If you're already planning your wings-and-nachos spread for the big game, you aren't alone. Honestly, the most common question every year isn't who’s playing, but rather what time the superbowl start so people can time their air fryers perfectly.
For Super Bowl LX (that’s 60 for those of us who haven't brushed up on Roman numerals lately), the NFL is heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, we're looking at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Because the game is being played in the Pacific Time zone, the "local" start time looks a bit different than when it’s held in Florida or Arizona.
The Short Answer: What Time the Superbowl Start?
You can set your watch by this. Super Bowl LX will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026. If you're on the West Coast, that’s a mid-afternoon 3:30 p.m. PT start. This is the sweet spot for the NFL. It ensures the game hits the primetime window for the massive East Coast audience while still catching the sunset over the San Francisco Bay Area for those beautiful helicopter shots of the stadium.
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Regional Kickoff Times
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
- United Kingdom (GMT): 11:30 p.m.
Don't expect the ball to be in the air at exactly 6:30:00, though. The NFL loves a spectacle. You've got the National Anthem—this year performed by Charlie Puth—the coin toss, and the usual flyover. Realistically, the first actual play from scrimmage happens closer to 6:40 p.m. ET.
Where to Watch the Game
NBC has the broadcasting rights this year. They're actually pulling double duty because the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will be happening at the exact same time. It’s going to be a massive month for the "Peacock" network.
You can catch the game on:
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- NBC: Your local affiliate via cable or an over-the-air antenna.
- Peacock: The game will be streaming live here for anyone who has cut the cord.
- Telemundo: For the Spanish-language broadcast.
- NFL+: The league's mobile app will also have the stream.
The Halftime Show Timing
If you're only here for the music, you’re looking for Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar is headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, and it’s a big deal—he’s the first solo Latin artist to headline the gig.
Since the game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET, halftime usually rolls around about 90 to 100 minutes later. Expect Bad Bunny to take the stage somewhere between 8:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. ET. Football games are notoriously unpredictable, so if there are a lot of incomplete passes or penalties in the first half, that time might slide a bit. But generally, the halftime show is the most tightly produced 12 minutes in television, so they keep it on a very short leash.
Why the Timing of Super Bowl 60 Matters
The venue choice is interesting. Levi’s Stadium last hosted the Super Bowl back in 2016 (Super Bowl 50). The Bay Area is known for its "microclimates," but since it's February, it won't be scorching. It'll likely be a crisp, cool evening.
NBC is reportedly charging a staggering $7 million for a 30-second commercial this year. That’s even with the price held steady from the previous year. Advertisers are betting big that the combination of the NFL playoffs and the Olympic lead-in will create the biggest TV audience in history. Last year's game drew over 127 million viewers, and with the "Bad Bunny effect" bringing in a massive global audience, we could see that record shattered.
Logistics for the Super Bowl Party
Basically, if you’re hosting, you want people at your house by 5:30 p.m. ET. That gives everyone an hour to settle in, grab a drink, and catch the tail end of the pregame show.
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The NFL has already confirmed that Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones are part of the pregame lineup, so there’s plenty to watch before the actual kickoff.
One thing people always forget: the game is long. Even though the official clock is 60 minutes, a Super Bowl usually lasts about three and a half to four hours because of the extended halftime and the sheer volume of commercials. You’re looking at a finish time around 10:00 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. ET.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your tech: If you’re streaming on Peacock, make sure your subscription is active and your app is updated at least 24 hours before the game.
- Set your DVR: If you’re planning to skip the commercials (though, why would you?), set your recording to start at 6:00 p.m. ET and add an extra hour to the end time just in case of overtime.
- Sync your clock: If you're betting on the "length of the National Anthem" prop bet, make sure you have a stopwatch ready for Charlie Puth’s first note.
- Local Time Check: Double-check your specific timezone, especially if you're traveling. The 6:30 p.m. ET start is the gold standard, but it’s easy to get mixed up when you’re moving across state lines.