The game was played at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city. Super Bowl XVI also became one of the most watched broadcasts in American television history, with more than 85 million viewers.
The 49ers defeated the Bengals by the score of 26–21 to win their first Super Bowl. Both teams were making their first Super Bowl appearance. The 49ers posted a 13-3 regular season record, and playoff wins over the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. The Bengals finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, and had postseason victories over the Buffalo Bills and the San Diego Chargers. Joe Montana was named the Super Bowl MVP, completing 14 of 22 passes for 157 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 18 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Stadium: Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan
Attendance: 81,270
MVP: Joe Montana, Quarterback
Favorite: 49ers by 1
Referee: Pat Haggerty
National anthem: Diana Ross
Coin toss: Bobby Layne
Network: CBS
Cost of 30-second commercial: US$324,000
Video: Diana Ross performs U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XVI
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