While the game itself may be the main attraction, the insurance coverage is what makes it possible for the event to happen in the first place. Without it, the Super Bowl would be a risky and uncertain event for all involved. It’s the unsung hero that makes sure that everything runs smoothly and that everyone is protected.

Insurance coverage for the Super Bowl includes policies for everything from player injuries to potential terrorist attacks, to weather-related issues, and more. It’s a logistical and financial undertaking, and the stakes are high.

Now, hosting is no small feat hosting one of the biggest sporting events of the year.  The hosting city will have events throughout the city with spectators of varying levels of sobriety.  This put a huge strain on the infrastructure of the city as hotels fill and more people travel with road closures throughout the city.  Many of these events and disruptions will be sponsored by or affiliated with the NFL, the teams involved, the host committee, and the corporate sponsors.

This ain’t your standard wedding day event insurance; this takes event insurance to a whole other level.  The minimum recorded coverage in the last decade has been $350 million in coverage with $100 million per occurrence.  To put that into perspective that is 12,000x more than CA state minimum coverage for auto insurance and that is only for the general liability (not auto, workers comp etc) of the day of event for the Super Bowl.  Every other affiliated event must have $20 million in liability coverage, 10x more than the average small to medium size business has for year long coverage.

This could bankrupt an insurance company if here was actually a large claim putting national economic security at risk so it is never taken on by singular companies. Rather multiple companies stacking coverage for a single policy that then all reinsure themselves with even more companies. Depending on the risk factors, the city, and the requirements of the host, the cost of the coverage can cost $70 million.