It’s that time again. The snacks are being planned, the squares are being drawn, and the annual panic about exactly when to turn on the TV has officially set in. If you’re trying to figure out what time is the super bowl this year, you aren't alone. Timing the wings is an art form. Nobody wants a soggy drumstick during the national anthem, and you definitely don't want to be stuck in the kitchen when the coin hits the turf.
Super Bowl LX is heading to the West Coast. Specifically, we’re looking at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Because the game is in the Pacific Time zone, the "start time" can feel a little wonky depending on where you're sitting.
The Official Kickoff Time for Super Bowl LX
Let's get straight to the point. Super Bowl LX will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
If you live out west, that means a 3:30 p.m. PT start. It's basically a late lunch. If you’re in the mountains, you're looking at 4:30 p.m. MT, and for the Central folks, it’s 5:30 p.m. CT. Honestly, the 6:30 p.m. ET slot has become the unofficial law of the land for the NFL. They rarely deviate from it because it hits that "sweet spot" for advertisers and viewers across the country.
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
But look, "kickoff" is a loose term. If you tune in at exactly 6:30 p.m., you’ll probably catch the tail end of the color guard or the coin toss. The actual foot-to-ball moment usually happens about 10 to 12 minutes after the scheduled time. This year, Charlie Puth is slated to sing the National Anthem. If he goes for a long, soulful rendition, expect that kickoff to lean closer to 6:42 p.m. ET.
Where is the game being played?
We are back in the Bay Area. Levi’s Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers, is hosting its second Super Bowl. The last one was Super Bowl 50 back in 2016 when Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset with a Broncos win. It’s a high-tech stadium, but it’s notorious for two things: the heat on the sunny side of the stands and the fact that it's actually about 40 miles south of San Francisco. If you're traveling there, don't book a hotel in downtown SF unless you enjoy a very long Uber ride.
How to Watch Super Bowl LX on TV and Streaming
This year, the broadcast rights belong to NBC.
📖 Related: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
In the regular rotation of networks, it's NBC’s turn to shine. This is actually a big deal for the network because they are pulling off a "Big Game" double-header. They’ve got the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina happening at the same time. Because of this, expect the production to be top-tier.
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be the voices in your ear. It’s Tirico’s second Super Bowl as the primary play-by-play guy for NBC. Love him or hate him, Collinsworth is going to "slide" into the frame and tell you about a guy who "just plays the game the right way" at least a dozen times.
Streaming Options
If you’ve cut the cord, you have plenty of ways to watch without a cable box.
- Peacock: Since it’s an NBC broadcast, Peacock is the primary streaming home. You’ll need a premium subscription, but it’s the most stable way to watch.
- NFL+: You can watch on your phone or tablet via the NFL’s own app.
- Telemundo: For the Spanish-language broadcast, head here.
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo: Any service that carries your local NBC affiliate will have the game.
One pro tip: if you’re streaming, you’re likely on a 30 to 60-second delay. If your friends are texting you about a touchdown before you see it, put your phone face down on the coffee table. There is nothing worse than a spoiler from a "Go Blue!" text three plays before the ball is even snapped.
The Bad Bunny Halftime Show
The NFL finally did it. They booked Bad Bunny.
After years of rumors, the Puerto Rican superstar is headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. This is a massive shift toward a more global, younger demographic. He’s the first Latin male artist to solo headline the show.
👉 See also: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
What time does the halftime show start? It depends on the game flow. If we have a fast-moving first half with few penalties, expect Bad Bunny to take the stage around 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. If the game is a slog—lots of incomplete passes and timeouts—it could be closer to 8:45 p.m. ET.
The set is rumored to be a tribute to Caribbean culture. Given his history of elaborate stage designs (remember the floating palm tree?), expect something visually wild. Also, keep an eye out for guest appearances. He’s worked with everyone from Cardi B to J Balvin and even Drake. The halftime show is 13 minutes of pure chaos, and Bad Bunny usually thrives in chaos.
Who is Playing in Super Bowl LX?
As of right now, the field is narrowing down. We are currently in the thick of the playoffs, and the Divisional Round has just wrapped up.
The Seattle Seahawks have looked like the team to beat in the NFC, especially after clinching the top seed. But don't count out the San Francisco 49ers. Playing a Super Bowl on your home turf is a rare advantage, even if they had to fight through the Wild Card round this year. Over in the AFC, the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills are the heavy hitters.
We won't know the official matchup until the AFC and NFC Championship games conclude on January 25. That's when the "Super Bowl Opening Night" festivities begin in San Francisco, and the media circus really starts.
The Betting Landscape
The odds have been swinging wildly. Earlier this season, the Eagles were favorites, but they got bounced early. Now, Vegas is leaning toward a Seahawks-Bills or Seahawks-Texans matchup. If you're into prop bets, the "What Time Is The Super Bowl This Year" question extends to things like the length of the national anthem or the color of the Gatorade. For the record, "Clear/Water" has been a sneaky winner lately.
✨ Don't miss: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Logistics and Viewing Parties
If you’re hosting, you need a timeline.
NBC’s pre-game coverage actually starts at 1:00 p.m. ET. That is five and a half hours of talking heads, human interest stories, and slow-motion shots of quarterbacks walking into the stadium wearing expensive headphones. You don't need to watch all of that.
For the "casual" fan, tuning in around 6:00 p.m. ET is plenty. That gives you time to see the player introductions and the flyover. If you’re in the San Francisco area, the "Super Bowl Experience" is being held at the Moscone Center. It’s basically a football theme park.
Essential Checklist for Sunday:
- Check your Antenna: If you're using an Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna for NBC, do a channel scan on Saturday. Signals can be finicky.
- Update Apps: If you're using Peacock or YouTube TV, make sure the app is updated on your smart TV or Roku. You don't want to be waiting for a 500MB download at 6:25 p.m.
- Food Timing: Start the heavy lifting (wings, sliders) around 5:00 p.m. ET. Aim to have everything on the table by 6:15 p.m.
Final Details to Remember
The game will likely end around 10:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. ET, barring overtime. Super Bowl LI remains the only game to ever go to OT, but with the way these offenses are playing this year, anything is possible.
If you're looking for the best experience, try to find a 4K feed. NBC usually offers a 4K upscaled version of the broadcast through certain cable providers and occasionally on the Peacock app for specific devices. The grass at Levi's Stadium is going to look incredibly green in Ultra HD.
Summary of the Essentials:
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026.
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
- Channel: NBC (English), Telemundo (Spanish).
- Streaming: Peacock, NFL+.
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
- Halftime: Bad Bunny.
The countdown is on. Whether you're there for the football, the commercials, or just the Bad Bunny performance, make sure your remote has fresh batteries and your timezone math is correct.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your NBC access now—if you're using a digital antenna, perform a signal test to ensure you can pull in the local affiliate clearly.
- If you plan to stream via Peacock, ensure your subscription is active at least 24 hours before kickoff to avoid login bottlenecks.
- Set your "food-ready" alarm for 6:15 p.m. ET to ensure you're seated and settled before the national anthem begins.