Look, we've all been there. You have the wings ready, the dip is chilled, and your friend who doesn't even watch football is already asking when the food is happening. But the big question—the one that actually determines when you need to be on the couch—is simple: what time does Super Bowl 2025 start?
If you're looking for the short answer, the official kickoff for Super Bowl LIX is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
But if you’ve watched a single NFL game in your life, you know "6:30" is a loose suggestion. By the time the national anthem wraps up and the coin toss happens, you're usually looking closer to 6:40 p.m. before the ball actually hits the air.
The Nitty Gritty on Kickoff Times by Zone
The game is happening at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Since the Big Easy operates on Central Time, the local vibe is going to be electric long before the sun goes down. Depending on where you're sitting (or standing, if you're a nervous pacer), here is when you need to tune in:
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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.
Honestly, if you wait until 6:30 p.m. ET to flip the TV on, you’ve already missed the pageantry. The pregame festivities are half the fun, and this year’s lineup is basically a love letter to Louisiana.
Where to Watch and Who’s Calling the Plays
This year, Fox has the broadcast. That means we’re getting the "A-Team" in the booth. Kevin Burkhardt is on play-by-play, and yes, Tom Brady is the lead analyst. It’s still kinda wild seeing Brady in the blazer instead of the pads, but his insights on playoff pressure are obviously second to none.
If you don’t have cable, don't sweat it. You can stream the game on the Fox Sports app or through services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. There’s even a free option on Tubi, which is a solid move if you’re trying to avoid a new subscription for a single night of football.
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The Entertainment: Kendrick, SZA, and NOLA Soul
The NFL isn't playing around with the halftime show this year. Kendrick Lamar is the headliner. After the year he’s had—basically dominating every conversation in hip-hop—the expectations are through the roof.
We already know SZA is joining him, which pretty much guarantees some "All the Stars" magic. Rumors are always flying about surprise guests, especially with the game being in New Orleans. Everyone wanted Lil Wayne, and while he isn't the headliner, don't be shocked if the stage sees some local legends.
For the pregame, it’s a total Louisiana takeover:
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- Jon Batiste is singing the National Anthem.
- Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle are handling "America the Beautiful."
- Ledisi is performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
It’s rare to see a Super Bowl lean this hard into the local culture of the host city, and frankly, it's about time.
Why the Start Time Matters for Your Party
If you’re hosting, tell people to arrive at least 90 minutes before the what time does Super Bowl 2025 start window. Why? Because the "intro" segments and player profiles are the only time you can actually hear the TV before the screaming starts.
The game usually runs about three and a half to four hours. If kickoff is at 6:40 p.m. ET, expect the trophy presentation to happen around 10:15 p.m. Plan your caffeine intake accordingly.
Final Checklist for Sunday
- Check the App: If you're streaming, log in now to make sure you don't have an expired password or a mandatory update three minutes before kickoff.
- The Food Gap: The halftime show usually starts around 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. That’s your window to reheat the sliders.
- Sync the Audio: If you’re watching on a delay or via a stream, stay off Twitter (X). There is nothing worse than hearing your neighbor cheer for a touchdown you won't see for another 45 seconds.
Get your spot on the couch locked in by 6:00 p.m. ET. Between the NOLA jazz pregame and Kendrick’s halftime set, the football might actually be the second most interesting thing happening in the Superdome.
Next Steps for Your Super Bowl Prep:
- Verify your streaming credentials today to avoid "incorrect password" drama on Sunday.
- Download the Tubi app as a backup in case your primary provider experiences high-traffic lag.
- Set your DVR for 1:00 p.m. ET if you want to catch the full five-hour pregame marathon on Fox.