You're probably already planning the wings and the guest list. Honestly, if you aren't, you're behind. It’s the one day of the year where even the people who think a "tight end" is a gym result suddenly become experts on the screen. But the biggest question every single year—the one that leads to frantic Google searches while the dip is already on the table—is always the same.
What time does the Superbowl start?
For Super Bowl LX (that's 60 for those of us who haven't brushed up on our Roman numerals lately), the magic number is 6:30 p.m. ET. Mark it. Set an alarm. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re looking at a 3:30 p.m. PT kickoff.
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The 2026 game is landing on Sunday, February 8. It’s being hosted at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This is the home of the San Francisco 49ers, and if you remember Super Bowl 50, you know this venue can handle the heat.
The Kickoff Breakdown by Time Zone
Don't be the person who shows up when the game is already in the second quarter. Because the game is in California this year, the "local" time feels a bit early for the stadium fans, but for the rest of the world, it follows the traditional NFL window.
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
If you’re watching from across the pond in London, you’re looking at an 11:30 p.m. start. Basically, a very long night of coffee and snacks.
Why the Start Time Actually Matters This Year
This isn't just a normal Sunday. 2026 is a weird one—in a good way. NBC is broadcasting the game, and they also happen to have the rights to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
What does that mean for you? It means a sports "super day." NBC is actually calling it a "legendary" schedule. They are sandwiching the Super Bowl right in the middle of Olympic coverage. You could literally wake up at 7:00 a.m. ET to watch women's downhill skiing (keep an eye on Lindsey Vonn's comeback) and stay on the same channel until midnight.
Because of this Olympic overlap, the pregame show is going to feel massive. NBC’s official pregame coverage starts at 1:00 p.m. ET. That’s five and a half hours of analysis, human interest stories, and probably a few shots of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Who Is Performing at the Halftime Show?
Let's talk about the real reason half your friends are coming over: the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.
The NFL confirmed that Bad Bunny is headlining. It’s a huge deal. He is the first solo Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to lead the show. If you’ve seen his tours, you know he doesn't do "small." Expect a massive production that likely starts around 8:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. ET, depending on how fast the first half of the game goes.
Before the game even starts, we’ve got some heavy hitters for the ceremonies. Charlie Puth is slated for the National Anthem. Brandi Carlile is taking on "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
How to Watch (And How to Watch for Free)
You've got options. If you have a TV antenna and you’re within range of an NBC affiliate, you can watch it for free. No subscription, no nonsense.
If you prefer streaming:
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- Peacock: This is the primary streaming home for the game.
- Telemundo: For the Spanish-language broadcast.
- NFL+: Great if you’re stuck on a phone or tablet.
- Live TV Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo will all have the NBC feed.
Just a heads up—streaming usually has a 30-to-60-second delay compared to the antenna. If you have a group chat with friends who are watching on cable, mute your notifications. Otherwise, they’ll spoil every touchdown before you even see the snap.
The Schedule Leading Up to Kickoff
The week in the Bay Area is going to be chaotic. If you're actually going to Santa Clara or San Francisco, the "Super Bowl Experience" opens on February 3 at the Moscone Center.
Even if you’re at home, the Saturday before (Feb 7) is usually when the "NFL Honors" stories start circulating, though the actual awards show happens on Thursday, Feb 5 this year at the Palace of Fine Arts.
Basically, the "start time" is the end of a very long road. The game itself usually runs about three and a half hours. If we don’t hit overtime, expect the trophy presentation to happen around 10:00 p.m. ET. If it goes to OT? Well, tell your boss you might be late on Monday.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your signal: If you’re using an antenna, plug it in now. Don't wait until 6:25 p.m. on Sunday to find out you can't get NBC in your living room.
- Download the apps: If you're streaming on Peacock, make sure the app is updated on your Smart TV or Roku.
- Plan the menu: Since kickoff is 6:30 p.m. ET, aim to have the main food ready by 6:15 p.m. People get cranky if they're hungry during the coin toss.
- Sync your clocks: If you’re hosting a "watch party" across different locations, decide on a primary communication channel that won't spoil the score.
The countdown is on. Whether you're there for the Bad Bunny performance or to see if the 49ers can actually win it on their own turf, you now know exactly when to turn on the tube.