2009 Super Bowl XLIII
Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida was a game for the ages.
The Pittsburgh Steelers scored a dramatic touchdown in the game's final seconds to defeat the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 27-23, earning the Steelers a record-breaking sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy as the National Football League's Super Bowl Champion.
The Steelers had built a 20-7 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, highlighted by a record-breaking 100-yard interception return for a touchdown on the final play of the first half. But the underdog Arizona Cardinals took aim at completing the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. On the strength of two quick touchdowns and a safety, the Cardinals had the lead 23-20 with just over two minutes remaining.
The fourth quarter comeback by Arizona set the stage for a dramatic finish at Raymond James Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers marched the ball down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone with a highlight-reel catch.
In addition to the football game, musical guests Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, and a half-time performance by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band added to the spectacle at Raymond James Stadium.
Raymond James Stadium has consistently been picked by coaches and players alike as the National Football League's most beautiful stadium. For the fans in the stands, it is unmatched - especially with the blue waters of Tampa Bay sparkling in the distance.
Another unique aspect of Raymond James Stadium is its threatening pirate ship, permanently harboured in Buccaneer Cove in the north corner of the stadium. The ship, an authentic replica of an early 1800s pirate ship, measures 103 feet in length with huge 32x50 foot sails. Its cannons typically boom in celebration after each touchdown scored by the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers during regular season games. With the teams combining for 50 points, the pirates aboard were kept busy for both teams on Super Bowl Sunday.
See for yourself why Raymond James Stadium is such a special place to kickoff a visit to Tampa. For more information about the stadium, please visit: www.raymondjamesstadium.com.
