The Super Bowl’s designated home team alternates annually between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions. This designation, while seemingly minor, impacts several aspects of the game, including which team gets to choose their uniform (home or away), which sideline they occupy, and which locker room they use. For example, in even-numbered years, the AFC champion is the designated home team, and in odd-numbered years, the NFC champion holds that distinction.
This structured alternation ensures a balanced representation for both conferences over time and maintains a sense of fairness surrounding the championship game. The historical context reveals that this system was established to prevent any perceived advantage stemming from consistent home-field designation. The choice of uniform, though perhaps symbolic, can hold significance for players and fans alike, connecting with team traditions and identity. Logistical elements like sideline and locker room assignment contribute to a smoother game-day operation for the respective teams.
