Honestly, if you're asking when do the super bowl start, you're probably trying to time your wings, your beer run, or your bathroom breaks so you don't miss the only three hours of television that actually matters every February. People always get this mixed up because "start time" means something different to the NFL than it does to your casual watch party host.
For the upcoming Super Bowl LX, the game is officially set for Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET. If you’re on the West Coast, that’s a breezy 3:30 PM PT. It's basically a late lunch. But here's the kicker: the broadcast starts way before that. NBC is the home for the 2026 game, and they’ll start their "pre-game" coverage as early as 1:00 PM ET. That’s five and a half hours of former players in expensive suits talking about "momentum" before a single foot touches a ball.
The Real Timeline for Super Bowl LX
Let’s be real. Nobody actually sits down at 1:00 PM unless they’re a die-hard. But you need to know the specific beats of the evening so you don't miss the National Anthem or the coin toss.
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Here is the rough timeline you should keep in your back pocket:
- 1:00 PM ET: Pre-game coverage officially begins on NBC and Peacock. This is mostly fluff, human interest stories, and very loud graphics.
- 6:00 PM ET: The "Pre-kickoff" window. This is when the energy shifts. You’ll see the flyovers, the introduction of the teams, and the ceremonial stuff.
- 6:20 PM ET: The National Anthem. For 2026, Charlie Puth is slated to perform. It usually lasts about two minutes, but gamblers have been known to lose mortgage payments betting on the "over/under" of that duration.
- 6:30 PM ET: The official kickoff. This is the answer to the big question. This is when the game actually starts.
The venue this year is Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It's the home of the San Francisco 49ers. Because it's a West Coast game, the sun will still be out for the first half, which always looks kinda weird on TV compared to the usual night-game vibes we get when it’s played in Florida or Arizona.
Why the Start Time Matters for Your Party
If you tell people to show up at 6:30 PM, they’re going to miss the opening drive. You've gotta bake in some "socializing time." Most successful parties have people arriving by 5:00 PM ET. This gives everyone an hour and a half to argue about who’s going to win and fill up on spinach artichoke dip before the stress of the actual game sets in.
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Also, consider the halftime show. Since the game starts at 6:30 PM ET, the first half usually wraps up around 8:00 PM or 8:15 PM. That’s when Bad Bunny will take the stage. If you're only there for the music, that’s your window. He’s the first Latino solo artist to headline the show, so the production is expected to be massive.
What Most People Get Wrong About the End Time
People always ask "when do the super bowl start," but they rarely ask when it ends. They should.
A standard NFL game takes about three hours. The Super Bowl is not a standard game. It’s a commercial-selling machine. Between the extended halftime show (which is about 25-30 minutes versus the usual 12-15) and the $7 million 30-second ads, this thing drags.
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Expect the game to finish around 10:00 PM ET or 10:15 PM ET. If there’s overtime? Forget it. You’re looking at 11:00 PM. Tell your boss you might be "working from home" on Monday.
How to Watch (Without Cable)
If you've cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. Since it's on NBC, you can catch it on Peacock. It’ll also be on the NFL+ app. If you have a digital antenna and live near a city, you can probably pick up the local NBC affiliate for free. It’s the old-school way, but it works perfectly and has zero streaming lag. There is nothing worse than hearing your neighbor scream because of a touchdown while your stream is still showing a huddle.
Actionable Prep List for Super Bowl Sunday
- Check your tech by 4:00 PM ET: Don't wait until 6:25 PM to realize your Peacock app needs a 2GB update or your internet is acting flaky.
- Sync your clocks: If you’re betting or following a live-chat, make sure you aren't on a delayed stream. Turn off "low latency" modes on your smart TV if they cause stuttering.
- Plan the "Bad Bunny" Window: If you have guests who don't care about football, tell them the concert starts at 8:00 PM ET.
- Monday Morning Strategy: The game ends late. Stock up on coffee or clear your morning calendar now.
By the time the coin hits the turf in Santa Clara, you’ll be ready. Just remember: 6:30 PM ET is the moment of truth. Everything else is just noise.