You’ve got the wings marinating. The guest list is a delicate balance of die-hard fans and people who are just there for the commercials. But the one thing that actually ruins a party is everyone showing up forty minutes after the coin toss because you didn't know the answer to the most basic question: when does super bowl start?
The short answer is 6:30 p.m. ET. But honestly, if you tune in at 6:30, you've already missed the flyover, the national anthem, and that weirdly tense moment when the captains stare each other down at midfield.
Super Bowl LX is taking place on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This year, the NFL is heading back to the West Coast, specifically to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Because the game is being played in the Pacific Time Zone, the local kickoff is actually quite early—3:30 p.m. PT.
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When Does Super Bowl Start and Why the Timing Matters
Timing is everything in football. While the official "kickoff" is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, the actual pigskin usually doesn't meet the toe until 6:34 or 6:35 p.m. The league builds in a few minutes of buffer for the television broadcast intro and the coin toss.
If you're trying to plan your Sunday, here is how the clock looks across the country:
- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m.
NBC is handling the broadcast this year, and they aren't just showing up for the game. They’ll have pre-game coverage starting as early as 1:00 p.m. ET. If you’re the kind of person who likes to see the players walking into the stadium in their custom suits, you’ll want to be on the couch way before the sun goes down on the East Coast.
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The Halftime Window: Don't Walk Away Too Soon
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Super Bowl is that it follows the same timing as a regular-season game. It doesn’t. A normal NFL halftime is about 12 to 13 minutes. The Super Bowl halftime is a massive, complex production that lasts roughly 30 minutes.
For Super Bowl LX, Bad Bunny is the headliner. Given his massive global reach and the fact that the NFL is leaning hard into the "cultural moment" vibe, this show is expected to be a spectacle. If the game starts on time at 6:30 p.m. ET, you can expect the halftime show to begin somewhere around 8:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET.
But remember, football is unpredictable. If we get a first half filled with penalties, reviews, or a high-scoring shootout, that start time for the music can easily slide toward 8:30 p.m. ET.
Who is Performing Before Kickoff?
If you're wondering when does super bowl start for the music, the festivities actually begin about 20 minutes before the game. This year’s pre-game lineup is pretty stacked:
- Charlie Puth will be performing the National Anthem.
- Brandi Carlile is slated for "America the Beautiful."
- Coco Jones is performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
These performances usually wrap up by 6:25 p.m. ET, leading directly into the coin toss. If you want to see Charlie Puth hit those high notes, you need to be seated by 6:15 p.m.
Where to Watch and Stream
Since NBC has the rights this year, your main destination is the NBC broadcast channel. However, if you've cut the cord, you aren't out of luck.
Peacock will be the primary streaming home for the game. It’s worth noting that streaming often has a "latency" or delay of about 30 to 60 seconds compared to the over-the-air broadcast. If you’re following a live betting app or a group chat with friends who have cable, you might hear them cheering for a touchdown before the play even starts on your screen. Keep your phone face down if you want to avoid spoilers.
Telemundo will carry the Spanish-language broadcast, and the NFL+ app will also have a mobile stream available for subscribers.
Why Santa Clara Changes the Vibe
Levi’s Stadium isn't new to this—they hosted Super Bowl 50 back when the Broncos beat the Panthers. But because it’s in Northern California, the weather is a huge factor. Unlike last year’s game in New Orleans or the previous one in Las Vegas, this isn't a dome.
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It’s an open-air stadium. February in Santa Clara can be beautiful, but it can also be rainy. If the forecast calls for a downpour, the game might slow down, which actually pushes the end time later into the night. Usually, the Super Bowl wraps up around 10:00 p.m. or 10:15 p.m. ET, but if there’s a weather delay or overtime (like we saw in 2024), you could be looking at an 11:00 p.m. finish.
Common Myths About the Super Bowl Start Time
A lot of people think the game starts at 6:00 p.m. ET because that’s when a lot of "Big Game" parties officially begin. That’s just the NFL’s way of making sure you’re in front of the TV to watch the commercials.
Another myth? That the game is on a Saturday. Every year, there’s a petition to move the Super Bowl to Saturday so people don't have to go to work on "Super Bowl Monday." Every year, the NFL ignores it. Sunday is king for ratings, and the league isn't changing that anytime soon.
Actionable Tips for Your Game Day
- Check your signal: If you’re streaming on Peacock, restart your router about an hour before kickoff to clear any digital cobwebs.
- The "30-Minute Rule": If you’re hosting, tell guests the game starts at 6:00 p.m. ET. This gives them time to get their food and settle in before the actual 6:30 p.m. kickoff.
- Sync your apps: If you're using a second-screen experience or betting apps, make sure you're on the fastest connection possible to avoid the dreaded "spoiler text."
- Food Timing: The best time to put the main course out is right as the second quarter begins. That way, everyone is fed and happy by the time Bad Bunny takes the stage for halftime.
Knowing exactly when does super bowl start is the difference between being a legendary host and the person who misses the opening kickoff because they were still heating up the spinach dip. Set your clocks for 6:30 p.m. ET on February 8, and enjoy the show.