The era of the Super Bowl began on June 8, 1966, when the NFL and AFL reached an agreement for their respective champions to play for the world title in a single game known as the Super Bowl, a concept introduced by Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. The inaugural championship clash, subsequently known as the First AFL-NFL World Championship Game, took place on January 15, 1967, at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, where the AFL champions, the Chiefs, faced the NFL champions, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers won decisively with a score of 35-10, marking the start of a long-standing tradition that has come to include 55 editions of this iconic event known as Super Sunday.

Over the years, the history of the Super Bowl has been divided into three distinct stages that reflect the evolution of the game and its cultural significance. The first stage, spanning from 1966 to 1983, represents the formative years of this championship, highlighting the emergence of powerhouses within the league and setting the stage for the future success of the event. It was during these years that the Super Bowl began solidifying its status not just as a sporting event but as a major cultural phenomenon in America, capturing the attention of millions and becoming a staple in popular culture.

The article suggests that understanding these divisions is crucial for appreciating the significance of the Super Bowl within American sports and culture. Each era not only showcases different champions and competing teams but also reflects broader changes in society, viewer engagement, and the commercialization of sports. As the Super Bowl continues to evolve, its divisions provide insight into how the game has grown into one of the most anticipated and celebrated sporting events in the world.