How much do Americans spend on the Super Bowl?

Even for folks that aren’t football fans, the Super Bowl is a sensation. It can be an excuse to gather with friends on a Sunday night or a chance to see your favorite team win it all.

Whatever the reason, the majority of Americans tune in to watch the Big Game each year. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, 186.6 million viewers kicked off their week with the Super Bowl. It is why TV ad prices skyrocket to record-breaking costs almost every year. According to AdAge, the average cost of a 30-second Super Bowl ad in 2022 will be $6 million, up from $5.5 million in 2021.

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest consumer spending events for households too. How much does the average household spend on the Super Bowl each year? Let’s take a deep dive into Super Bowl spending!

How much are Americans spending on the Super Bowl each year?

According to Statista.com, average Super Bowl spending per household in 2021 was $74.55. The lowest amount of spending in nine years.

The reason for the record low can be tied directly to social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2021, only 13% of U.S. adults planned on hosting or attending a party.

Even though people didn’t huddle up on Sunday, Americans spent a total of $13.9 billion in 2021. According to the National Retail Federation, the highest overall spend in the United States was in 2020 at $17.2 billion.

2022 plans could be a snap decision for many, but you can expect Americans to spend billions of dollars on Super Bowl Sunday once again.

Where are people spending money on Super Bowl Sunday?

When polled, 86% of Super Bowl viewers planned to make the day a bit more special by making purchases.

The biggest category for spend in 2021 was food and beverages, encompassing 77% of purchases. 11% of people said they would spend their Super Bowl budget on team apparel and accessories, followed by TVs at 9%, and decorations at 7%.

People watch the game for many reasons including unique commercials and pregame shows. However, viewers in 2021 said they were most excited about the game. Only 16% of people said they looked forward to watching the halftime show.

Tips for saving on the big game

Super bowl parties and activities can get expensive quickly. We share some tips on how to save on the championship game.

Split food costs. If you’re hosting, ask each guest to bring an appetizer or drink to share. Food is the biggest spend category, so splitting the cost can significantly help your budget, especially if you’re hosting a large group.

Try out a vegetarian appetizer. Do you feel like your grocery bill is higher than the year before? You’re not alone. Beef prices rose by double-digit percentage points in 2021. You can cut out this more expensive item by trying out a new vegetarian dish.

You’re still showing up with a delicious, homemade appetizer or entrée. You’re just making your dollar go further while contributing to your team!

Set a sports betting limit. The ease of sports betting is making it more popular. If you plan to bet on the Super Bowl, set a budget or better yet, take a time out on your betting apps. The day will be less stressful when you don’t have everything on the line.

Set an apparel budget. It’s really exciting when your team makes it all the way to Super Bowl Sunday. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to get Super Bowl gear.

We want you to celebrate but within your means. Stick to a budget for apparel and accessories. That spending limit should include any pregame gear you buy and the apparel you’ll want to get after your team wins.

Want more spending tips? Check out these articles:

• How to avoid impulse purchases without FOMO
• How to budget for big expenses
• How to cut spending and save money in 5 simple steps

Katie Levene is a marketer fascinated with finance. Whether the topic is about the psychology of money, investment strategies or simply how to spend better, Katie enjoys diving in and sharing all the details with family, friends and Money Mentor readers. Money management needs to be simplified and Katie hopes she accomplishes that for our readers. The saying goes, "Knowledge is Power", and she hopes you feel empowered after reading Money Mentor.