New Orleans: The biggest US sporting event of the year and parties across the world were interrupted by a 35-minute power outage during the Super Bowl at the Superdome on Sunday.
Sport | American Football
Super Bowl hit by power cut
Biggest US sporting event of the year interrupted for 35 minutes
- Reuters
- Published: 08:45 February 4, 2013
Moments after Baltimore's Jacoby Jones opened the second half with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that gave the Ravens a 28-6 lead early the third quarter, the scoreboard and half of the overheard lights in the Superdome went out.
Officials waved a stop to play in a development that short-circuited the most watched television event of the year.
The overhead lights first went out on the 49ers' side of the field before dimming in other parts, although some overhead lighting remained on and kept the 72,968-seat stadium from going into total darkness.
The cause of the delay, which the National Football League (NFL) said it was investigating, was initially attributed by TV reports to an outside power feed that died.
New Orleans electric utility Entergy Corp said it was not the cause of the partial loss of power.
The company said the problem that caused some lights to go out during the game was due to an issue with the Superdome's equipment.
The effects were also felt beyond North America, as the Super Bowl, which determines the NFL champion for the 2012 season, is broadcast live in more than 180 countries and in more than 30 different languages.
CBS, the official broadcaster, was charging advertisers an estimated $3.7 million (Dh13.6 million) to $3.8 million for 30-second spots in this year's Super Bowl.
Last year's NFL title game, in which the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots, was the most-watched single television programme ever in the United States, averaging an estimated 111.3 million viewers.
Super Sunday is the second-largest day for consumption of food and drink for Americans, behind only Thanksgiving Day.
Americans will consume an estimated 50 million cases of beer on the day.
With the field only dimly lit, players whiled away the time stretching on the artificial turf, quarterbacks were tossing balls around and cheerleaders were going through their routines.
When the lights finally came back on, play resumed to the cheers of the Superdome crowd and parties revved back up around the globe.
Columnists
-
Leslie Wilson: The many delights of Royal Ascot
Memorable journey to historic event adds to excitement
-
Gautam Bhattacharya: Dhawan taking Sehwag mantle
For the dashing new India opener, the journey has just begun
-
Alaric Gomes: Time to encourage young players
UAE needs to back its emerging talent rather than merely hosting big events
Sport Editor's choice
-
Guardiola kicks off Bayern reign in German
Predecessor Jupp Heynckes backs Spaniard to build on last season’s treble success
-
Wallaby winger Digby Ioane fit for first Test
34-Test veteran participates in full-fledged team training sessions following surgery
-
Spurs hopeful of hanging on to Villas-Boas
Tottenham bosses confident Portuguese coach will spurn PSG’s advances
FROM THE NETWORK
-
Restaurant highlights
Our pick of where to dine this month
-
Confessions of a travelista
From sky-high beauty secrets to the ultimate shopping destinations around the world, three globetrotters reveal their top travel tips
-
The pulse: Books, movies, TV shows and more
Get the scoop on this month’s films, music, books, TV and web
-
48 hours in Venice
Thanks to ice cream adverts and romcom movies, we all have an idea of what to expect from this city
-
Expert wisdom and tips
Curious gems of information and useful advice from local experts
-
10 classic summer anthems
Heading for a relaxing beach holiday this summer? Here’s the perfect playlist for your iPod.
-
Football boots for ‘The Engine’ player
A football boot designed specifically for the players that’s always running box to box.
-
10 authors guaranteed to make you laugh
Read these writers in public at your peril, or else you may find yourself having an uncontrollable giggle-fit
-
How would James Bond fare in Dubai?
Our Bond-loving columnist imagines what the famous secret agent would get up to if let loose on the mean streets of Dubai
-
Stylish summer wear for the beach and pool
How to look good for those care-free breaks at the coast
-
Rolls-Royce Ghost vs Bentley Mulsanne
Ghost hunting with the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Ghost at Jazirat al-Hamra in Ras Al Khaimah
-
Porsche Cayman S gets a makeover
A glimpse of the upcoming StudioTorino Moncenisio Cayman S
-
The legendary Vincenzo Lancia
Vincenzo Lancia created one of history’s most revered automobile brands
-
New Toyota Corolla: Now with less beigeness
Toyota revamps the Corolla. Yep, the world will go mad for it
-
Taking the awesome V12 BMW 760Li for a spin
Take a peek at the V12 25 Years Edition 760Li
-
The Wrongwoods cabinet: A cartoon classic
Each month a member of the InsideOut team chooses a favourite design from the last century
-
International property portfolio: June - July
InsideOut brings you a round up of the hottest properties for sale around the globe
-
Arabian Ranches garden ultimate place to unwind
This family garden is cleverly built for laid-back entertaining and relaxation
-
Arizona home a lesson in desert living
Finding an oasis of contemporary cool in the midst of the Arizona desert
-
Animal magic to accessorise your home
We’re loving the current trend of animal patterns and wildlife motifs on everything