game slot on NBC.{{cite web | url = https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-netflixs-surprise-cloverfield-paradox-release-could-be-a-game-changer-2018-02-04 | title = Why Netflix's surprise 'Cloverfield Paradox' release could be a game-changer | first = Mike | last = Murphy | date = February 5, 2018 | access-date = February 5, 2018 | work = Market Watch | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180205042215/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-netflixs-surprise-cloverfield-paradox-release-could-be-a-game-changer-2018-02-04 | archive-date = February 5, 2018 | df = mdy-all }}

Online streams of the NBC broadcast were available on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app for mobile devices, tablets, connected-TV devices, and NBC.com without any required login. The Spanish-language broadcast was available on the Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app and TelemundoDeportes.com for desktop devices, connected TV devices, and tablets but not mobile devices.{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Spanish-Language-Live-Super-Bowl-Telecast-Will-Be-Presented-by-Telemundo-Deportes-and-Universo-20180129|title=Spanish-Language Live Super Bowl Telecast Will Be Presented by Telemundo Deportes and Universo|first=TV News|last=Desk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205001209/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Spanish-Language-Live-Super-Bowl-Telecast-Will-Be-Presented-by-Telemundo-Deportes-and-Universo-20180129|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

Under new digital rights deals that began with the 2017–18 playoffs, Verizon still offered mobile streaming of games, but no longer held exclusive rights to stream NFL games on smartphones or make them exclusive to Verizon Wireless subscribers. Instead, Verizon elected to use the deal to bolster its recent acquisition of Yahoo!; on January 9, 2018, Verizon announced that it would host streams of playoff games through the Yahoo! Sports and go90 app, including Super Bowl LII. As a result of the deal, the online stream was available to viewers on all Internet devices for the first time, regardless of network (because of Verizon's previous exclusive rights deal, non-Verizon phones had previously been blocked from receiving any NFL telecasts, regardless of source).{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/09/oaths-tim-armstrong-yahoo-sports-to-stream-nfl-playoffs-this-weekend.html|title=Yahoo Sports will start streaming NFL playoff games this weekend, says Oath CEO Tim Armstrong|last=Castillo|first=Michelle|date=January 9, 2018|publisher=CNBC|access-date=January 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110054528/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/09/oaths-tim-armstrong-yahoo-sports-to-stream-nfl-playoffs-this-weekend.html|archive-date=January 10, 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21737823/verizon-nfl-agree-new-5-year-deal-worth-nearly-25-billion|title=Verizon, NFL agree to new 5-year deal worth nearly $2.5 billion|first=Darren|last=Rovell|publisher=ESPN|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=December 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212031600/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21737823/verizon-nfl-agree-new-5-year-deal-worth-nearly-25-billion|archive-date=December 12, 2017}} The game was also available through the NFL Mobile app with the aforementioned change to viewing through the app now being allowed on all mobile carriers.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/11/16761322/nfl-mobile-streaming-verizon-att-tmobile-sprint-january-2018|title=NFL games will start streaming on all mobile carriers in January — not just Verizon|work=The Verge|last=Vincent|first=James|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205114725/https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/11/16761322/nfl-mobile-streaming-verizon-att-tmobile-sprint-january-2018|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

