JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's been 6,944 days since Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. That time span is how long it has been since a team became back-to-back Super Bowl champions, prior to the Kansas City Chiefs claiming that title on Sunday.
But, did you know that game — Super Bowl XXXIX or Super Bowl 39, was played in Jacksonville? Can you guess the matchup? Were you alive at that time? Do you know who won the game?
In Super Bowl 39, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots won their third NFL championship in a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, as Patriots fan Brian Cassidy held a sign claiming that the franchise had just birthed a dynasty, according to the Florida Times-Union.
In preparation for Super Bowl 39, on Jan. 18, 2005, the Main Street Bridge illuminated through the night after receiving a fresh coat of paint and electric blue lights, according to the Florida Times-Union. Three of Jacksonville's seven bridges were modified with decorative lighting in preparation for the Super Bowl, the Florida Times-Union says.
Also in preparation for the big game in 2005, the Florida Times-Union reports that 'Celebrate Jacksonville' was held at the then-Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 39 banners were hung around Bay Street, and the home of Super Bowl 39 was called Alltel Stadium, not EverBank Stadium as it is today.
In order to accommodate an influx of Super Bowl 39 guests visiting the River City, four cruise ships served as "floating hotels" while docked at the Talleyrand Marine Terminal at JAXPORT, including Holland America's MS Zuiderdam, Zaandam, Volendam and the Carnival Miracle, according to FTU. The Seven Seas Navigator cruise ship docked in front of the Adam's Mark hotel in Downtown Jacksonville, the Florida Times-Union reports.
As part of Super Bowl 39 festivities, Willie Nelson performed an outdoor show on the Radisson River Walk on the Southbank, Florida A&M University's Marching 100 band and Gretchen Wilson performed during the Super Bowl pre-game show, and Alicia Keys performed "America the Beautiful" alongside members of the Florida School for the Death and Blind during pre-game as well.
Alicia Keys also performed during Super Bowl 58, joining Usher during the halftime show.
Sir Paul McCartney performed during the Super Bowl's halftime show, Florida Times-Union reports.
Looking back on Super Bowl 39, it's safe to say that Jacksonville played host to not only monumental moments in football history, but a joyous time in the nightlife throughout the city.
