‘Denver Panthers’ is band Coldplay’s pick for Sunday’s game

Sunday’s halftime show at the landmark 50th Super Bowl will salute past and future performances, members of the Grammy-winning group Coldplay said Thursday.

Representing history will be Beyonce, who was in the halftime show three years ago in New Orleans when the lights failed, and the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles will symbolize the future, said Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.

“It’s been fun to make one giant band together,” Martin told reporters, who wanted to know the British singer’s favorite team for Sunday’s contest.

“Denver Panthers,” he replied.

This week the NFL announced that Lady Gaga would sing the national anthem before kick-off. “America the Beautiful” will be sung by an armed forces chorus from various military branches.

For the coin-toss, past MVPs with Bay-area connections led by former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana will officiate. Joining him will be Marcus Allen from the Los Angeles Raiders, Fred Biletnikoff and Jim Plunkett of the Oakland Raiders and Jerry Rice and Steve Young of the 49ers.

Bart Starr, who led the Green Bay Packers to victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the first Super Bowl, will appear in a pre-game video. Starr is recovering from hip surgery and unable to travel to the game.

Martin said the band studied video of other Super Bowl halftimes in preparing their show, which will emphasize the themes of tolerance and acceptance.

Getting the halftime gig is one of the band’s more notable accomplishments, said Jonny Buckland, Coldplay’s lead guitarist.

“We were staggered, to be honest,” he said. “Nothing is bigger for a band.”

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 7:05 PM with the headline "‘Denver Panthers’ is band Coldplay’s pick for Sunday’s game."