This was the last game in Westwood One's national radio contract with the NFL before a quiet renewal on undermined terms after the season and Cumulus exited a chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made just before the Super Bowl.{{cite web|title=NFL and Dial Global Agree on New Multi-Year Extension|url=http://dialglobalsports.com/2012/09/nfl-and-dial-global-agree-on-new-multi-year-extension/|publisher=Dial Global Sports|access-date=November 15, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425085514/http://dialglobalsports.com/2012/09/nfl-and-dial-global-agree-on-new-multi-year-extension/|archive-date=April 25, 2013}} Each participating team's flagship station (the Patriots Radio Network's WBZ-FM/Boston, and the Eagles Radio Network's WIP-FM/Philadelphia, along with WEMG/Camden, New Jersey for Spanish play-by-play) carried the game with local announcers. For the second consecutive year, none of the local flagships were clear-channel stations, and thus the local commentators were only audible for free within each respective team's immediate metropolitan area; listeners outside the flagship stations' broadcast ranges were required to subscribe to Sirius XM Radio or TuneIn Premium to access the local broadcasts. Under the terms of the Westwood One contract, any radio station that was not a local flagship, if it carried the game, was required to utilize the Westwood One feed. It was the first title win called by Eagles play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese, who has been the primary radio voice of the team since 1977.{{cite news|last=Clapp|first=Matt|title=Here's the Philadelphia Eagles' radio call of the final play to win Super Bowl LII|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/local-networks/heres-philadelphia-eagles-radio-call-final-play-win-super-bowl-li.html|website=AwfulAnnouncing.com|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205090734/http://awfulannouncing.com/local-networks/heres-philadelphia-eagles-radio-call-final-play-win-super-bowl-li.html|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

File:Super Bowl LII pregame.jpg on game day]]

The Super Bowl flyover was a unique combination of airplanes—and a first for the Super Bowl. It was the first time the Heritage Flight team conducted a flyover for a Super Bowl.

The [https://www.airforcetimes.com/off-duty/military-sports/2018/01/29/a-10s-and-a-p-51-super-bowl-flyover-wont-be-the-usual-demonstration/ U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight] performed a flawless execution perfectly timed with Pink's National Anthem. It consisted of one F-16 Fighting Falcon, two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and one P-51 Mustang flying in formation over U.S. Bank Stadium.{{Cite web |last=Wilner |first=Barry |date=January 29, 2018 |title=A-10s and a P-51? Super Bowl flyover won't be the usual demonstration |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/off-duty/military-sports/2018/01/29/a-10s-and-a-p-51-super-bowl-flyover-wont-be-the-usual-demonstration/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Air Force Times|agency=Associated Press}}

Pink performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"{{cite news|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|title=P!NK to perform national anthem at Super Bowl LII|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000904225/article/pnk-to-perform-national-anthem-at-super-bowl-lii|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=NFL.com|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 9, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233704/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000904225/article/pnk-to-perform-national-anthem-at-super-bowl-lii|archive-date=January 8, 2018}} and Leslie Odom Jr. sang "America the Beautiful". Coincidentally, both Pink and Odom are from the Philadelphia area.{{cite news|title=Leslie Odom, Jr. to sing 'America The Beautiful' at Super Bowl|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/leslie-odom-jr-to-sing-america-the-beautiful-at-super-bowl-0ap3000000905778|publisher=National Football League|date=January 13, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204124200/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000905778/article/leslie-odom-jr-to-sing-america-the-beautiful-at-super-bowl|archive-date=February 4, 2018}}{{cite news|last=Walsh|first=Paul|title=Performer of 'America the Beautiful' at Super Bowl LII is chosen|url=http://www.startribune.com/performer-of-america-the-beautiful-at-super-bowl-lii-is-chosen/469227013/|newspaper=Minneapolis Star Tribune|date=January 15, 2018|access-date=January 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117012057/http://www.startribune.com/performer-of-america-the-beautiful-at-super-bowl-lii-is-chosen/469227013/|archive-date=January 17, 2018}} Pink spit out a throat lozenge shortly before singing the anthem, later verified after many commentators thought she had spit out a piece of gum.{{cite news|last1=Wanshel|first1=Elyse|title=This Is What Pink Spit Out Before The Super Bowl National Anthem|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pink-spit-super-bowl-national-anthem_us_5a787391e4b01ce33eb55b82|website=HuffPost|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207031151/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pink-spit-super-bowl-national-anthem_us_5a787391e4b01ce33eb55b82|archive-date=February 7, 2018}} She reported being ill with flu symptoms during her performance.{{cite news|last1=Respers France|first1=Lisa|title=Pink defends Super Bowl performance|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/05/entertainment/pink-super-bowl-performance/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205234219/http://www.cnn.com/2018/02/05/entertainment/pink-super-bowl-performance/index.html|archive-date=February 5, 2018}} No players were observed kneeling during the national anthem, in contrast to the protests in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/4/no-players-kneel-during-national-anthem-super-bowl/ |title=No players kneel during national anthem at Super Bowl LII |website=The Washington Times |access-date=February 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210062140/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/4/no-players-kneel-during-national-anthem-super-bowl/ |archive-date=February 10, 2018 }}

