Super Bowl Watch Guide: Start Time, How to Watch, and the Best Snacks for a Crowd

Super Bowl LX is on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern. “Kickoff” is the moment the ball is expected to be kicked, not when pregame coverage starts. If you’re hosting, the easiest path to a great night is to lock in your viewing setup early, choose foods that stay good through halftime, and build one self-serve snack station so you’re not stuck in the kitchen.

Super Bowl start time and key time zones

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET (US/Canada)

Quick conversions for Feb. 8, 2026:

• US/Canada (Eastern): 6:30 p.m. Sunday

• US/Canada (Central): 5:30 p.m. Sunday

• US/Canada (Mountain): 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• US/Canada (Pacific): 3:30 p.m. Sunday

• UK (GMT): 11:30 p.m. Sunday

• South Africa (SAST): 1:30 a.m. Monday (Feb. 9)

Pregame coverage: Typically begins hours before kickoff. If you like the build-up, plan to turn the TV on mid-afternoon (Eastern) rather than right at kickoff.

How to watch: the simple checklist that prevents game-night panic

The game will be available on major live TV options and a mainstream live-streaming option in the US. Outside the US, availability depends on the country and your TV/streaming providers.

If you’re streaming, treat it like a live event (more demanding than normal on-demand shows):

• Update your TV/streaming device and apps earlier in the day

• Sign in and test playback at least 60 minutes before kickoff

• Check audio settings (crowds make dialogue feel quieter than usual)

• Turn off power-saving/sleep timers on the TV and streaming device

• Have a backup plan (second device, cable login, or antenna if you use one)

A “host-proof” viewing setup

1. Pick the main screen with the best seating and sightlines.

2. Assign a tech buddy (not you) to handle audio, logins, and troubleshooting.

3. Do a two-minute test: picture, sound, captions, and volume at “party level.”

4. Set up a charging station so phones don’t die late in the game.

Hosting flow: plan food around the game

The best hosting rhythm is less about fancy recipes and more about timing.

• 1–2 hours before kickoff: warm dishes begin, cold spreads get assembled, drinks get iced

• Kickoff to halftime: serve foods that can sit without getting sad

• Halftime: quick restock plus one “fresh tray” if you want a big moment

• Fourth quarter: dessert and coffee/tea (snacking ramps up again)

Best snacks for a crowd (what actually works)

A reliable spread has three layers: one hearty anchor, two grab-and-go items, and a couple lighter options so everyone finds something.

Crowd-pleasers that hold up well

• Chili bar (keep warm in a slow cooker; toppings on the side)

• Pulled chicken or pulled pork sliders (warm tray + buns; pickles optional)

• Wings or tenders (oven-baked or air-fried in batches; sauce half, keep half plain)

• Meatballs (sweet-and-spicy or marinara; toothpicks make life easier)

• Sheet-pan nachos (easy to refresh at halftime)

One self-serve “build-your-own” station (the host’s best friend)

Pick one:

• Nacho bar: chips, queso, seasoned beef/beans, salsa, jalapeños, guac

• Taco bar: tortillas, protein, beans, lettuce, pico, cheese, sauces

• Baked potato bar: small potatoes, butter, cheese, bacon bits, chives, chili

A bar setup feeds everyone without you plating anything.

The underrated MVPs (cheap, fast, and always gone)

• Two dips + two dippers (one cheesy, one fresh)

• Crunch bowl (pretzels, popcorn, mixed nuts, snack mix)

• Veg + something creamy (ranch-style dip, hummus, or yogurt-based dip)

• Pickle tray (pickles, olives, pepperoncini—salty snacks keep people happy)

A simple menu formula for 8–14 people

Choose:

• 1 main warm item (chili OR sliders OR wings)

• 1 bar (nachos OR tacos OR potatoes)

• 2 dips (one rich, one fresh)

• 1 crunchy bowl

• 1 easy dessert (brownies, cookies, or bite-size bars)

That mix feels abundant without turning your kitchen into a restaurant.

Make-ahead strategy: do less on game day

The day before

• Make chili, meatballs, or pulled meat (they reheat beautifully)

• Chop toppings and store in containers

• Mix dips; keep garnishes separate

• Portion snacks into bowls you can refill quickly

Game day

• Reheat one big warm dish slowly

• Bake/air-fry one “fresh tray” close to kickoff

• Set out the snack bar and let guests build their own plates

Game-day checklist (copy/paste)

• Seating plan: sightlines, extra chairs, blankets

• Sound check: volume, and captions if the room is loud

• Streaming check: updates, login, test playback

• Backup plan: second device or alternate live TV option

• Heat plan: slow cooker/warming tray for one main item

• Trash plan: visible bin + extra bags

• Plates/napkins: more than you think, placed in two spots

• Halftime reset: 10 minutes to restock food and refresh drinks

Is “start time” the same as pregame?

No. Kickoff is the start of play. Pregame coverage typically begins hours earlier.

What’s the easiest way to avoid streaming issues?

Update and sign in early, test playback, and have a backup option ready.

What snack disappears the fastest?

Handheld salty foods: wings/tenders, sliders, chips and queso, and snack mix.

How do I keep hot food hot without constant cooking?

Use one slow cooker for the main warm dish and time one tray of something fresh near kickoff.

What’s the best last-minute upgrade?

Add a build-your-own bar (nachos or tacos) plus two dips. It looks generous and runs itself.