You've got the snacks. The wings are probably marinating. Maybe you’re already arguing about whether the spread is too high or if the halftime performer is actually "cool" anymore. But there is one question that always leads to a frantic Google search about ten minutes after the pre-game show starts: what time is super bowl going to actually begin?
It’s a classic problem.
Honestly, the NFL loves to stretch things out. They turn a sixty-minute game into a four-hour odyssey of cinematic commercials and emotional montages. If you're planning your Sunday around the big game, you need the hard numbers. For 2026—Super Bowl LX—the festivities are heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, we're looking at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The Official Kickoff Time
The short answer? Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026. If you are living on the West Coast, that means a 3:30 p.m. PT start. It feels kinda weird to start a championship game while the sun is still high in the sky, but that’s the reality of a California host site. Mountain Time viewers are looking at 4:30 p.m., while the Central Time zone settles in at 5:30 p.m.
Don't be the person who shows up at 6:30 p.m. expecting the ball to be in the air.
Pre-game ceremonies, the National Anthem (performed this year by Charlie Puth), and the coin toss usually eat up those first few minutes. Usually, the actual foot-to-ball contact happens around 6:38 p.m. ET. If you care about the flyover or the "America the Beautiful" rendition, you’d better be on the couch by 6:00 p.m. sharp.
Where to Watch and What Channel is Super Bowl LX?
This year, the rotation lands on NBC.
It’s a big year for the network. Because 2026 is an Olympic year (the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina), NBC is pulling a "Super Season" move. They’ve got the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and even the NBA All-Star game all clustered together.
- TV Broadcast: NBC and Telemundo (for Spanish language coverage).
- Streaming: Peacock is the primary home for streamers.
- Mobile: The NFL+ app will have it, but usually only for phones and tablets.
- Radio: Westwood One remains the national radio partner.
Expect Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth to be the voices in your ear all night. Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung will be handling the chaos on the sidelines. If you’re a cord-cutter, Peacock is your best bet, though you should check your internet speed now. Nobody wants a buffering wheel during a game-winning drive.
The Bad Bunny Factor and Halftime Timing
People often ask what time is super bowl halftime because, let's be real, some people are only there for the music.
With Bad Bunny headlining the Apple Music Halftime Show, the viewership might hit record highs again. Based on the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff, the halftime show usually starts somewhere between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET.
It depends entirely on how many penalties the refs blow and how many times the coaches use their challenges. If the first half is a "prevent defense" slog, it might be later. If it's a fast-paced shootout, it could be earlier.
Bad Bunny is a massive pull for the NFL. The league is clearly leaning into the global "urbano" movement, and having a three-time Grammy winner in the Bay Area is a strategic move to capture a younger, more international audience. Expect guest appearances. There are always rumors, but keep an eye out for potential cameos from artists like J Balvin or maybe even a surprise pop crossover.
Why the Location Changes Everything
Levi’s Stadium isn’t actually in San Francisco. It’s in Santa Clara.
That’s about 40 miles south of the city. For fans attending in person, the "start time" is just the tip of the iceberg. Traffic in the Bay Area is a legendary nightmare. If the game starts at 3:30 p.m. local time, people will be tailgating by 10:00 a.m.
The stadium itself is high-tech but notorious for its "sun" issues. Because of how the stadium is oriented, the afternoon sun can be absolutely brutal on the east side of the stands. By the time kickoff happens, one team is usually squinting into a golden glare. It adds a weird tactical layer to the game that you don't get in domed stadiums like last year's in New Orleans.
Logistics You Might Forget
- The Pro Bowl: It’s actually happening before the Super Bowl again, on February 3rd at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
- The Monday After: There is still no federal holiday for the Monday after the Super Bowl. Every year people petition for it. Every year we all just go to work tired and full of buffalo sauce.
- 4K Streaming: NBC is expected to offer an upscaled 4K feed on certain platforms. Check if your provider supports it.
Actionable Steps for Your Super Bowl Sunday
If you want to actually enjoy the day without stressing over the clock, follow this timeline.
One week before: Download the Peacock app and make sure your subscription is active. If you're using an antenna, do a channel scan now to make sure NBC comes in clear. Signals can be finicky depending on the weather.
Game day, 2:00 p.m. ET: Start the slow cooker. Most wings and dips take longer than you think, and you want them ready for the "peak" commercials in the second quarter.
Game day, 6:00 p.m. ET: This is your final warning. Get the drinks, find your spot, and make sure the remote has fresh batteries.
The 2026 season has been a wild ride, and seeing who survives the gauntlet to reach Santa Clara is half the fun. Whether you’re rooting for a dynasty or a dark horse, at least now you won't miss the opening kick.
Summary of Key Details for Super Bowl LX:
- Date: February 8, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
- Network: NBC / Peacock
- Halftime Performer: Bad Bunny