Fifteen Medal of Honor recipients participated in the coin toss ceremony.{{cite news|title=NFL to salute Medal of Honor recipients at Super Bowl LII|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910413/article/nfl-to-salute-medal-of-honor-recipients-at-super-bowl-lii|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=NFL.com|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=February 26, 2018|archive-date=February 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205132323/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910413/article/nfl-to-salute-medal-of-honor-recipients-at-super-bowl-lii|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Super Bowl coin toss salute for Medal of Honor recipients|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/01/25/nfl-saluting-medal-of-honor-winners-at-super-bowl-coin-toss/109800788/|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 26, 2018|archive-date=January 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127030642/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/01/25/nfl-saluting-medal-of-honor-winners-at-super-bowl-coin-toss/109800788/|url-status=live}} World War II hero Hershel W. Williams was the honorary captain and had the honors of flipping the coin.{{cite news|last=Nestel|first=M. L.|title=WWII Medal recipient does Super Bowl LII coin toss|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wwii-medal-winner-super-bowl-lii-coin-toss/story?id=52835828|publisher=ABC News|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205192813/http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wwii-medal-winner-super-bowl-lii-coin-toss/story?id=52835828|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Super Bowl LII halftime show}}

File:A Prince projection shows up at the Super Bowl LII Half Time Show, Minneapolis MN (39407983344).jpg performs on piano alongside projected archive footage of Prince during the Super Bowl LII halftime show]]

Justin Timberlake headlined the Super Bowl LII halftime show, along with his band "The Tennessee Kids" and featuring the University of Minnesota Marching Band.{{cite news|title=Justin Timberlake headlines Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000865438/article/justin-timberlake-to-headline-pepsi-super-bowl-lii-halftime-show|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=NFL.com|date=October 22, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023011654/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000865438/article/justin-timberlake-to-headline-pepsi-super-bowl-lii-halftime-show|archive-date=October 23, 2017}}{{cite news|title=Justin Timberlake set for SB LII halftime show|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21120479/justin-timberlake-headline-super-bowl-lii-half-show|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=October 22, 2017|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027030004/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21120479/justin-timberlake-headline-super-bowl-lii-half-show|archive-date=October 27, 2017}}{{cite news|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|title=No hologram, but still a Prince tribute in Justin Timberlake's halftime show|url=http://www.startribune.com/no-hologram-but-still-a-prince-tribute-in-justin-timberlake-s-halftime-show/472656343/|work=Star Tribune|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205061040/http://www.startribune.com/no-hologram-but-still-a-prince-tribute-in-justin-timberlake-s-halftime-show/472656343/|archive-date=February 5, 2018}} Timberlake performed in two previous Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 as a member of NSYNC, and Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 with Janet Jackson.{{cite news|last=Rollins|first=Khadrice|title=Justin Timberlake performing at Super Bowl LII halftime|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/22/justin-timberlake-super-bowl-lii-halftime-performer|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=October 22, 2017|access-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063726/https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/22/justin-timberlake-super-bowl-lii-halftime-performer|archive-date=October 23, 2017}}{{cite news|title=It's Official: Justin Timberlake to Headline Super Bowl Halftime|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/justin-timberlake-super-bowl-halftime-1202596199/|magazine=Variety|date=October 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103024800/http://variety.com/2017/music/news/justin-timberlake-super-bowl-halftime-1202596199/|archive-date=January 3, 2018}}

