But something that is seen by that many people can easily become a site of protest (political, or just petulant), or simply disrupted, whether by the Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction, or M.I.A. flashing a middle finger to the camera or Prince’s very careful guitar placement.

In the post-Kaepernick era, the halftime show has taken on a whole new political valence. Rihanna declined the opportunity to perform last year in solidarity with the quarterback. And in advance of this year’s show, the N.F.L. entered into a business relationship with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which is now helping to produce the halftime extravaganza. This year’s scheduled performers are Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.