As soon as the Super Bowl teams are decided, the Wilson Sporting Goods factory, nestled in the quaint village of Ada, Ohio, kicks into high gear to produce the iconic game balls. With the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs set to battle for the Lombardi Trophy again on February 9th in New Orleans, the factory operates at a frenetic pace to ensure the footballs are game-ready in record time.
Wilson's facility, a trusted provider for every NFL team and numerous college and high school programs, has a rich history, crafting footballs for the league since 1941, and the official game balls since 1955. Each Super Bowl, this tradition is marked by unmatched dedication and precision from the team of skilled workers.
This year, each team will receive a consignment of 108 footballs, complete with the Super Bowl logo and team names, plus a special dozen reserved for the kickers. These are not just any footballs; they're embedded with high-tech chips that track the ball’s position, distance, and trajectory on the field, providing invaluable data during the game.
The creation of these footballs is an intricate 20-step process, mostly done by hand. It includes cutting leather panels, stitching them together with 250 precise stitches, and inserting the laces. The artisans, who are the factory's most experienced workers, liken it to crafting beautifully sculpted shoes, requiring a deft, handmade touch for quality and performance.
The journey from raw materials to completed footballs takes about three days under normal circumstances. However, the Super Bowl demands a quicker turnaround, with the first batch required in just 18 hours. This ensures that teams have ample time to break them in for practice and the game, prompting the night shift to commence production immediately after the conference title games.
Wilson's commitment to quality doesn't end with creation. Throughout production, each football is weighed, measured, and inspected multiple times for any imperfections. By the time they are ready for shipment, approximately 50 hands have touched each ball, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards.
Apart from the game-used balls, Wilson also manufactures between 10,000 and 20,000 commemorative balls, which are sold nationwide and make excellent keepsakes for fans. Given the demand for these mementos, production often continues well beyond the Super Bowl.
To accommodate this demand and further engage with fans, Wilson recently inaugurated a new plant in Ada, which includes a museum showcasing the factory's history. Visitors can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, witnessing first-hand the craftsmanship and passion that go into each football.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the Wilson factory stands testament to the marriage of skill, tradition, and technology, ensuring that each game ball is more than just a tool; it's a piece of sporting history ready to witness the next round of legendary plays.