Timberlake's performance drew criticism for not being "spectacular", looking to be safe and avoid incidents such as the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" during his performance with Jackson, and for incorporating a video of Prince, who opposed performances combining the dead and the living.{{cite news|last1=Patten|first1=Dominic|title=Justin Timberlake's Botched Super Bowl Halftime Show Return Not Princely – Review|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/justin-timberlake-super-bowl-halftime-show-review-prince-1202278058/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206022122/http://deadline.com/2018/02/justin-timberlake-super-bowl-halftime-show-review-prince-1202278058/|archive-date=February 6, 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Sherman|first1=Rodger|title=The Winners and Losers From Super Bowl LII|url=https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/2/5/16972778/super-bowl-lii-winners-and-losers-eagles-beat-patriots|website=The Ringer|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131530/https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/2/5/16972778/super-bowl-lii-winners-and-losers-eagles-beat-patriots|archive-date=February 6, 2018}}

{{See also|Philly Special}}

File:Super Bowl LII Play first quarter.png handoff during the first quarter]]

The Patriots won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to the second half. They kicked off to the Eagles, who opened the game with a 14-play, 67-yard drive that took 7:05 off the clock and resulted in a 25-yard field goal by kicker Jake Elliott, giving them an early 3–0 lead. The drive was controlled by the arm of Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, who completed six of nine passes to five different receivers for 61 yards, with a few short runs by running backs LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi mixed in. Foles also made two critical completions on third down plays, hitting wide receiver Alshon Jeffery for a 17-yard gain on 3rd-and-4, and later found wide receiver Torrey Smith for a 15-yard completion 3rd-and-12. The Patriots responded with a drive of their own, almost with exactly the same results; quarterback Tom Brady completed four of six passes for 58 yards to four different receivers, the longest a 28-yard strike to wide receiver Chris Hogan. The drive stalled out on the Philadelphia 8-yard line, where they settled for kicker Stephen Gostkowski's 26-yard field goal, tying the game at 3–3. The game's first touchdown was scored by the Eagles on the next drive, taking only three plays: a 7-yard pass from Foles to wide receiver Nelson Agholor, a 36-yard run up the middle by Blount, and a 34-yard touchdown pass from Foles to Jeffery. The ensuing extra point attempt by Elliott missed wide right, keeping the score at 9–3 in favor of the Eagles. The Patriots responded by advancing the ball to the Philadelphia 8-yard line on their next drive, which was set up by a 50-yard completion from Brady to wide receiver Danny Amendola, where the first quarter ended.{{cite web|title=Super Bowl LII Play By Play|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018020400/2017/POST22/eagles@patriots#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000914297&tab=analyze&analyze=playbyplay|website=NFL.com|access-date=February 5, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204232931/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018020400/2017/POST22/eagles@patriots#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000914297&tab=analyze&analyze=playbyplay|archive-date=February 4, 2018}}

The Patriots came away empty-handed on the second play of the second quarter, as Gostkowski missed a 26-yard field goal attempt after punter/holder Ryan Allen mishandled the snap, causing the ball to hit the left upright.{{cite news|last=Breech|first=John|title=Super Bowl 2018: Patriots 26-yard field goal attempt ends with crazy miss|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2018-patriots-26-yard-field-goal-attempt-ends-with-crazy-miss/|work=CBS Sports|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206011118/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2018-patriots-26-yard-field-goal-attempt-ends-with-crazy-miss/|archive-date=February 6, 2018}} New England's defense forced the game's only punt on the next drive. On the next drive, Brady completed a 23-yard pass to wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but a hard hit by safety Malcolm Jenkins knocked the receiver out of the game with a concussion. On third down from the Philadelphia 35-yard line, the Patriots attempted a trick play that involved two handoffs and a pass downfield to Brady, who was open but dropped the throw from Amendola. They went for it on fourth down, and a deep pass intended for tight end Rob Gronkowski was broken up by cornerback Jalen Mills, giving the Eagles the ball on their own 35-yard line. They capitalized on a drive featuring two key completions, a 19-yard catch by tight end Zach Ertz on 3rd-and-7 and a 22-yard reception by Jeffery on the New England 21-yard line. On the next play, Blount went the distance for a 21-yard touchdown run to increase the Eagles' lead to 15–3, but a two-point conversion failed when Foles' pass to Jeffery was broken up by cornerback Eric Rowe. The Patriots quickly struck back, as Brady completed a 46-yard pass to running back Rex Burkhead on the first play after the kickoff. But the team could only gain two more yards, resulting in Gostkowski's 45-yard field goal to cut their deficit to 15–6.{{cite news|last=Felt|first=Hunter|title=Super Bowl 2018: Eagles beat Patriots to win first title – as it happened|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/feb/04/super-bowl-2018-52-philadelphia-eagles-new-england-patriots-live|newspaper=The Guardian|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205121024/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2018/feb/04/super-bowl-2018-52-philadelphia-eagles-new-england-patriots-live|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}

