You’ve been there. It’s Super Bowl Sunday, the snacks are laid out, the wings are sweating under the foil, and suddenly everyone is asking the same thing: "Wait, what time does the game actually start?" Nobody wants to tune in only to realize they’ve already missed a fumble and two hilarious commercials.
For 2026, things are a little different because the NFL is heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, the Big Game is landing at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. If you’re used to the East Coast rhythm, the time zone shift might mess with your head.
When Does the Super Bowl Start?
Honestly, the NFL is a creature of habit. Even with the change in scenery, the league likes its schedule tight. Super Bowl LX is officially scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Because the game is being played in California, that means a 3:30 PM local start time (PT) for the fans sitting in the stands at Levi's Stadium. If you’re watching from the Mountain Time zone, look for a 4:30 PM start, and Central Time viewers should be ready by 5:30 PM.
The 6:30 PM ET window has become the "sweet spot" for the league. It’s late enough for West Coast folks to finish their brunch but early enough that East Coast kids might actually see the halftime show before their bedtimes. Mostly.
Why 2026 is a "Crossover" Year for Sports
This isn't just any Super Bowl. It’s a bit of a chaotic month for sports fans. This year, the game falls right in the middle of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Because of this, NBC is pulling double duty. They’re broadcasting the game, the Olympics, and even the NBA All-Star Game around the same time. It’s basically a marathon for Mike Tirico. If you’re planning your viewing party, keep in mind that the pre-game coverage will likely start as early as 12:00 PM ET, featuring a mix of Olympic updates and football hype.
The Broadcasters and Where to Watch
If you don't have cable, don't panic. You aren't stuck listening to the radio like it's 1945. NBC holds the primary English broadcast rights this year.
- Streaming: Peacock is the go-to home for the live stream. You can also catch it on the NFL+ app if you’re watching on a phone or tablet.
- Spanish Language: Telemundo will have the exclusive Spanish-language broadcast.
- The Booth: Expect Mike Tirico on play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth in the analyst chair. They’ll be joined by sideline reporters Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung.
The Halftime Show: A Major First
Let’s talk about the 15 minutes that people who don't even like football actually watch for. This year, Bad Bunny is headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.
👉 See also: Who Won the Nebraska Game Today: The Heartbreaking Finish at Michigan State
It’s kind of a huge deal. He’s the first solo Latin artist to headline the show. Given his recent "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" residency and his massive global streaming numbers, the production is expected to be massive. Expect a lot of reggaeton, trap, and a very "San Francisco" aesthetic in the stage design.
Before the "King of Latin Trap" takes the stage, the pre-game ceremonies will feature Charlie Puth performing the National Anthem. The NFL has also confirmed Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones for the pre-game lineup.
Getting the Timing Right
The actual "Super Bowl start" is often a bit of a moving target. While 6:30 PM is the kickoff time, the coin toss and National Anthem usually happen about 15 minutes prior. If you want to see the flyover and the player introductions, you need to be on your couch by 6:15 PM ET.
The game itself typically lasts about three and a half hours. If there are no major delays or overtime drama, you’re looking at a 10:00 PM ET finish. Of course, that’s assuming the halftime show doesn't run long and we don't get a repeat of the "Blackout Bowl" from years ago.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to ensure your Super Bowl Sunday doesn't turn into a technical nightmare, do these three things now:
- Check your Peacock subscription. If you’re streaming, make sure your login works and your subscription is active at least 24 hours before Sunday.
- Set your DVR for 6:00 PM ET. Even if you plan to watch live, padding the start and end times ensures you don't miss a wild overtime finish.
- Update your TV's OS. Smart TVs love to run updates at the worst possible time. Do a manual update check on Saturday night to avoid the "Updating 1 of 43" screen at kickoff.