Super Bowl Xl

Super Bowl XL was the 40th Super Bowl and the Championship Game between the AFC Champion, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Super Bowl XL was held on February 5, 2006 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Super Bowl XL also carried the theme of the “Road To Forty” as it was the 40th anniversary of the Super Bowl and also a tribute to Detroit, Michigan as the center of America's automobile industry. The Super Bowl XL committee was headed by Roger Penske, a powerhouse in the Detroit automotive business. Super Bowl XL was also the first Super Bowl to be played on a FieldTurf surface (artificial turf) instead of natural grass or AstroTurf.

Superbowl 40 Game Action

The Seattle Seahawks won the turnover battle but the Pittsburgh Steelers won with the strength of three big plays, which became touchdowns. The Seahawks suffered through penalties, dropped balls and some controversy, while the Steelers dominated two out of four quarters, tying Seattle in the third round and losing the first round. Pittsburgh's final victory of 21 to 10 gave the Steelers the honor of being a five time winner, along with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers were also the 4th wild card team to win the Super Bowl and the first #6 seed in the NFL to win. The Super Bowl XL MVP award went to wide receiver Hines Ward who had five receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdown, and rushed for 18. The Superbowl XL MVP is named after Pete Rozelle, the former NFL commissioner, and is currently sponsored by Cadillac. It was also a special day for running back Jerome Bettis, though he didn't quite win a Super Bowl 40 MVP award. He announced his retirement following the game saying that the “Bus” (his nickname) has taken its last stop in Detroit. The Steelers also finished the season with an 8 game winning streak. Superbowl XL belonged to the Steelers; Pittsburgh became Super Bowl XL champions that Sunday night.

Superbowl 40 Commercials & Super Bowl 40 Half Time Show

Besides the Seahawks huddle, Superbowl XL will also be remembered for disappointment in the half time show. The Rolling Stones performed the half time show and did three songs, including “Start Me Up”, “Rough Justice” and “Satisfaction.” Because of the Janet Jackson incident of the previous year, ABC and the NFL imposed a 5-second delay to censor any objectionable lyrics. Naturally, Mick Jagger's microphone had to be turned off for a brief time. However, the main point of controversy was that the Rolling Stones did not fittingly represent the music of Detroit, nor were any other Detroit artists allowed to perform.

A preview of Superbowl 40 commercials also faired well, with several notable 30 second spots by Anheuser-Busch, as well as other well-received Super Bowl XL commercials from CareerBuilder.com, Pepsi, Pizza Hut and AmericaQuest. For more on Super Bowl XL merchandise sales, including where to buy Superbowl XL patch and replica Superbowl XL ring look up Super Bowl XL online. Super Bowl XL will be remembered for its exciting game play and 40 year march to Detroit.