The Eagles got the ball back with 7:24 left in the half and looked poised to score another touchdown after a 26-yard run by Ajayi gave them a first down on the New England 43-yard line. But on the next play, Foles threw a pass intended for Jeffery that was broken up by cornerback Stephon Gilmore and intercepted by safety Duron Harmon. The Patriots took advantage of the turnover with a seven-play, 90-yard drive, which was almost a three-and-out, but a holding penalty on Mills allowed the Patriots to continue their drive. The last two plays featured a 43-yard completion from Brady to Hogan, followed by a 26-yard touchdown run by running back James White. Gostkowski missed the ensuing extra point wide left, but the score was now 15–12 in favor of the Eagles. Philadelphia running back Kenjon Barner returned the ensuing kickoff 27 yards to his own 30-yard line as time ran down to the two-minute warning. Two plays later, on 3rd-and-3, Foles completed a short pass to running back Corey Clement, who took off for a 55-yard gain to the New England 8-yard line. Clement ran the ball six yards to the two-yard line on the next play. Two plays later, Philadelphia faced 4th-and-goal on the 1-yard line with 38 seconds left in the half. Deciding to go for the touchdown, they attempted a similar trick play to the one that had failed for the Patriots earlier, in what became the game's most memorable play. As Foles stepped up to the running back position, Clement took a direct snap and pitched the ball to tight end Trey Burton, who then threw the ball perfectly to Foles, who was wide open in the right side of the end zone. Foles caught the ball, making him the first quarterback ever to catch a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl, giving the Eagles a 22–12 halftime lead. This play became known as the Philly Special.

The first half resulted in numerous Super Bowl records from both teams, including most total yards combined (673). This was also the first time two quarterbacks had thrown for over 200 yards in the first half of a Super Bowl, with Brady throwing for 276 yards and Foles 215.{{cite news|last=Loumena|first=Dan|title=Checking the stats at halftime|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-super-bowl-live-updates-20180204-checking-the-stats-at-halftime-1517793288-htmlstory.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=February 4, 2018|access-date=February 7, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190309/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-super-bowl-live-updates-20180204-checking-the-stats-at-halftime-1517793288-htmlstory.html|archive-date=February 6, 2018}}

The Patriots received the second-half kickoff and Brady led them 75 yards in eight plays. Gronkowski, who caught only one pass for 9 yards in the first half, caught four for 68 yards on the drive, the last a 5-yard touchdown reception to cut New England's deficit to 22–19. The Eagles responded by moving the ball 85 yards in 11 plays on a drive that consumed less than five minutes and featured three critical third-down conversions by Foles. The first was a 17-yard pass to Agholor on 3rd-and-6 from the Eagles 19-yard line. Later in the drive, he threw a 14-yard completion to Ertz on 3rd-and-1 from the New England 40-yard line. Finally, he finished the possession with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Clement on 3rd-and-6, increasing Philadelphia's lead to 29–19. The touchdown was upheld upon review, as officials confirmed that Clement kept both feet in bounds and controlled the ball. New England responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, with Brady completing all three of his passes for 60 yards, the last one a 26-yard touchdown pass to Hogan that cut their deficit back to a field goal at 29–26. The Eagles followed with an 8-play, 51-yard drive featuring a 24-yard completion from Foles to Agholor on the first play, followed by a 17-yard pass to Smith to reach the New England 24-yard line. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Elliott kicked a 42-yard field goal to bring the score to 32–26.

