Super Bowl LX kickoff time set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, and the biggest practical question for watch parties is now settled: Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The matchup features the New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The 6:30 p.m. ET slot is the league’s familiar prime-time window, designed to keep the game in an evening viewing block for the Eastern and Central U.S. while remaining an afternoon event on the West Coast.
Kickoff time vs. opening kickoff
The listed kickoff time (6:30 p.m. ET) is the official start of the broadcast’s game window. The opening kickoff often happens a few minutes later after final pregame elements—player introductions, the national anthem, and ceremonial moments—wrap up.
If you’re timing food, bets, or a quick run to the store, treat 6:30 p.m. ET as “be seated” time rather than the exact second the ball is kicked.
Game-day timeline in Eastern Time
Here’s a simple guide to when the key moments are expected to happen on Sunday (all times ET):
| Event | Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Pregame coverage begins | 1:00 p.m. |
| Opening ceremony window | 6:00 p.m. |
| Scheduled kickoff | 6:30 p.m. |
| Opening kickoff (typical) | Around 6:40 p.m. (approx.) |
The biggest variable is the length of the pregame sequence immediately before kickoff. If you want to catch every on-field moment, aim to be tuned in by 6:00 p.m. ET.
Why the Super Bowl starts at 6:30 p.m.
The Super Bowl’s 6:30 p.m. ET start time is a carefully chosen compromise across time zones and viewing habits:
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East Coast: Early evening, allowing a full game plus postgame coverage without pushing too deep into the night.
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Midwest: Early-to-mid evening, convenient for gatherings and family viewing.
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West Coast: Mid-afternoon, keeping the game from running into late evening and making it more accessible for casual viewers.
It also gives broadcasters a full day of runway for pregame shows, features, and sponsor programming that build toward kickoff.
What to plan for if you’re hosting
If you’re hosting a crowd, the kickoff time helps you map the entire night:
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Food timing: Most hosts aim to have the main spread ready by 6:00 p.m. ET, with snacks out earlier for early arrivals.
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Arrival window: A practical “show up” time is 5:30 p.m. ET, which leaves room for settling in before the final pregame stretch.
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Halftime expectations: Halftime typically lands well into the second hour of game time. If you’re planning a special dish or a quick dessert drop, keep it flexible—commercial breaks and game flow can shift the exact moment.
If you’re watching with people who only care about the game action, the cleanest rule is simple: TV on by 6:15 p.m. ET, phones down by 6:30 p.m. ET.
What’s next after kickoff
Once the game begins, the schedule becomes less predictable. Timeouts, reviews, penalties, and scoring pace can stretch or compress the broadcast in ways that make second-half timing hard to pin down precisely.
What is predictable is the rhythm: a fast opening sequence, a longer halftime break than a typical regular-season game, and an extended postgame block that can run well past the final whistle—especially if the finish is close.
Sources consulted: NFL, NBC, Los Angeles Times, Yahoo Sports
