If you’re sitting there wondering what time is kickoff for Super Bowl 2025, you probably already know the date is February 9th. But honestly, the "official" time and the moment the ball actually flies through the air are two very different things.
The NFL loves a spectacle. They love pre-game anthems, fighter jet flyovers, and about twenty minutes of commercials before a single whistle blows.
The Official Super Bowl 2025 Kickoff Time
Let’s get the hard numbers out of the way first. Super Bowl LIX is scheduled to "start" at 6:30 p.m. ET. If you aren't on the East Coast, that basically translates to 5:30 p.m. CT (local time in New Orleans), 4:30 p.m. MT, and 3:30 p.m. PT.
Now, here is the catch.
If you tune in exactly at 6:30 p.m. ET, you won't see a kickoff. You'll see Jon Batiste singing the National Anthem. You'll see the coin toss. You’ll probably see Tom Brady—making his Super Bowl broadcasting debut for Fox—talking about the "keys to the game" for the tenth time that hour.
Actual kickoff typically happens around 6:40 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. ET.
Don't be that person who shows up to the party at 6:40 and misses the opening return because the chips weren't ready. Get settled by 6:15. Trust me.
Where is it happening?
The 2025 game is headed to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is a record-tying 11th time the city has hosted. If you’ve ever been to the Big Easy during a major event, you know the vibe is going to be electric. The stadium is iconic, though it’s been around the block a few times compared to the newer "space-age" stadiums in Vegas or LA.
Who is Playing and Why It Matters
The matchup for Super Bowl LIX is a heavyweight rematch: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.
This is basically a sequel to the 2023 thriller. On one side, you've got Patrick Mahomes trying to cement a "three-peat"—something no team in the Super Bowl era has ever done. On the other, Jalen Hurts and a ferocious Eagles roster are looking for revenge.
Most experts, like those over at ESPN or the Athletic, noted early in the season that these two were the favorites. Seeing them actually make it through the gauntlet of the playoffs just confirms how dominant these two programs have become.
The Kendrick Lamar Halftime Factor
The Apple Music Halftime Show is headlined by Kendrick Lamar.
This is a huge deal. Kendrick is at the absolute peak of his cultural relevance right now, especially after a year of high-profile rap feuds that basically took over the internet. Rumor has it SZA will be joining him, and since the game is in New Orleans, don’t be surprised if some local legends like Trombone Shorty make an appearance to give it that Louisiana flavor.
How to Watch (And Not Get Fooled by Lag)
Fox has the broadcast rights this year. If you have a TV with an antenna, you can watch it for free on your local Fox affiliate.
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If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ve got options:
- FuboTV (Good for a free trial if you’re sneaky)
- YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV
- Tubi (Fox is actually streaming it here for free this year, which is a bit of a game-changer)
- NFL+ (Mobile only, usually)
One thing to keep in mind? Streaming lag is real. If you’re watching on a 30-second delay on YouTube TV and your neighbor is watching on cable, they are going to scream "TOUCHDOWN" while you're still watching a 3rd-and-long. Turn off your phone notifications if you want to keep the suspense alive.
Actionable Tips for Your Super Bowl Sunday
You don't want to spend the whole day stressed about the schedule. Here is a quick checklist to make sure you actually enjoy the game.
- Sync your clock: Set an alarm for 6:00 p.m. ET. This gives you 30 minutes to fix the dip, find the remote, and deal with any "why is the Wi-Fi slow?" tech issues.
- Prep the Food Early: Most people underestimate how long it takes to air-fry 50 wings. Start earlier than you think. Aim to have everything on the table by 6:15 p.m. ET.
- Check Your Data: If you are streaming in 4K, make sure your internet can handle it. A Super Bowl buffer circle is the stuff of nightmares.
- Watch the Pre-Game: Fox starts their coverage as early as 1:00 p.m. ET. You don't need to watch all five hours, but the "Road to the Super Bowl" segments are usually pretty well-produced if you want some background noise while you prep.
Basically, just get to your couch by 6:30 p.m. ET. You'll catch the pageantry, the anthem, and the coin toss, and you'll be locked in for the actual kickoff ten minutes later. Enjoy the game.