Look, we all know how it goes. You've got the wings ordered, the dips are chilling in the fridge, and someone’s already arguing about the spread. But then the panic hits. Does it start at 6:00? Is it 6:30? Is that Eastern or Pacific?
Honestly, the NFL keeps it pretty consistent, yet we still find ourselves Googling it every single February. For Super Bowl LX, the milestone 60th edition, the answer is straightforward but depends entirely on where you’re sitting.
Super Bowl LX kicks off at exactly 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
If you’re out on the West Coast near the actual stadium, you’re looking at a mid-afternoon start of 3:30 p.m. PT. It’s that weird, beautiful window where the California sun is still out for the first quarter, and by the time Bad Bunny takes the stage for halftime, the stadium lights are doing all the heavy lifting.
The Kickoff Countdown: Converting the Clock
Time zones are the natural enemy of a synchronized party. If you’re hosting, you need the "main event" time, but you also need to know when the pre-game fluff actually ends. NBC is handling the broadcast this year, and they love a long runway.
Here is how the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff translates across the country:
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- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
If you’re one of our friends across the pond in the UK, God bless your caffeine intake. You’re looking at an 11:30 p.m. GMT start. For most of Europe, it’s a 12:30 a.m. Monday morning kickoff. Basically, just call out of work now.
Why the 6:30 p.m. Slot?
It’s the "Goldilocks" zone for TV networks. It’s late enough that the West Coast is home from whatever they do on Sunday afternoons, but early enough that the East Coast (mostly) stays awake for the trophy presentation around 10:00 p.m. ET. NBC isn't just showing a game; they’re anchoring a whole day of programming that usually starts around 1:00 p.m. ET with various "Road to the Super Bowl" specials.
Where is the Big Game Happening?
We’re heading back to Northern California. Specifically, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The home of the San Francisco 49ers last hosted the Big Game a decade ago (Super Bowl 50), which was the one where Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset. It’s a high-tech venue, though famously breezy. For fans attending in person, that 3:30 p.m. local start means the temperature will drop fast.
Getting there is a bit of a trek if you’re staying in San Francisco. It’s about 40 miles south. If you’re planning to be in the Bay Area, the "Super Bowl Experience" will be centered around the Moscone Center and Yerba Buena Gardens in SF, while the actual football happens in the heart of Silicon Valley.
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How to Watch Super Bowl LX Without a Massive Cable Bill
The days of needing a $200-a-month Comcast subscription just to see the commercials are over. This year, the game is an NBC production.
Peacock is your best friend here. If you have a subscription, you can stream the game live. It’s the most stable way to get a 4K-ish stream without worrying about your antenna falling over.
Speaking of antennas, if you’re old school, an over-the-air (OTA) digital antenna will pick up your local NBC affiliate for free. It’s actually often the highest-quality signal because it isn't compressed by a streaming service or cable provider.
Other options for cord-cutters:
- YouTube TV: Has a great "multiview" feature, though probably not necessary for a single game.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes the game and usually a bundle with Disney+.
- NFL+: This is great for mobile, but a huge warning—it usually limits you to watching on a phone or tablet. You can't always "cast" it to your 75-inch TV. Don't be the person trying to host a party around an iPad.
The Halftime Show and Extra Entertainment
The NFL went big for the 60th anniversary. Bad Bunny is headlining the halftime show.
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Considering he’s basically the biggest artist on the planet right now, expect the production value to be absurd. The halftime show usually starts about 90 minutes to two hours after kickoff. So, if you’re only there for the music, tune in around 8:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET.
Charlie Puth is set to handle the National Anthem. Traditionally, that happens about ten minutes before the 6:30 p.m. kickoff. If you want to see the flyover and the coin toss, be on your couch by 6:15 p.m. sharp.
Real-World Advice for Your Super Bowl Sunday
Don't wait until 6:25 p.m. to check if your Peacock app needs an update. It will. It always does.
Log in around 5:00 p.m. ET. Check the audio. If you're using a smart TV, sometimes those apps lag, and you don't want to hear your neighbor scream "TOUCHDOWN!" while your screen is still showing a huddle.
Also, a weird pro tip: the 2026 game coincides with the Winter Olympics in Milan. NBC owns both. Expect a lot of cross-promotion. If you’re a sports junkie, this is basically the best two-week stretch of the decade.
For those betting or just tracking the game closely, remember that the "3:30 p.m. local" start time means the shadows at Levi’s Stadium can be tricky for quarterbacks in the first half. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that makes you sound like a genius at the bar.
Next Steps for Your Viewing Plan:
Check your local NBC signal strength today if using an antenna. If you're streaming, ensure your internet bandwidth can handle a live 4K stream, which usually requires at least 25 Mbps of dedicated speed. Finally, if you're in the Bay Area, download the NFL OnePass app now to book your spot for the fan activations in San Jose and San Francisco before they hit capacity.