From turfgrass science to Taylor Swift: CSU experts available to discuss Super Bowl
Super Bowl LVIII is this Sunday, and in addition to being one of the biggest sporting events of the year, it’s also a pop culture phenomenon.
Colorado State University experts are available to discuss a variety of angles related to the Super Bowl, ranging from what makes Patrick Mahomes so good (hint: it’s not totally football related) to the playing surface itself to the impact that a certain pop superstar’s presence at the game will have on popular culture.
To arrange interviews, please contact a member of the CSU News and Media Relations team at news@colostate.edu.
Todd Donavan, associate professor of marketing
Whether you’re rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers, you’ll also watch at least a few of the commercials in between the action. That’s why Super Bowl ads are going for a whopping $7 million for one 30-second spot.
But how did the Super Bowl become such a marketing magnet, and does it really pay off? We spoke with Colorado State University College of Business Associate Professor of Marketing Todd Donavan, who teaches a class in sports marketing, to find out.
Read a detailed Q&A with Donavan here: https://col.st/66XYa
Raoul Reiser II, associate professor and director of the Clinical Biometrics Lab in the Department of Health and Exercise Science
Reiser’s lab strives to improve performance and prevent injury through investigation into the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. A current research project is studying different types of infill in artificial turf.
Reiser has been interviewed about non-contact injuries on both grass and artificial fields and the cleat-surface interface process and that the best fields try to approximate a perfect grass surface. There have been a high number of non-contact, high-profile injuries to star players in the 2023 NFL season and prior to that, including one at the Las Vegas stadium where this year’s game will be played.
The grass field at Allegiant Stadium is new for the Super Bowl and officials hope there is not a replay of last year when a new grass field for the Super Bowl in Arizona had chunks come up, and players slipped on it throughout the game.
“Both artificial turf and natural grass fields can be improved,” Reiser has said. “More rigorous testing of surfaces prior to games can drive this, and continued research on the cleat-surface interaction can help improve both the surface and the cleat.”
Reports said that the San Francisco practice field was soft and that it was below standard. The coach said they would just deal with it, but it could be worth watching throughout the week.
Travis Maynard, senior associate dean of academic programs in the CSU College of Business
Maynard, who teaches team dynamics and leadership classes at CSU, often uses the lessons learned in sports as real-world examples of how to maximize a group’s potential. One of his insights about the Super Bowl? Each team member doesn’t contribute equally to the unit’s success. Instead, some players –– like Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback, or tight end George Kittle on the 49ers – have an outsized impact on the game’s outcome.
But, while a team’s group of core players might be the best way to predict success, watching a lesser-known player making an unexpected impact is what makes live sports fun.
“We don’t know who’s going to rise to the occasion, and while maybe their position doesn’t usually have an impact, they have the interception or the penalty that makes or breaks their team’s success,” Maynard said.
Michael Humphrey, assistant journalism professor
Humphrey’s research currently focuses on the concept of narrative leadership, and he has a hot take about this year’s Super Bowl: Mahomes will likely go down as one of the greatest of all time, but he’s an even better storyteller than he is a quarterback.
Throughout the season – and regardless of wins or losses – Humphrey says Mahomes has told a story that framed ultimate success as a masterclass in preparation, togetherness in adversity and a long-term commitment to “be holistically great in life.”
“It all boils down to this: There is always a chance,” Humphrey said. “It works even when the Chiefs looked mediocre almost all year. And the one key exception (when he had a meltdown about officiating), he made the most of that mistake the next day.”
Stephan Weiler, professor of economics and co-director of the Regional Economic Development Institute
You often hear eye-popping numbers thrown around when it comes to the economic impact of big events like the Super Bowl, but how much of this is fiction, and how much is reality?
Weiler says the impact of sporting events doesn’t just come from full stands. Sure, local fans buy their tickets, but if they didn’t go to the football game, that money would still be pumped into the economy elsewhere. Visiting fans, meanwhile, do help the local economy since they’re bringing in money that wouldn’t be there otherwise.
That brings us back to the Super Bowl. Since two away teams are effectively playing at a neutral site, it tends to be a big money-maker for the host community – but that effect can be easily exaggerated because the game also brings its own set of costs, ranging from additional security to potential crime to the infrastructure improvements needed to host the big game. Furthermore, because businesses know that this is just a single event, they don’t invest in the additional capacity that creates long-term economic growth.
Nick Marx, associate professor of film and media studies
Marx’s research sits at the intersection of the media industry and American politics and culture – which makes him uniquely equipped to discuss the Super Bowl story that, love it or hate it, everyone is talking about: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Beyond that, he can also weigh in on anything related to the cultural influence of the Super Bowl, be it the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” that happened 20 years ago to whatever happens to go viral during this year’s halftime show.
Outside of a litany of pop culture angles, Marx can also discuss Super Bowl ads, the importance of sports programming for live TV and broadcast networks, and the history of television and sports media.
Jonathan Zhang, associate professor of marketing
Zhang can speak to Super Bowl advertising strategy in the digital age – and specifically, how companies need to focus on comprehensive, multi-platform engagement rather than simply a commercial during the big game.
“With the rise of online streaming, social media and digital content, brands must navigate a complex landscape to maximize the impact of their Super Bowl campaigns,” Zhang said.
He can discuss how brands are integrating digital content, interactive social media campaigns and even virtual reality experiences to complement their Super Bowl ads, thereby extending their reach and engagement with audiences across multiple platforms. The shift signifies a broader trend in marketing where the value of a Super Bowl ad is not just in its broadcast moment but in its extended digital life and interaction with the audience.
And in addition to ads, Zhang can discuss what brands can learn from how the Chiefs have leveraged the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship to blend pop culture and sports.
“Their approach to handling public criticism — focusing on mutual support and enjoyment — highlights a strategy that brands can emulate to enhance audience engagement,” Zhang said. “Despite facing criticism, their relationship has significantly boosted the Chiefs’ brand value and visibility. This case study illustrates the potential for brands to leverage celebrity endorsements to amplify their message, engage with diverse demographics and drive unprecedented media attention and brand loyalty.”
Gaya Sivakumar, associate professor of journalism
If you find yourself wondering if people care more about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship than they do their own, you’re not alone.
Sivakumar can discuss the parasocial relationship that fans may have with these two celebrities, as well as other ways that media coverage impacts society.
“I believe there are intriguing dynamics at play at the intersection of celebrity culture, sports and fandom,” she said.
Mindful eating tips during the Super Bowl
Amelia Pape, a registered dietician at the Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center, shared the following mindful eating tips for the Super Bowl:
Consistent meals
Plan to eat meals as you usually would leading up to the game. Eating consistent meals and nourishing yourself pre-game can help you avoid being overly hungry when it’s game time. Skipping meals earlier in the day to “save room” can often lead to overeating and not feeling well later on.
Slow down
Slowing down while eating helps to allow time for your body to register fullness and assess if you’re still hungry. It can take about 20 minutes for the brain to send out signals of fullness. Tip: Space your plates out per quarter to enjoy food throughout the game and allow time to assess hunger and fullness.
Hydrate smartly
If you are drinking soda, alcohol or other beverages, don’t forget to also hydrate with water. An easy way to remember to hydrate is to alternate every other beverage with a glass of water.
Increase variety
If available, aim to include a variety of food groups on your plate. Include foods rich in protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Varying your foods will help balance your plate, add nutrition and increase enjoyment. Remember, if it’s not possible to balance your plate this is just one meal during the year and your overall dietary pattern is what is most impactful on your health.