Road to MetLife Stadium: The effect of cold weather on the Super Bowl

STATS LLC data examined league-level regular and post-season professional football data dating back to 1991, the first year this specific cold weather data was collected, through 2012-13 post-season football play.

This year the Super Bowl will be a little bit different. Unlike past years, it could actually be snowing on the field during the Super Bowl.

This is because of the big game being held in regular warm climate destinations such as New Orleans or Miami, this one will be held up here in the Northeast at the Giants' and Jets' MetLife Stadium.

It was a big topic of debate in the off-season, is it a good idea to hold a Super Bowl in cold weather? If the Patriots are going to appear, I'm personally all for a snowy SuperBowl, but what about the rest of the league?

Data provided to us by STATS LLC shows that it maybe shouldn't be too much of a concern.

Team scoring in temperatures lower than 40 degrees is only 1.5 points fewer than scoring in 70 degree plus. Another common misconception is perhaps that the weather can allow for some sloppy play on the field. The data also contradicts this, as teams turn ball over at only a five percent higher rate in cold weather as they do in warm weather. The effect on passer rating is minimal too, with the average passer rating in sub 40 degree weather being 76.5 compared to 81.6 in warm weather.

So, is there an effect? Yes. Is it significant? Certainly not.

That's not true for all cases though. STATS LLC data also shows that kicking is greatly impacted by the weather, as one would assume.

Field goal kicking drops from 68.8% in plus 70 degree weather to just 58.1 percent in the cold.

“In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with MetLife as part of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving special access to MetLife Stadium events and be conducting reader giveaways, with prizes provided by MetLife. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own. “

“I am currently a member of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement. While MetLife provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in PatriotsLife are my own.”