When the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs secured their spots in this year’s Super Bowl, the Wilson Sporting Goods football factory in Ada, Ohio, sprang into action. Known for producing the official game balls used by every NFL team, as well as top college programs and high schools across the nation, the factory plays a vital role in the lead-up to America’s most-watched sporting event.
The Super Bowl showdown is set to take place on Feb. 9 in New Orleans, marking the second time in three years that the Eagles and the Chiefs will battle it out for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. As anticipation builds among fans, the meticulous process of preparing the game balls has already begun.
Crafting the Perfect Football
Wilson Sporting Goods manufactures a total of 216 footballs for the Super Bowl, with each team receiving 108 balls, along with an additional dozen specifically designed for the kickers. These balls are imprinted with the Super Bowl logo and the team names, distinguishing them as exclusive memorabilia for the historic event. While some footballs are allocated for practice sessions, quarterbacks carefully select the finest ones for use during the game.
The production of these footballs is a labor-intensive process, involving 20 intricate steps primarily carried out by skilled artisans. From meticulously cutting out four leather panels to hand-stitching them together with 250 stitches, each football is meticulously crafted to meet the exacting standards of the NFL. Incorporating unique features such as a chip that tracks the ball’s movement and trajectory, Wilson’s footballs are renowned for their precision and quality.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since 1941, Wilson Sporting Goods has been the exclusive provider of footballs for the NFL, with its factory in Ada taking on the responsibility of crafting the official game balls since 1955. This longstanding partnership underscores Wilson’s commitment to excellence and innovation in sports equipment manufacturing. The company’s dedication to quality is evident in the meticulous inspection process that each football undergoes, ensuring that only the finest products reach the players’ hands.
With a production capacity of approximately 500,000 footballs annually, Wilson’s Ada factory operates at full throttle to meet the demands of NFL teams throughout the season. In preparation for the Super Bowl, the factory will produce between 10,000-20,000 commemorative balls that will be available for purchase by fans nationwide. In the event of high demand, Wilson stands ready to continue manufacturing these cherished souvenirs long after the final whistle has blown.
As fans eagerly await the highly anticipated Super Bowl matchup, the dedicated team at Wilson Sporting Goods remains focused on delivering top-tier footballs that embody the spirit of the game. With a new factory and museum opening in Ada, fans can now experience firsthand the craftsmanship and passion that go into creating the iconic footballs that define America’s favorite sport.
