The event will be held February 7, 2016 at Levi Stadium in the San Francisco Bay area city of Santa Clara, the backyard of Metallica's home base.

Jason Long initiated the petition; he writes: "For over 30 years Metallica has broken down walls and led from the front in the heavy metal/hard rock genre. They are the undisputed kings of heavy metal and responsible for bringing the art form into the homes of millions around the world. Nobody sought them out; they forced their way in and continue to be an unstoppable monster of sound and energy to this day. Their songs are anthems in NFL and major sports stadiums across the country.

"They've won Grammy's, they've headlined every festival around the globe from Glastonbury to Lollapalooza. They've sold over 110 million records worldwide and have a consecutive streak of #1 chart debuting albums that spans their last five full length releases. They were first ballot Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Quite frankly, there's nothing they haven't done or accomplished which is why it is with zero trepidation that I make the bold statement that it is absolutely stupefying that these American pioneers of rock have not been involved with a Super Bowl halftime to date and it is time for that to change.