You've got the wings. The beer is chilling. You've even managed to find that one specific jersey that hasn't been washed since the playoffs started. But then you realize you’re not actually sure when to tell people to show up.
It happens every year.
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The actual kickoff for the Super Bowl is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local PT).
But here is the thing: the "6:30" time is a bit of a moving target. If you’ve ever sat through the endless pre-game montages and the National Anthem, you know the ball doesn't actually leave the tee at 6:30 on the dot. Usually, you’re looking at a real-world start closer to 6:38 p.m. or 6:40 p.m. ET.
Why the Kickoff Time for Super Bowl LX Is Moving
This year, the game is at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Because it’s on the West Coast, the timing feels a little weird for people used to night games. For the folks in San Francisco, it’s basically a late afternoon barbecue. For everyone on the East Coast, it’s the standard "prime time" slot.
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NBC is handling the broadcast this time around. Since they also have the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan going on simultaneously, the network is basically running a sports marathon. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth are the voices you’ll hear when that first whistle finally blows.
Honestly, the "actual" kickoff depends on how long the ceremonies take. We’ve got Charlie Puth performing the National Anthem this year. Depending on how many high notes he decides to hold, that can shift the game start by a couple of minutes.
The Real Schedule Breakdown
If you're trying to plan your life, don't just look at the 6:30 p.m. timestamp.
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- The "Official" Start: 6:30 p.m. ET.
- The National Anthem & Coin Toss: Usually happens between 6:32 and 6:38 p.m. ET.
- The Real Kickoff: Expect the ball to be in the air by 6:41 p.m. ET.
If you care about the halftime show—which features Bad Bunny this year—you’ll want to be on your couch about 90 minutes after kickoff. Usually, that’s around 8:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET, but football is unpredictable. One long injury timeout or a booth review can push the halftime show back significantly.
Where You Can Actually Watch the Game
You have plenty of options, but don't wait until 6:25 p.m. to check if your login works. NBC is the primary home for the 2026 game. If you’re a cord-cutter, Peacock is your best friend here.
Telemundo will have the Spanish-language broadcast, which is often way more high-energy anyway. For those who prefer mobile, the NFL+ app is still a thing, though it’s usually restricted to phones and tablets.
Pro Tip: If you're using a streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo, remember there is a "broadcast delay." Your neighbor might scream "TOUCHDOWN!" about 30 seconds before you see the play happen. If you want the most "real-time" experience, a digital antenna is still the fastest way to get the signal.
Common Misconceptions About the Super Bowl Start
People often think the "Pre-Game Show" is when the game starts. It’s not. The pre-game coverage usually begins as early as 12:00 p.m. ET. That’s six and a half hours of talking heads and slow-motion replays before a single snap occurs.
Also, don't get confused by the date. Super Bowl LX is Sunday, February 8, 2026. Because the NFL expanded the season to 17 games a few years back, the Super Bowl has permanently crawled deeper into February.
What to Do Right Now
Stop guessing and start prepping.
- Check your tech: If you’re streaming on Peacock, log in now to make sure you don't need a password reset.
- Set your "Arrival Time": Tell your friends to get there by 5:30 p.m. ET. This gives everyone an hour to settle in before the actual kickoff.
- Sync your clocks: If you’re betting on the length of the National Anthem or the coin toss, make sure you're watching a "live" feed, not a delayed stream.
The game is going to be a massive production, especially with the 49ers' home turf hosting the event. Just remember: 6:30 p.m. is the "TV start," but 6:40 p.m. is when the real football begins.