If you’re lucky enough to be watching the game from within the stadium next Sunday, then count yourself as one of the lucky ones. Superbowl 2012 is expected to have one of the “five smallest” attendances ever recorded with a total seating capacity of 68,000 [indystar]. What will this mean? With an estimated 100 million plus television viewers tuning in, and game day commercials designed to engage fans online, Superbowl-related social media activity is going to be supercharged on an unprecedented level. Here’s the rundown on what to expect…

Hint: Insane fan photos, talking bears, and a one-of-a-kind NFL-backed “Social Media Command Center.”

USER GENERATED CONTENT
While players won’t be able to tweet from the sidelines this Sunday, that wont stop fans from sharing live, in-game content over Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You’ll be sure to see fresh new perspectives covering all aspects of the game such as photos and videos of: fan traditions and superstitions, team-inspired food, fans showing their pride, and on-field plays as they happen.

NY Giants Olapic Gallery - Giants fans can Tweet photos to @Giants and upload photos and videos from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They’ll all show up on photos.giants.com

  
 

ADVERTISERS JUMPING ON THE SOCIAL BANDWAGON
This year, advertisers are using commercials as jumping off points to start extended conversations - on a variety of social media networks - that will take place long after the game has concluded. Top consumer brands have already begun rolling out teasers trailers and hints at their Superbowl commercial surprise. This month-long narrative translates into more people getting more excited and sharing their favorite commercials with one another online. What to watch out for…

The Coca-Cola Polar Bears - On Sunday the Coca-Cola Polar bears will be coming alive! Complete with a live video feed of the bears watching the game and responding to Twitter and Facebook questions.

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMAND CENTER
Need help finding a parking spot or bar to watch the game in downtown Indianapolis? Have no fear! A “Social Media Command Center,” run by the marketing agency Raidious, has been set up near the stadium to provide:
 
[a] range of info to help both visitors and locals navigate the scene, including traffic, parking, events, where to eat, which streets are closed and more. They’ll also answer question on Twitter and Facebook through the Super Bowl 2012′s main accounts (blog.indystar.com).
 
Raidious agents will be monitoring and responding to Twitter and Facebook feeds for 15 hours on Gameday. Remember: If you’ve had a few too many and find yourself stumbling around downtown searching for a cab, just tweet it to the command center!