According to The Wall Street Journal, the NFL asked performers to pay to play for this year's halftime show. Opinions are split on the matter, since the show increases a performer's sales.
Only one event can be the most-watched TV program of the year and, usually, that distinction is awarded to the annual Super Bowl Championship game.
After his 2014 performance at the game’s halftime show, Bruno Mars experienced a sales increase of at least 100 percent for all the songs he had at the event, according to Nielsen Scoundscan. It’s become apparent that the National Football League has become aware of this benefit for performers; this year, they asked artists to pay to play, the Wall Street Journal reports.
“I think halftime shows are important because it gives the fans a mental break where they don’t really have to focus in any direction, they can just sit back and enjoy what they’re watching and listening to,” said Krista Cominsky, a sophomore studying restaurant and hotel tourism management who plays trombone for the 110.
Ohio University knows the value of a good halftime show — the Marching 110 has gone viral a number of times due to their covers of popular songs.
“The Marching 110 is there to provide the fans with some entertainment while the teams are having their break. In the stands its a different mission, we cheer on the team,” said Richard Suk, director of the 110.
Though halftime shows are important for the game, Cominsky attributed the spike in sales for Super Bowl halftime artists to people tuning in for the game, not just the performers.
“It’s watched by millions of people — that’s the sole reason why it leads to popularity for the performer,” Cominsky said.
The 2014 game played by the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos became the most-watched television program in United States history with reportedly over 111 million people tuning into the telecast, according to Nielsen.
Despite these types of statistics, Katy Perry, who was ultimately chosen to perform this year, said she did not, and would not, pay to play the halftime show.
“I think (the exposure the artist receives) can be good or bad,” said Kati Rusin, a senior studying child and family services. “A couple of years ago Fergie performed and it was bad publicity.”
Suk said the reason for tuning in to the Super Bowl game varies from person to person and sometimes viewers watching aren’t even interested in the sport or the performer.
“I think a lot of it has a lot to do with if they’re interested in the teams that are playing[SJ1] ,” he said. “Some people watch it just for commercials. Sometimes the Super Bowl isn't exciting.”
In response to a question about many OU students departing football games after halftime and the 110 performance, he said leaving football games midway is a problem not exclusive to OU.
“I would like our students to remain for the entire game so they can cheer the team on for the entire duration of the game,” he said.
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