You're probably already thinking about the wings. Maybe you're scouting out the best spot on the couch or arguing with your friends about whether the halftime show is going to be legendary or just okay. But the one thing that actually matters—the one detail that keeps everyone texting the group chat—is the timing. Nobody wants to be the person who walks in while the national anthem is already finishing up.
So, let's get into it. Super Bowl 2025: what time does it start? ## The Official Kickoff Time for Super Bowl LIX
The short answer? 6:30 p.m. ET. If you are on the East Coast, that is your hard start. But we all know how the NFL works. Between the coin toss, the flyovers, and the emotional montages, the actual leather-to-toe moment usually happens a few minutes later, closer to 6:40 p.m. ET.
For those of us spread across the country, here is the breakdown so you don't have to do the mental math:
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
Honestly, if you're hosting, you probably want people there at least an hour early. There is nothing worse than someone trying to double-dip a chip right as the first touchdown happens.
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Where is the Big Game Happening?
New Orleans. The Big Easy.
The game is being held at the Caesars Superdome, which is basically the holy grail of Super Bowl venues. This is the 11th time the city has hosted the championship, tying it with Miami for the most ever. There is just something different about a Super Bowl in New Orleans. The energy of the French Quarter spills into the stadium, and even through the TV, you can kind of feel the humidity and the history.
The Matchup: A Super Bowl LVII Rematch
This isn't just any game. It is a heavyweight rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Remember 2023? That game was a total shootout that ended with the Chiefs taking it 38-35. Now, the Eagles are back for blood. Jalen Hurts has been playing like a man possessed, and the Chiefs—well, they’re the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is trying to cement a legacy that's starting to look a lot like Tom Brady’s, and the narrative around this game is through the roof.
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Who is Playing the Halftime Show?
Kendrick Lamar.
This was the announcement that practically broke the internet. Following a year where Kendrick was the most talked-about name in music (mostly thanks to a certain high-profile beef), he’s taking the stage in New Orleans.
Expect the halftime show to start around 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET, depending on how many penalties and timeouts we see in the first half. He has already confirmed that SZA will be joining him, and there are rumors swirling about other guest appearances that could make this one of the most-watched performances in history.
How to Watch and Stream
Fox has the broadcast rights this year.
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If you’ve cut the cord, don't panic. You have plenty of options. You can stream it on the Fox Sports app, but you'll need a cable login for that. If you’re looking for a cleaner way to watch, services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV will all have it.
- TV Network: Fox
- Spanish Broadcast: Fox Deportes
- Streaming: Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, NFL+
- Free Option: If you have a digital antenna, you can pull the local Fox signal for free in high definition.
Why the Timing Matters More Than Usual
The Super Bowl is basically a national holiday at this point, but because it’s in New Orleans, the pregame coverage is going to be massive. Fox is planning hours of content leading up to that 6:30 p.m. ET start.
If you tune in at noon, you’ll probably see Tom Brady (in his broadcasting role) giving his take on Mahomes, or segments featuring local New Orleans chefs making the world's largest po' boy. It’s a spectacle.
Actionable Tips for Super Bowl Sunday
If you want to actually enjoy the game without the stress of missing the start time, here is what you should do:
- Check your tech at 4:00 p.m. ET. If you're streaming, ensure your app is updated. There is nothing more frustrating than a "system update" screen at 6:29 p.m.
- Plan the food for 5:30 p.m. ET. Get the heavy lifting out of the way before the kickoff show starts. You want the wings out and the dips ready by the time the national anthem begins.
- Sync your social media. If you’re watching on a slight delay (which happens with some streaming services), turn off your Twitter/X notifications. You don't want a "TOUCHDOWN!" text from your brother to ruin the play you're about to see 30 seconds later.
- Set an alarm for the Halftime Show. If you’re only in it for Kendrick, set a reminder for 7:45 p.m. ET so you don't miss the transition from the second quarter.
The Super Bowl is about the moments—the high-stakes plays, the $7 million commercials, and the music. Just make sure you're in your seat when that clock hits 6:30.