Super Bowl LX Marketing: Beyond Awareness to Immersive Experiences

Beyond the Game: What to Expect in Super Bowl LX Marketing (2026)
The anticipation for Super Bowl LX in 2026 (held in New Orleans) is already building, and marketers are gearing up for the biggest advertising stage in the United States. A recent Forbes Agency Council article details predictions for marketing goals, messaging, and creative trends surrounding the event. Beyond simply securing airtime, successful campaigns will focus on integrated experiences, leveraging nostalgia, embracing AI, prioritizing inclusivity, and demonstrating genuine brand purpose. Here’s a detailed summary of what experts predict will define Super Bowl LX marketing:
Shifting Marketing Goals: From Awareness to Experience & Connection
Traditionally, Super Bowl ads were focused on brand awareness – getting a message out to a massive audience. However, the Forbes article highlights a growing shift towards achieving deeper engagement. In 2026, brands will aim to create memorable experiences that resonate with viewers beyond the 30- or 60-second spot. This means extending the ad campaign beyond the game day itself, building pre- and post-game activations, and fostering a genuine connection with consumers.
This isn’t merely about chasing viral moments (though those are welcomed). It’s about building long-term loyalty through integrated campaigns. Experts predict a move away from purely transactional messaging to building brand communities and fostering emotional connections. The emphasis will be on providing value beyond the product or service being advertised.
Messaging Trends: Nostalgia, Authenticity, and Purpose-Driven Marketing
Several messaging themes are anticipated to dominate the Super Bowl LX landscape.
Nostalgia: With the Super Bowl's long history, tapping into nostalgia is a powerful tool. Expect to see brands leveraging iconic imagery, music, and even past Super Bowl ads to evoke positive emotions and create a sense of familiarity. This isn’t just about referencing the past, but connecting it to the present and future of the brand.
Authenticity & Relatability: Consumers are increasingly skeptical of overly polished advertising. The Forbes article stresses the importance of authentic, relatable messaging. Brands need to demonstrate they understand their audience’s needs and values. This requires genuinely representing diverse perspectives and avoiding contrived storytelling.
Purpose-Driven Marketing: Simply selling a product is no longer enough. Consumers want to support brands that stand for something – environmental sustainability, social justice, community engagement. Super Bowl ads will likely highlight brands' commitment to a larger purpose, going beyond superficial “cause marketing” and demonstrating genuine impact. However, experts caution against "woke-washing" - where brands superficially adopt social causes for marketing gain. Authenticity is paramount.
Creative Trends: AI, Immersive Experiences & Micro-Content
The creative execution of Super Bowl LX ads is expected to be equally innovative. Key trends include:
The Rise of AI: Artificial intelligence will play a significant role in ad creation, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to personalized ad delivery. While not necessarily featuring AI in the ad itself, brands will leverage AI to optimize campaign performance, understand audience behavior, and create more targeted messaging. The article suggests AI will be instrumental in analyzing data from pre- and post-game activations, allowing for real-time adjustments to the campaign.
Immersive Experiences & The Metaverse: Expect to see brands extending the Super Bowl experience beyond the television screen. This includes augmented reality (AR) filters, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and integration with the metaverse. The article points to the potential for "virtual viewing parties" and interactive games that allow fans to engage with brands in new and exciting ways. The metaverse, while still developing, offers unique opportunities for brand storytelling and immersive experiences.
Micro-Content and TikTok-ification: While the 30- and 60-second ad spots will remain important, brands will increasingly supplement them with shorter-form, shareable content designed for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. This "TikTok-ification" of advertising allows brands to maintain engagement throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl and extend the campaign’s lifespan beyond game day. These micro-content pieces serve as teasers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and opportunities for user-generated content.
Personalization: Leveraging data to deliver personalized ad experiences is also anticipated. While privacy concerns are crucial, brands will seek to deliver ads that are relevant to individual viewers' interests and preferences. This could involve dynamic ad insertion, personalized messaging, and targeted offers.
The New Orleans Factor & Local Integration
Finally, the location of Super Bowl LX in New Orleans will undoubtedly influence marketing strategies. Brands will likely integrate the city’s unique culture, music, and cuisine into their campaigns. Expect to see collaborations with local artists, chefs, and community organizations. The article suggests that celebrating New Orleans will not only resonate with local residents but also add authenticity and flavor to the overall Super Bowl experience.
In conclusion, Super Bowl LX marketing will be characterized by a move away from simple awareness campaigns towards creating immersive experiences, fostering genuine connections, and demonstrating a commitment to purpose. The integration of AI, immersive technologies, and micro-content will be crucial for maximizing engagement and extending the campaign’s reach. And, given the location, embracing the unique spirit of New Orleans will be key to capturing the attention of viewers and creating a truly memorable Super Bowl experience.
Link Exploration & Additional Context:
While the article itself doesn't directly link to specific examples, researching "Super Bowl Immersive Experiences" and "AI in Advertising" will yield numerous case studies and articles detailing the trends discussed. Looking at past Super Bowl campaigns that successfully leveraged nostalgia (e.g., some of the classic beer ads) or purpose-driven messaging (e.g., ads addressing social issues) provides valuable insight into what resonates with audiences. Examining brands currently utilizing AR/VR experiences in their marketing efforts also provides a glimpse into the future of Super Bowl advertising.
Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2026/01/07/super-bowl-lx-marketing-goals-messaging-and-creative-trends-to-watch/ ]