Brady then came back with another 75-yard drive, featuring three consecutive passes to Amendola for 46 yards, and ending with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Gronkowski, giving the Patriots their first lead of the game, 33–32. On their next drive, the Eagles faced 3rd-and-6 after two plays but were able to keep the ball with a 7-yard catch by Ertz. Eventually, they faced a 4th-and-1 on their own 45-yard line with 5:39 left in the game. Deciding to go for the conversion rather than punt, Foles completed a 2-yard pass to Ertz that kept the drive alive. Then Foles picked up three consecutive first downs with passes to Agholor for 38 total yards, moving the ball to the New England 14-yard line. Following a 3-yard run by Ajayi, Foles threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ertz with 2:21 remaining in the game. The play was upheld on review; Ertz lost the ball after touching the ground in the end zone, but it was determined that he established himself as a runner and maintained control of the ball as he broke the plane of the goal line. The two-point conversion failed for the second time in the game when linebacker Kyle Van Noy broke up Foles' pass intended for Clement, keeping the Eagles' lead at 38–33.

The Patriots got the ball back on their own 25-yard line with the chance to mount a game-winning drive. On the second play of the drive, however, defensive end Brandon Graham stripped the ball from Brady for the game's only sack, and defensive end Derek Barnett recovered the fumble on the New England 31-yard line, allowing the Eagles to run the clock down to 1:05 and force the Patriots to use all their remaining timeouts. Elliott then kicked a 46-yard field goal to increase Philadelphia's lead to 41–33. New England now needed a touchdown and a two-point conversion to force overtime. After nine plays (one of them a 13-yard catch by Amendola on 4th-and-10), the Patriots reached their own 49-yard line, and with only nine seconds remaining, Brady threw a Hail Mary pass to the end zone as time expired. With six Eagles defenders covering Gronkowski, the pass fell incomplete, and Philadelphia won their first Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, and their first league championship since 1960, ending the third-longest active championship drought in the NFL at 57 years.

The Eagles became just the second team to win a Super Bowl rematch after losing the first Super Bowl meeting with the same team, having lost to New England in Super Bowl XXXIX, and the first since the Washington Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII (Miami defeated Washington in Super Bowl VII.) The Eagles also became the first Super Bowl champions since the 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers to defeat both Super Bowl participants from the previous year in the same postseason. Additionally, the NFC East became the first division where every team had won a Super Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Polacek |first=Scott |date=February 5, 2018 |title=NFC East Becomes 1st Division in Which Each Team Has Won a Super Bowl |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2757760-nfc-east-becomes-1st-division-in-which-each-team-has-won-a-super-bowl |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

File:Super Bowl 402EF3AA.jpg are presented with the Vince Lombardi Trophy]]

The combined 74 points scored was one point shy of the Super Bowl record of 75, set in Super Bowl XXIX in 1995;{{Cite web |last=Chasan |first=Aliza |date=2024-02-11 |title=Lowest and highest scoring Super Bowl games of NFL history, and how the 2024 score compares - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lowest-highest-scoring-super-bowl-games/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}} it and this game marked only the second time in the game's history where the teams combined for 70+ points.{{cite news|last=Stites|first=Adam|title=The Patriots and Eagles gave us the 2nd highest-scoring Super Bowl ever|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2018/2/4/16972266/super-bowl-history-highest-scoring-record-eagles-patriots|website=SB Nation|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131539/https://www.sbnation.com/2018/2/4/16972266/super-bowl-history-highest-scoring-record-eagles-patriots|archive-date=February 6, 2018}} The game also set a record for most yardage by both teams (combined) with 1,151 yards, the most for any single game, regular season or postseason. The game set many other Super Bowl records as well, including fewest punts from both teams (one), and most yards gained by a team (613 for New England).

