Look, we've all been there. You've got the wings ready, the dips are chilling, and you're pacing around your living room wondering why the pregame show has been on for five hours. Everyone knows the date—Sunday, February 9, 2025—but the actual Super Bowl 59 time is where things get a little fuzzy for the casual fan.
It’s basically the biggest event in American culture, yet every year there's a collective scramble to figure out when the ball actually flies through the air.
For Super Bowl LIX, the official kickoff time is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET.
But here’s the thing: "6:30 p.m." is more of a suggestion than a hard rule in the world of NFL broadcasting. If you’ve watched even one of these before, you know the national anthem, the coin toss, and the endless montages usually push the real start closer to 6:40 p.m. ET. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re looking at a 3:30 p.m. PT start, which honestly makes for a much better Sunday night recovery window.
The Nitty-Gritty of Kickoff and Locations
This year, the circus moves to New Orleans. The Caesars Superdome is hosting for the eighth time, which is a record for any single stadium. New Orleans as a city? This is their 11th time holding the clipboard. They know how to throw a party, and honestly, the logistics of a Super Bowl in the Big Easy are usually smoother than anywhere else because everything is so walkable.
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The game is being broadcast on FOX.
If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ve actually got a pretty sweet deal this year. You can stream the game for free on Tubi. Yeah, the free app with the "recommended for you" movies you've never heard of. They’re carrying the FOX feed in 4K. Other options like Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV will have it too, but Tubi is the "budget hero" move for 2025.
Time Zones at a Glance
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m. (Local New Orleans Time)
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
Why the Timing Matters More This Year
The matchup is a heavy-hitter rematch: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s a repeat of the 2023 thriller. The Chiefs are currently chasing a "three-peat"—something no team in NFL history has ever done. Patrick Mahomes is basically playing against the ghosts of every legendary dynasty right now. On the other side, Jalen Hurts and a stacked Eagles roster are looking for revenge after that 38-35 heartbreaker a couple of years back.
The timing of the game isn't just about the kickoff; it's about the rhythm of the evening. Because it's in New Orleans, the energy is going to be different. The pregame festivities are leaning heavily into that Louisiana flavor. We’re talking Jon Batiste singing the National Anthem and Trombone Shorty performing "America the Beautiful." If you tune in exactly at the Super Bowl 59 time of 6:30, you’re going to miss the soul of the pregame.
The Kendrick Lamar Factor
Let’s talk about halftime. This is where the Super Bowl 59 time really matters for the non-football fans in your house.
The halftime show usually starts about 90 to 100 minutes after kickoff. So, you’re looking at roughly 8:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET.
Kendrick Lamar is the headliner. It’s been a massive year for him, mostly because of his high-profile back-and-forth with Drake. The selection was actually kinda controversial in New Orleans because a lot of people wanted local legend Lil Wayne to get the nod. Wayne even admitted it "broke" him a little not to get the call for his hometown show.
Expect Kendrick to bring out some massive guests, though. SZA is already confirmed to be joining him. There’s a lot of chatter about whether he’ll perform "Not Like Us"—the song that basically owned the summer of '24. Given the FCC’s strictness and the NFL’s "family-friendly" (sorta) vibe, it’ll be interesting to see how he handles the lyrics.
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How to Not Miss a Single Play
If you’re planning your day, don’t just look at the 6:30 p.m. start. The "pregame" is actually an all-day affair.
FOX starts their official coverage around 1:00 p.m. ET. There’s even a scheduled interview with Donald Trump at 3:25 p.m. ET during the pregame show. If you’re just here for the commercials, those usually start hitting their peak in the second quarter, which should be around 7:15 p.m. ET.
A Quick Checklist for Sunday
- Check your tech: If you’re streaming on Tubi or YouTube TV, make sure your app is updated on Saturday. Nothing kills the vibe like a "forced update" at 6:29 p.m.
- Antenna Check: If you’re using an over-the-air antenna for FOX, scan your channels now.
- Food Timing: Aim to have the main spread ready by 6:00 p.m. ET. This gives everyone time to plate up before the anthem starts.
The game is expected to wrap up around 10:00 p.m. ET, assuming we don’t go into overtime like last year. If it does go to OT, tell your boss you’re going to be late on Monday. New Orleans games have a habit of getting wild.
Actionable Steps for the Big Game
- Set a "Soft Start" Alarm: Set your phone for 6:15 p.m. ET. This is when the pageantry starts.
- Download Tubi: If you don't have cable, download the app now and create a free account so you aren't fumbling with passwords at kickoff.
- Check the Spread: Most sportsbooks have the Chiefs as a 1.5-point favorite. It’s basically a toss-up. If you’re into the stats, keep an eye on Saquon Barkley’s rushing yards; he’s been the engine for Philly all year.
- Plan the Halftime Exit: If you’re only there for Kendrick, have your snacks replenished by 7:45 p.m. ET so you don’t miss the start of the performance.
Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be a historic night. Whether it's the Chiefs securing the first-ever three-peat or the Eagles finally getting over the hump, the timing is everything. Get your TV set to FOX, grab your favorite drink, and settle in for the 6:30 p.m. ET start. Just don't be surprised if the ball doesn't actually move until 6:42.
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Final Technical Logistics
- TV Network: FOX / Telemundo (Spanish)
- Live Stream: Tubi, Fubo, NFL+, YouTube TV
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Radio: Westwood One
The record for viewership is 123.4 million from last year. With the Chiefs chasing history and Kendrick Lamar on the stage, Super Bowl 59 might just shatter that. Enjoy the game.
Actionable Insight: If you want the highest quality picture, use a physical 4K antenna or a high-tier streaming plan (like YouTube TV 4K Plus) rather than a standard cable box, which often compresses the signal more than modern streaming apps.