how do they decide where the super bowl is played

The NFL determines Super Bowl locations through a structured selection process involving internal evaluation, proposals, and owner votes.

Selection Process

Since 2018, the NFL no longer relies on open city bids; instead, league executives shortlist potential venues years in advance based on strategic needs, such as rotating regions or aligning with future events. They then invite selected cities to submit detailed proposals—often 600-page documents covering logistics, infrastructure, and fan experience—which are reviewed by a Fan and Major Events Advisory Committee of club owners and presidents. Final approval comes via a vote among all 32 NFL team owners at league meetings.

Key Requirements

Stadiums must meet strict criteria to qualify, ensuring a top-tier event for players, fans, and broadcasters.

• Minimum 70,000 seats with media/electrical amenities.
• Average game-day temperature of 50°F (or domed/roofed with waiver).
• 35,000 parking spaces within one mile; practice facilities within 20 minutes of hotels.
• Hotel rooms for 35% of stadium capacity within one hour's drive.

Recent and Future Hosts

New Orleans' Caesars Superdome hosted Super Bowl LIX in 2025, tying its record at 11 times, thanks to its proven track record and facilities. Upcoming venues include Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) for Super Bowl LX in 2026, SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) for LXI in 2027, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) for LXII in 2028—chosen to balance warm-weather domes with market variety.

Forum Perspectives

Reddit discussions highlight frustrations over "lopsided" selections favoring domes and repeat hosts like New Orleans, with users debating weather fairness and bidding changes since 2018. Some fans speculate owners prioritize revenue from tourism-heavy cities, though the process emphasizes neutrality.

TL;DR: NFL shortlists venues, reviews proposals, and owners vote—focusing on stadium specs, weather, and logistics for seamless events.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.