Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Though Utah doesn't have an NFL team representing the state, the giant American flag that unfurls across the turf is straight out of Sandy.
Colonial Flag, a Utah-based small business, is responsible for making the Stars and Stripes that cover the field during the national anthem. Each of their U.S. flags is proudly made in America.
Chief operating officer Jacob Swenson says his uncle started the business more than 40 years ago out of his garage. Since then, they've provided flags featured at past Super Bowls and major sporting events.
The flag used during the championship's national anthem is nothing short of remarkable. It's so large that the Colonial Flag team has to unfurl it at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
"Our team cuts each star by hand, they measure the stripes by hand, and they do all of the math to make it happen flawlessly," Swenson says.
Once they lay it out, the team checks for imperfections and trims any excess fabric. After that, they take it back to their store and sew on the stripes.
When it's finished, the flag measures 50 feet by 100 feet. For perspective, the flag covers one third of the football field. Other Flags made by Colonial Flag have been as large as 150 feet by 300 feet, the exact dimensions of a football field.
History of the flag at the Super Bowl
Huge flags unfurling across the football field isn't something that started at the first championship. According to Jay Busbee for Yahoo Sports, the giant flag's first major appearance at an NFL game was at Super Bowl XVIII in 1984.
Barry Manilow belted out the national anthem, people stretched the flag across the field, and jets flew overhead. After that stunning spectacle, the huge U.S. flag became a staple of NFL culture.
Colonial Flag has been making large field flags since its founding in 1979, but since 2011 almost every field flag used in a superbowl or NFL game has been made by Colonial Flag.
Today's Super Bowl
This year's Super Bowl is a clash between the Eagles and the Chiefs. Before the coin is tossed and determined players storm the field, Grammy-winner and New Orleans native Jon Batiste is performing the national anthem. That's when the flag takes center stage — or field.
Celebrate your patriotism and the United States
Fly the American flag on your car, your home, your business and on a flagpole to honor the United States and those who fight to protect it. Visit Colonial Flag in Sandy, or online, to purchase an American flag made in the U.S.
If you need a flagpole for your residence, flags for an outgoing missionary or custom-made banners for a special event, Colonial Flag is proud to provide whatever you're looking for. With over 40 years of experience in making high-quality flags while providing exceptional customer service, Colonial Flag is your go-to source for all flag-related products.
Visit colonialflag.com today to learn how you can take advantage of special discount pricing on flags, flagpoles, banners and more.
