What Time Is the Super Bowl? Find Out When Kickoff Starts

It starts at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Super Bowl Sunday—so if you’re on the East Coast, plan for 6:30 p.m. ET; in the Central Time zone it’s 5:30 p.m., Mountain 4:30 p.m., and Pacific 3:30 p.m. ET is the official kickoff anchor for national broadcasts.

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The Kickoff Details You Really Need to Know

Game Day, Streamlined

Super Bowl LX took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The official kickoff was set for 6:30 p.m. ET, with corresponding times across the U.S.:
– Central—5:30 p.m.
– Mountain—4:30 p.m.
– Pacific—3:30 p.m.

Why the Top Billing Goes to Eastern Time

The NFL designates Eastern Time as the standard kickoff reference, regardless of where the game is played. This helps keep national broadcast schedules, ad timing, and commentary feeds consistent.

Real-World Coverage and Details

NBC and Peacock began their Super Bowl coverage early, with pregame programming running all afternoon.
Specifically, NBC’s “Legendary February” lineup included a “Super Bowl LX Pregame Show” starting at 1:00 p.m. ET, leading into the 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

According to the NFL’s own Gameday Guide, kickoff was about 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, matching the 6:30 p.m. Eastern start.

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Why Kickoff Time Matters—And How to Prep

Timing for Fans and Hosts

A 3:30 p.m. PT kickoff gives West Coast fans a good afternoon window. Tailgates, gatherings, and snack prep can all start early without pushing into late evening.

Don’t Miss the Key Moments

The NFL recommends tuning in a bit early—around 6:00 p.m. ET—to catch the national anthem, coin toss, and opening ceremonies.
These moments add to the spectacle and are half the fun of Super Bowl Sunday.

Practical Reminder

No one wants to miss kickoff because they misjudged time zones. If you’re anywhere outside the Eastern Time zone, it’s helpful to set your clocks—e.g., 6:30 p.m. ET = 3:30 p.m. PT. Getting settled by 6:25 p.m. ET ensures you’re ready.

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Quick Guide: Super Bowl LX Kickoff Times

| Time Zone | Kickoff Time |
|———————-|——————–|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 6:30 p.m. |
| Central Time (CT) | 5:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 4:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 3:30 p.m. |

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Final Takeaway

Kickoff for Super Bowl LX was at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT / 4:30 p.m. MT / 3:30 p.m. PT—a consistent slot designed for maximum reach and ease across time zones. Preset your alarms, cue up the snacks, and settle in around 15 minutes before kickoff to catch every moment of the pregame magic.

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FAQs

What time did halftime show start?

The main halftime performance by Bad Bunny likely began around 8:00 p.m. ET, following typical pacing and programming flow.

When did pregame coverage begin?

NBC and Peacock pregame programming started early afternoon, with the official “Super Bowl LX Pregame Show” beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Did the kickoff ever vary from 6:30 p.m. ET?

Super Bowl LX stuck to the 6:30 p.m. ET standard. While kickoff is always approximate, it’s usually within a 5-minute window—so you can count on the timing.

How to plan if you’re hosting a viewing party?

Set the start time by your local conversion. For example, on the West Coast, begin gathering guests by 3:15–3:20 p.m. PT so they’re seated for kickoff and the pregame buzz.