You've got the wings marinating. The beer is chilling in the back of the fridge. Maybe you’ve even got a prop bet or two riding on whether the coin toss lands on tails. But none of that matters if you’re sitting in front of a blank screen when the ball actually leaves the tee. If you are wondering what time does the Super Bowl start today, you aren't alone. It’s the one day of the year where "fashionably late" doesn't exist. You're either there for the opening kick, or you're that person asking "what did I miss?" while everyone else is already screaming at the TV.
Honestly, the NFL keeps things pretty consistent, but the time zone math can still trip you up, especially with the game being played out West this year.
The Magic Number: Super Bowl LX Kickoff Time
Let’s get straight to it. Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM ET today, Sunday, February 8, 2026. Because the game is being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the locals will be basking in that mid-afternoon sun with a 3:30 PM PT start. If you’re anywhere else, here is how the clock looks for you:
- Mountain Time: 4:30 PM
- Central Time: 5:30 PM
- Eastern Time: 6:30 PM
Now, a quick reality check: "Kickoff" is a loose term in the NFL. Between the National Anthem (performed this year by Charlie Puth), the coin toss, and the endless military flyovers, the actual foot-to-ball contact usually happens about 10 to 12 minutes after the hour. If you tune in at 6:30 PM sharp, you’ll catch the pageantry. If you show up at 6:45 PM, you might already be looking at a 7-0 score.
Where to Watch (and Why You Might Need a Specific App)
NBC is the "big" host this year. If you have a dusty old antenna, you’re in luck—it’s free over the air. But we live in 2026, and most of us are untethered from cable.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for the NBC broadcast. It’ll cost you about $11, but it’s the most stable way to watch on a Smart TV. Here is the kicker though: Do not rely on NFL+ if you are planning a watch party. While NFL+ is cheaper, the live game feed is strictly locked to mobile devices. You can’t "cast" it to your TV, and you can't watch it on a laptop. If you try to huddle ten people around an iPhone 16, your friends will probably leave.
For the Spanish-speaking broadcast, head over to Telemundo. They usually bring a level of energy to the goal calls that puts the English announcers to shame.
The Half-Time Show: Bad Bunny’s Big Moment
Whether you care about the Rams or the Bills (or whoever survived the gauntlet) is almost secondary to the halftime show. This year is historic. Bad Bunny is headlining, making him the first solo Latin male artist to take the lead on this stage.
Expect the halftime show to start around 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET, depending on how many penalties the refs call in the second quarter.
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The rumors are swirling about guest appearances. Since it's a Roc Nation production, Jay-Z has his fingerprints all over it. We’re hearing strong whispers about J Balvin or maybe even a Jennifer Lopez cameo, but Benito usually likes to keep things unpredictable. He recently dropped a trailer featuring "Baile Inolvidable," so expect a heavy tropical, high-energy vibe that’ll make your living room feel like a San Juan street party for fifteen minutes.
Why Levi’s Stadium Changes the Dynamic
This is the second time the "Big Game" has landed in Santa Clara. The last time was Super Bowl 50, and if we learned anything then, it’s that the turf at Levi’s Stadium can be... tricky.
Santa Clara is about 40 miles south of San Francisco. It’s not actually in the city, despite what the scenic B-roll of the Golden Gate Bridge suggests. Because it's an afternoon game locally, the sun can be a major factor for quarterbacks in the first half. Keep an eye on the shadows. One bad glare during a deep post route can change the entire momentum of the game.
A Note on the Odds and "The Script"
The betting markets have been wild this week. Going into today, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams were the heavy favorites to represent the NFC, while the AFC has been a total toss-up with the Bills and Texans leading the charge.
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
Interestingly, the "Super Bowl Logo Theory" (you know, the one where the colors of the logo predict the teams) has been a bit of a mess this year. The LX logo features the Golden Gate Bridge and some deep redwood greens. If you believe in the conspiracy, that points to teams with green or red... which basically describes half the league. Take it with a grain of salt.
Checklist for a Stress-Free Sunday
Before you settle in, do these three things so you don't miss the 6:30 PM start:
- Update your apps now. Everyone and their mother will be trying to login to Peacock at 6:25 PM. The servers will groan. Get logged in by 5:00 PM to beat the rush.
- Check the lag. Streaming is usually 30-60 seconds behind the "real" live feed. If you have "game alerts" on your phone, turn them off. Nothing ruins a touchdown like getting a text notification 40 seconds before you see the play happen.
- Sync the snacks. The first half of the Super Bowl is notoriously fast. If you’re the cook, get the heavy lifting done before the National Anthem. Once Charlie Puth hits those high notes, you should be in your seat.
The pre-game coverage on NBC actually starts as early as 1:00 PM ET if you really want to soak in the analysis, but for most of us, the real countdown starts at 6:00 PM. Enjoy the game, watch the commercials, and try not to eat too many jalapeño poppers before the second quarter.
Actionable Next Step: Open your streaming app (Peacock, YouTube TV, or Hulu) right now and ensure your subscription is active and the app doesn't need a mandatory 500MB update.