Super Bowl Marriage Proposal

The Original Super Bowl Proposal

While proposing at sporting events – during halftime, using the scoreboard, etc. – is nothing new, the most popular such proposal was planned for Super Bowl XLI in February, 2007. Rank Fishkin wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Geraldine DeRuiter, in a spectacular way, and what better plan than to commandeer one of the most lucrative and widely watched commercial spots of the year? Fishkin began raising money to purchase a 30-second time slot during the Super Bowl, but with commercial prices routinely topping $2 million, he knew right away his fundraising efforts would fall short. He started seeking sponsors for the proposal stunt, and while he did have some limited success, the advertising world wasn’t ready for such an intimate moment to be broadcast to more than 70 million viewers, and the proposal commercial never aired.

Thwarted in that goal, Fishkin instead opted for a less outrageous but more personalized approach when he played his commercial proposal during his girlfriend’s favorite television show, Veronica Mars. Her stunned surprise was capped with an enthusiastic response, and the couple became happily engaged with instant celebrity status for such a daring and public proposal.

Planning a Super Bowl Marriage Proposal

Securing a commercial spot during this highly anticipated sporting event is typically outside the budget and romantic aspirations of most soon-to-be-engaged couples, but there are many ways to turn a super game into a memorable proposal. Options include:

• Creating your own half-time show around the marriage proposal while you watch the game together.
• Choosing a marquise diamond engagement ring with proportions similar to a football.
• Opting for colored diamonds or semi precious gemstones in team colors.
• Proposing with a replica ring of a Super Bowl championship or creating a custom engagement ring with championship elements.
• Popping the question to the groom-to-be during the big game for the ultimate matrimonial touchdown.
• Choosing a football shaped engagement ring box or other accessory.
• Presenting the engagement ring to your beloved as the MVP of your relationship.
• Arranging a Super Bowl party as an engagement party to pop the question or share the engagement announcement.

Super Alternatives

Of course, a certain Sunday in February may not be right for many couples ready to begin their life together. There are many sports-related proposals, however, that can be just as fun and meaningful even if the big game is over. A couple could opt for a proposal at any local sporting event – major or minor league, high school or peewee, baseball, hockey, basketball, or any sport. Tactics such as using the scoreboard, staging a contest, or having the announcer spread the word can turn any sporting event into a memorable proposal, particularly if there are other local connections to the bride- or groom-to-be, such as involving their favorite team or a team they play for. Any sporting proposal can be a very creative idea, and cleverly done it can lead to a winning marriage.

Penalty Flags: Is This Proposal Right for Us?

Plan carefully for a winning proposal.

Before expending time, effort, and money with an elaborate sports-themed or Super Bowl marriage proposal, however, the person planning the event needs to be sure they don’t cause a foul in the relationship. While one person may be an avid sports fan, if the other person isn’t as enthusiastic, they may prefer a more traditional, less public proposal. Even sports fans may feel this type of fantastic, elaborate proposal may be over the top for what ought to be a romantic question. Finally, be sure that the answer the question never hinges on the outcome of the game, or the relationship may never make it to the fourth quarter.

A Super Bowl marriage proposal can be as simple as the classic question asked during half-time to an elaborate commercial enterprise during the big game, but with careful planning and consideration for both parties involved, it can be the best touchdown a couple has together.