It is that time of year again where the wings are getting prepped and the living room seating charts are being finalized. Everyone is asking the same thing: what time is the Super Bowl? If you are looking for the short answer, here it is. Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
But if you’ve ever actually tried to watch the game, you know "kickoff" is a loose term. You have the national anthem, the coin toss, and about twenty minutes of commercials before a foot actually touches a ball. This year, the NFL is heading back to the West Coast, taking over Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Because the game is being played in the Pacific Time Zone, the local start time is actually mid-afternoon.
What Time Is the Super Bowl in Your Time Zone?
Depending on where you’re sitting, that 6:30 PM ET start looks a lot different. If you’re in California, you might still be finishing lunch. If you’re in London, you’re looking at a very long night fueled by espresso.
Basically, here is how the clock stacks up:
- Pacific Time (Local): 3:30 PM
- Mountain Time: 4:30 PM
- Central Time: 5:30 PM
- Eastern Time: 6:30 PM
For the international crowd, the UK is looking at an 11:30 PM GMT start. Our friends in Germany and most of Central Europe will be starting their watch party at 12:30 AM CET on Monday morning. It’s a commitment. Honestly, if you’re planning to watch the whole thing from Europe, you might want to call in "sick" for Monday right now.
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Where to Watch and Who Is Calling the Game
This year, NBC has the honors. They’re alternating with CBS, Fox, and ABC/ESPN as part of the massive 11-year rotation deal. Because it’s an NBC year, expect the full Sunday Night Football treatment. Mike Tirico will be on play-by-play, with Cris Collinsworth providing the analysis. Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung are handling the sidelines.
If you aren't near a TV, you aren't out of luck. You can stream the game on Peacock or via the NFL+ app. For the Spanish-speaking audience, Telemundo will have the full broadcast.
The Bad Bunny Halftime Show
One of the biggest questions after what time is the Super Bowl is always: who is playing at halftime? For Super Bowl LX, the NFL went big. Apple Music is presenting Bad Bunny as the headliner. It’s a massive move. He is the first Latin male artist to solo headline the show, and given his track record for live performances, it’s probably going to be a visual fever dream in the best way possible.
Expect the halftime show to start roughly 90 minutes to two hours after kickoff. So, if the game starts at 6:30 PM ET, you should be glued to your seat by 8:00 PM or 8:15 PM ET to make sure you don't miss the performance.
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Pre-Game Festivities and The Anthem
The NFL isn't just about the game; it’s about the spectacle.
- National Anthem: Charlie Puth has been tapped to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
- America the Beautiful: Brandi Carlile will be performing this one.
- The Flyover: Usually happens right at the conclusion of the anthem, roughly 6:25 PM ET.
Why the 2026 Venue Matters
Levi's Stadium isn't new to this. They hosted Super Bowl 50 back in 2016. However, Santa Clara is about 40 miles south of San Francisco. If you are actually traveling to the game, do not make the mistake of booking a hotel in downtown San Francisco and thinking you can just "hop over" to the stadium in ten minutes. Traffic on the 101 or I-880 on Super Bowl Sunday is a special kind of nightmare.
The stadium itself is a "smart" stadium, but it has a reputation for being incredibly sunny and hot during afternoon games. Since the game starts at 3:30 PM local time, the first half will likely be played under a pretty intense California sun. This affects everything from player hydration to how well you can see the screen from the expensive seats.
Real Talk: When Does the Game Actually End?
Super Bowls aren't your average three-hour game. Between the extended halftime show (which is usually 13 minutes of music but takes 30 minutes to set up and tear down) and the sheer volume of $7 million commercials, the game usually runs about three and a half to four hours.
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Expect the final whistle to blow around 10:00 PM or 10:15 PM ET. If the game goes into overtime—which we’ve seen happen in some of the most stressful ways lately—you could be looking at an 11:00 PM finish.
Actionable Tips for Your Watch Party
If you want to be the hero of your Super Bowl party, don't just show up. Prepare.
- Sync your stream: If you are watching on a streaming service like Peacock, you are likely 30-60 seconds behind the live cable broadcast. Turn off your Twitter/X notifications or your friends will text you "TOUCHDOWN!" before the play even starts on your screen.
- Food timing: Aim to have the main spread ready by 6:00 PM ET. This gives everyone time to plate their food before the 6:30 PM kickoff.
- Data check: If you’re hosting and using a streaming app, make sure your Wi-Fi can handle the load. A buffering wheel during a game-winning drive is grounds for ending friendships.
- Download the Stadium App: If you are one of the lucky ones actually going to Santa Clara, download the Levi's Stadium app now. You can use it to order food to your seat and navigate the massive concourses.
The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it is a cultural anchor. Whether you're there for the football, the commercials, or just to see what Bad Bunny is wearing, knowing what time is the Super Bowl is the first step to not missing out. Set your alarms, get the dips ready, and enjoy the show.