Foles completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception, and caught a touchdown pass. Clement, who caught only 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns during the season, was the Eagles' leading receiver with four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for eight yards. Agholor had nine receptions for 84 yards. Blount was the game's top rusher with 90 yards and a touchdown. Brady completed 28 of 48 passes for 505 yards and three touchdowns, breaking the record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl that he had set in the previous season. Amendola was his top target, with eight receptions for 152 yards, while Hogan had six for 128 yards and a touchdown and Gronkowski caught nine for 116 yards and two scores.{{cite news|last=Tansey|first=Joe|title=Super Bowl 2018: Quarter-by-Quarter Score, Final Stats for Eagles vs. Patriots|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2757772-super-bowl-2018-quarter-by-quarter-score-final-stats-for-eagles-vs-patriots|website=Bleacher Report|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 7, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207025923/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2757772-super-bowl-2018-quarter-by-quarter-score-final-stats-for-eagles-vs-patriots|archive-date=February 7, 2018}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|bg=#eee

|titlestyle=text-align:center; {{Gridiron primary style|NFL|border=2}};

|title= Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=February 4, 2018

|time=5:31 p.m. CST

|road=Eagles (NFC)

|R1=9|R2=13|R3=7|R4=12

|home=Patriots (AFC)

|H1=3|H2=9|H3=14|H4=7

|stadium=U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

|attendance=67,612{{cite news|title=Philadelphia Eagles beat New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/02/04/philadelphia-eagles-beat-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-xlii/305953002/|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=February 4, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184444/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/02/04/philadelphia-eagles-beat-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-xlii/305953002/|archive-date=February 5, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Super Bowl LII–National Football League Game Summary|url=http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57500/NE_Gamebook.pdf|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=NFL.com|date=February 4, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211212514/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57500/NE_Gamebook.pdf|archive-date=February 11, 2018}}

|weather=Played indoors (domed stadium)

|referee=Gene Steratore

|TV=NBC

|TVAnnouncers=Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya

|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018020400/2017/POST22/eagles@patriots Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57500/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart |VisitorName=PHI |HomeName=NE |state=expanded}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=1 |Time=7:55 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=14 |DriveLength=67 |DriveTime=7:05 |Type=FG |yards=25 |Kicker=Jake Elliott |Visitor=3 |Home=0}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:17 |Team=NE |DrivePlays=9 |DriveLength=67 |DriveTime=3:38 |Type=FG |yards=26 |Kicker=Stephen Gostkowski |Visitor=3 |Home=3}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=1 |Time=2:34 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=3 |DriveLength=77 |DriveTime=1:43 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Alshon Jeffery |QB=Nick Foles |yards=34 |kickresult=no good (wide right) |Kicker=Elliott |Visitor=9 |Home=3}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=2 |Time=8:48 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=6 |DriveLength=65 |DriveTime=3:05 |Type=RushTD |Runner=LeGarrette Blount |yards=21 |2pt type=pass |2pt result=no good |Visitor=15 |Home=3}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:24 |Team=NE |DrivePlays=5 |DriveLength=48 |DriveTime=1:24 |Type=FG |yards=45 |Kicker=Gostkowski |Visitor=15 |Home=6}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=2 |Time=2:04 |Team=NE |DrivePlays=7 |DriveLength=90 |DriveTime=2:57 |Type=RushTD |Runner=James White |yards=26 |kickresult=no good (wide left) |Kicker=Gostkowski |Visitor=15 |Home=12}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:34 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=7 |DriveLength=70 |DriveTime=1:30 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Foles |QB=Trey Burton |yards=1 |kickresult=good |Kicker=Elliott |Visitor=22 |Home=12}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=3 |Time=12:15 |Team=NE |DrivePlays=8 |DriveLength=75 |DriveTime=2:45 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Rob Gronkowski |QB=Tom Brady |yards=5 |kickresult=good |Kicker=Gostkowski |Visitor=22 |Home=19}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:18 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=11 |DriveLength=85 |DriveTime=4:57 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Corey Clement |QB=Foles |yards=22 |kickresult=good |Kicker=Elliott |Visitor=29 |Home=19}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:23 |Team=NE |DrivePlays=7 |DriveLength=75 |DriveTime=3:55 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Chris Hogan |QB=Brady |yards=26 |kickresult=good |Kicker=Gostkowski |Visitor=29 |Home=26}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:09 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=8 |DriveLength=51 |DriveTime=4:14 |Type=FG |yards=42 |Kicker=Elliott |Visitor=32 |Home=26}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:22 |Team=NE |DrivePlays=10 |DriveLength=75 |DriveTime=4:47 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Gronkowski |QB=Brady |yards=4 |kickresult=good |Kicker=Gostkowski |Visitor=32 |Home=33}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=4 |Time=2:21 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=14 |DriveLength=75 |DriveTime=7:01 |Type=RecTD |Receiver=Zach Ertz |QB=Foles |yards=11 |2pt type=pass |2pt result=no good |Visitor=38 |Home=33}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:05 |Team=PHI |DrivePlays=4 |DriveLength=4 |DriveTime=1:04 |Type=FG |yards=46 |Kicker=Elliott |Visitor=41 |Home=33}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=41|Home=33}}

