Superbowl Showdown: Which Corporation Will Rule the Day?

This Superbowl Sunday, hundreds of millions of people from around the globe will tune in to watch the great American spectacle which has become the modern SuperBowl. The fantastic contest pits two teams of millionaires against one another in a battle to determine marketing rights to the phrase, 'SuperBowl champs'. The winning team can expect to benefit handsomely from a significant increase in royalty fees generated from the sale of memorabilia, clothing and superbowl videos.

As stakes for the SuperBowl continue to climb, it's easy to lose the true meaning of professional football and its place in mainstream society. Looking past the elaborate half time show, slow motion promotional clips and exaggerated rivalry, what's the game really about? The following guide should help to fill in the gaps.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Seattle Seahawks

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2004 Revenues: $109,541,337.12

Season Attendance: 179,894

Television Rights Income: $3,478,791

Corporate Bond Rating: CC+

Avg Return on Equity (04): 9.7%

Shareholders: 18

Shareholders from Pittsburgh: 3

Players From Pittsburgh Area: 0

2004 Revenues: $124,648,977

Season Attendance: 324,654

Television Rights Income: $7,578,456

Corporate Bond Rating: B-

Avg Return on Equity (04): 13.2%

Shareholders: 1

Shareholders from Seattle: 1

Players From Seattle Area: 0

Steelers CFO Ichi Kabuki:

We've taken several initiatives to reduce our reliance on outside capital. I fully expect this to add at least 40 basis points to our gross margin. Yes, you heard me right, 40 points.

Seahawks COO Ken Hansen:

This was our best season ever from an operational standpoint. Attendance was up 23%, contributing to a $2 million increase in parking revenues!

NFL Marketing Director Rich Turin:

In 2003, we shifted our marketing tactics to emphasize the NFL's 'tough as nails' attitude. As a result,we've managed to increase our market share among the key 24-35 male demographic. Boo yeah!

NFL Merchandise Executive Bob Martin:

The youths are really responding well to our new 'hip hop' NFL clothing line. This year's SuperBowl halftime show will feature rap stars wearing some of our products. I'm going to get a big bonus because of this.