As the saying goes, what a difference a year can make. Sunday’s Super Bowl LV will serve as a vivid reminder. Of how much the world has changed since last year’s big game.

There are some similarities between this year and last year’s Super Bowl. From a local perspective, the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t in it. However, Cincinnati Football alumnus and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is. The Chiefs are the American Football Conference’s representative for a second-consecutive year. Similar to last year, this year’s Super Bowl will be played in South Florida. Miami hosted last year’s game, Tampa is the host city this year. The big game is also happening weeks after a presidential impeachment; that’s practically where the similarities end.

Heading into Super Bowl LIV last February; COVID-19 was a mystery to many around the world. Few could’ve imagined during the game just how much the world would change. Not just within the span of a year but within two months. Few could’ve envisioned various sporting events being postponed or cancelled then. Six weeks after Super Bowl LIV, numerous events were postponed or cancelled. Throughout the world, schools, businesses and houses of worship were limiting in-person activities. As COVID-19 raged and became topic A-Z in the news around the world.

A year after Super Bowl LIV, COVID-19 is still disrupting various aspects of our lives. Despite there being several vaccines available to fight this pandemic. The vaccine roll out is slow and fraught with disruptions. The pandemic will make this Sunday’s Super Bowl the most unusual in history. Instead of being played in a packed to the gills Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Capacity is being limited to 22,000 fans; roughly 1/3 of Raymond James Stadium’s capacity. To the more cautiously minded, even 22,000 fans in the stands seems excessive and risky.

Down-scaled could be the word to describe the run up to Super Bowl LV. Compared to past years, Radio Row is practically a desert this year. Instead of the rush of athletes, coaches, hall of famers and celebrities. Interviewing with hundreds of sports and non-sports hosts and correspondents. Many from outlets based outside of the host and participating teams’ regions. Only 35 radio stations and podcasts were granted Radio Row access this year. Many pregame interviews are being conducted remotely.

Health officials are warning against having or attending big Super Bowl parties. Fearful such gatherings could morph into a COVID-19 super spreader. For many, subdued game-day activities will be the most personal example of how things have changed. Personally, I spent part of the last Super Bowl Sunday at a party with family and friends. I’ve only been to the place that party was held once since then due to the pandemic.

Companies are making news for announcing they aren’t advertising during the big game. In some cases, breaking decades-long streaks of advertising during the Super Bowl. Some of the most well-known brands traditionally spend millions just for one 30 second ad. During what is often the most watched U.S. television broadcast of the year. Those that will advertise will take on a challenge to avoid a backlash.

Given the tumult the U.S. has and continues to face since the last Super Bowl. From the pandemic and the economic uncertainty it unleashed. Along with calls for racial justice during a year filled with protests over police brutality. Politically and emotionally, the nation is struggling to find it’s bearings. After one of the most tense presidential elections and transitions in American history. Advertisers and the NFL itself will face a balancing act. Through trying to provide escapist entertainment for a weary nation; without being tone deaf.

Ultimately, the events of the last 12 months will cast a shadow over this Super Bowl. Despite the subdued environment, the game itself promises to be entertaining on paper. The Chiefs are perhaps the NFL’s most entertaining and well-balanced team. They will try to win their second-consecutive Super Bowl this Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will make his tenth Super Bowl appearance. In his first season with the Buccaneers; after winning a record six Super Bowl’s with the New England Patriots.

Even before kickoff, this game has the potential to be a classic. Just due to what we might see on the gridiron. This Sunday’s big game will already stand out historically. Due to everything America and the world is dealing with beyond the gridiron. Kickoff in Sunday’s Super Bowl LV is set for 6:30 PM Eastern on CBS.