{{Clear}}

{{Clear}}

¹Completions/attempts
²Carries
³Long gain
⁴Receptions
⁵Times targeted

Source:

Super Bowl LII had seven officials.{{cite press release|title=Super Bowl LII Officials Named|url=https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Super-Bowl-LII-Officials-Names.aspx|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=NFLCommunications.com|date=January 17, 2018|access-date=January 17, 2018|quote=Referee GENE STERATORE will lead the seven-person crew of on-field game officials selected to work Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, the NFL announced today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118064727/https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Super-Bowl-LII-Officials-Names.aspx|archive-date=January 18, 2018}} The numbers in parentheses below indicate their uniform numbers.

• Referee: Gene Steratore (114)
• Umpire: Roy Ellison (81)
• Down judge: Jerry Bergman (91)
• Line judge: Byron Boston (18)
• Field judge: Tom Hill (97)
• Side judge: Scott Edwards (3)
• Back judge: Perry Paganelli (46)
• Replay official: Paul Weidner
• Alternate Referee: Craig Wrolstad (4)
• Alternate Umpire: Ruben Fowler (71)
• Alternate Wing: Ed Camp (134)
• Alternate Deep: Jimmy Buchanan (86)
• Alternate Back Judge: Greg Steed (12)

This was Steratore's first—and eventually only—Super Bowl as a referee, though he had been previously selected as an alternate for Super Bowl XLIV.{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/superbowl/index.ssf/2018/02/super_bowl_52_who_are_officials_referee_gene_steratore.html|title=Super Bowl 2018: Who are the officials?|work=The Post-Standard|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=February 3, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204021106/http://www.syracuse.com/superbowl/index.ssf/2018/02/super_bowl_52_who_are_officials_referee_gene_steratore.html|archive-date=February 4, 2018}} Steratore retired from officiating after 15 seasons on June 22, 2018, and joined CBS Sports as a rule analyst starting with the 2018 season.{{cite web |author=Alper, Josh |title=NFL announces Clay Martin's promotion to referee |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/06/28/nfl-announces-clay-martins-promotion-to-referee/ |work=NBC Sports |date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=June 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704005643/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/06/28/nfl-announces-clay-martins-promotion-to-referee/ |url-status=live }}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Super Bowl LII}}

{{external media|video1={{YouTube|id=0FF_DbJ3G68|title=Super Bowl 52 FULL Game: New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles}}}}

• [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201802040nwe.htm Super Bowl LII Box Score] at Pro Football Reference

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{{Super Bowl LII}}

{{Philadelphia Eagles}}

{{New England Patriots}}

{{2017 NFL season by team}}

{{NFLC-SuperBowl}}

{{NFL on NBC}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Super Bowl 052}}

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