Super Bowl depends on unseen, yet prominent, players
Pipelines contribute to equipment, transportation, game-day meals
Feb. 9, 2022
The buildup is starting.
As game time nears, music will be blaring, excitement almost tangible as the announcer’s voice booms through the loudspeakers to welcome those eager to watch Super Bowl LVI on Sunday, Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
One of Detroit’s most successful quarterbacks will be taking the field, though not as a Lion. Matthew Stafford will wear another shade of blue—this time for the Los Angeles Rams, early favorites in the big game.
Stafford had a breakout season in 2011 when he became the fourth NFL quarterback to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season. He led the Lions to their first playoff appearance since 1999. He guided Detroit to two postseason runs in 2014 and 2016.
While he will be leading the Rams against the Cincinnati Bengals in the big NFL event, there are a couple of things that won’t be obvious in the stat sheets or displayed on the giant, colorful scoreboard.
More Michigan connections
Stafford honed his NFL skills playing in Michigan. Fans won’t see the hours of work he put in over the years to get to this moment.
They also aren’t aware of some of the basic things used for the game or even what makes it possible for people to get to the venue, west of downtown Los Angeles.
While not suited up for the game like the Rams or Bengals, Enbridge’s Line 5 in the Straits and other important energy infrastructure—namely pipelines—across the U.S. will be behind the scenes. They are the unseen, yet prominent, players at the Super Bowl.
Light crude oil and natural gas liquids transported by Line 5 contribute to the manufacture of the gleaming, hard-surface helmets, as well as the padding inside them and in the knee, thigh and shoulder pads that help protect players.
Product from Line 5 also helps make possible the uniforms and cleats players will wear, as well as the football they pass, carry and sometimes fumble.
Add to the mix the foam fingers fans likely will use to cheer their team playing on the artificial turf—all are byproducts of Line 5.
When the big game gets here, also think about how players and fans got there.
Getting players and fans moving
Refineries in Michigan and four other states, like Ohio, use the light crude oil from Line 5 to create diesel, gasoline and jet fuels that transport teams, fans, gear, and the broadcast equipment that will bring the game to life across the globe.
Most of the broadcast equipment, as well as the scoreboard and televisions on which many will watch the game, also are possible because of Line 5.
Additionally, natural gas, as well as propane from Line 5, serves as a source for cooking—including the approximately eight million pounds of chips and 1.25 billion chicken wings expected to be consumed Super Bowl Sunday.
While Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline won’t be visible during the Super Bowl, teams and fans will experience the many benefits that a safe, dependable pipeline delivers every day.
Here’s to all of the people who make the game possible.
Get ready for kickoff!
