Super Bowl footballs are ready to go within hours of the matchup being set

It’s a 20-step process, much of it by hand, from cutting the four leather panels that are sewn together with 250 stitches, to applying the laces. For NFL football, the work goes to the factory’s most experienced and skilled workers. “Some parts of the process require a handmade feel,” said Kevin Murphy, general manager of Wilson Team Sports. “It’s like making a beautiful, sculptural pair of shoes.”

How do they get ready for the game?

Balls are weighed, measured and inspected for defects throughout production. Once finished, they are checked again. By the time they are packed and ready for shipping, each will have been touched by about 50 workers.

How many does the factory usually produce?

It produces about 500,000 footballs per year or about 2,500 per day. NFL teams go through several hundred during a season. For the Super Bowl, Wilson will make between 10,000-20,000 commemorative balls that will be sold by retailers around the country and at the game site. If there is high demand, the factory will continue to produce souvenir balls well.

How long has Wilson made footballs for the NFL?

Since 1941, Wilson has made every football in use by the league. Its factory in Ada has been making official game balls since 1955. That year the company opened a new plant in the village allowing for more production and a museum. Fans can also visit the factory.