Super Bowl Opening Night: Where Football Meets the Circus
The road to the Super Bowl always runs through a week of spectacle, and it kicks off Monday night with a tradition that’s as much about the laughs as it is the X’s and O’s. Welcome to Super Bowl Opening Night - part press conference, part fan fest, and part late-night comedy show disguised as media availability.
When and Where to Watch
📍 *San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, Calif. *
🕗 8 p.m. ET, Monday
📺 NFL Network
💻 Streaming on Fubo (Free trial available)
🎟️ In-person tickets available on StubHub
What Is Super Bowl Opening Night, Really?
Officially, it’s the first opportunity for media to speak with players and coaches from both Super Bowl teams. Unofficially?
It’s controlled chaos, with a heavy dose of entertainment. Reporters from around the world descend on the convention center, armed with microphones and sometimes costumes, hoping to capture viral moments or sneak in a question between celebrity cameos and choreographed dances.
This year’s event is open to fans, too - a shift from the days when access was reserved for credentialed media. Locals in the Bay Area can get a close-up look at the AFC and NFC champs, while Patriots and Seahawks fans have a rare chance to cheer on their squad in person before the big game. Admission is free, though space is limited by the venue’s capacity.
Press Sessions: What to Expect
The two teams will hold overlapping media sessions:
- New England Patriots: 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET
- Seattle Seahawks: 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET
For the Patriots, this marks a new era. Gone are the days of Bill Belichick’s famously terse podium performances.
Now, it's Mike Vrabel’s turn to steer the ship - and the mic. Vrabel, a former Patriot himself, brings a different energy, and fans will be watching closely to see how he handles the spotlight in his first Super Bowl as head coach.
On the Seattle side, the vibes are a little looser. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has already made headlines for his celebratory dance moves - and don’t be surprised if he breaks out a few more Monday night. Quarterback Sam Darnold, meanwhile, might field as many questions about his new bird-watching hobby as he does about dissecting the Patriots' defense.
The NFL Network Broadcast Team
Hosting duties fall to Colleen Wolfe, a familiar face for NFL fans. She’ll be joined by former Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew and ex-Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson, who knows a thing or two about this stage - he helped Seattle win it all in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Together, they’ll guide viewers through the madness, offering insight, laughs, and maybe a few raised eyebrows as the night unfolds.
The Legacy of Opening Night Moments
Over the years, Super Bowl media night has delivered some unforgettable soundbites and scenes - moments that live on in highlight reels and memes long after the confetti falls.
- 1969: Joe Namath guaranteed a Jets win - and then delivered it.
- 1979: Cowboys linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson took a jab at Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw, saying he “couldn’t spell cat if you spotted him the C and the A.”
- 1999: Falcons corner Ray Buchanan wore a dog collar to embrace his team’s underdog status, sparking a trash-talking duel with Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe.
- 2005: A reporter asked Tom Brady why he was so handsome.
Brady, ever the pro, blushed and smiled his way through it.
- 2015: Marshawn Lynch famously repeated, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined,” turning a media obligation into a cultural moment.
And who could forget last year, when Guillermo Rodriguez asked Eagles QB Jalen Hurts the now-immortal question: “Is it better to be a tush or a pusher?”
What to Watch For This Year
Opening Night is a chance to see players off-script - a rare glimpse at the personalities behind the helmets. It’s where rookies become fan favorites, veterans show their lighter side, and every so often, a quote becomes legend.
Whether you’re tuning in for the insight, the antics, or just to see who shows up in costume, Super Bowl Opening Night is a reminder that football is more than just a game - it’s a show. And on Monday night, the curtain rises.