Super Bowl time: Kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8, 2026
Super Bowl Sunday has arrived, and the most searched question is simple: what’s the Super Bowl time? The NFL’s championship game is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET—a familiar evening window designed to keep the biggest audience locked in from the opening whistle through the trophy presentation.
While 6:30 p.m. ET is the listed start, fans should expect the ball to be in the air shortly after that time once pregame ceremonies wrap, including player introductions, the national anthem, and the coin toss.
Super Bowl time: the exact kickoff window
The official listing is 6:30 p.m. ET, but the first snap typically comes a few minutes later. That’s because the game broadcast builds in a final stretch of pageantry right at the top of the hour: final analyst hits, introductions, anthem, flyover (if scheduled), and the coin toss. If you want to see the opening kickoff rather than just “pregame,” plan to be settled in by 6:15 p.m. ET.
For viewers hosting parties, that timing matters. Food runs late, guests arrive in waves, and a “we’ll turn it on at 6:30” plan can still miss the opening sequence if the room is busy. Treat 6:30 p.m. ET as the anchor—and aim earlier if you care about every moment.
Pregame coverage begins early
The championship broadcast day doesn’t start at dinnertime. Extended pregame programming begins in the early afternoon, featuring team arrivals, interviews, tactical breakdowns, and on-field set pieces from the stadium. Many viewers tune in for the final hour before kickoff, when inactives, warmups, and last-minute injury updates can reshape expectations.
That long runway is also where the Super Bowl becomes a national event beyond football—celebrity sightings, commercial teases, and the final framing of storylines that defined the season. If you only want football, the sweet spot is the final 30–45 minutes before kickoff, when the focus narrows to matchups and final preparations.
A quick schedule for planning your day
Below is a practical guide to the key timing windows in Eastern Time (ET). Times marked “approx.” reflect how the game can flow differently depending on scoring, reviews, and stoppages.
| Event | Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Pregame show begins | 1:00 p.m. |
| Recommended “don’t-miss” tune-in | 6:15 p.m. |
| Listed kickoff time | 6:30 p.m. |
| Halftime show window | 7:30–8:30 p.m. (approx.) |
| Trophy presentation | 10:00–10:30 p.m. (approx.) |
Why the halftime show time is a range
Unlike kickoff, halftime is hard to pin to a single minute because it depends on how the first half unfolds. A fast-moving half with fewer stoppages can push halftime earlier, while a half packed with scoring drives, reviews, and timeouts can slide it later.
If you’re tuning in specifically for the halftime performance, the safest strategy is to start watching by 7:15 p.m. ET and stay through the next hour. That window is wide on purpose—because the clock you see on screen is game clock, not real time.
What to expect after the final whistle
The final minutes of a Super Bowl extend well beyond the end of regulation. After the last play, there’s a short pause for confirmation, on-field celebration, and MVP announcements before the trophy ceremony. In a close game—or one that goes to overtime—the endpoint can move significantly.
For anyone coordinating rides, childcare, or a venue reservation, it’s best to assume the broadcast will run close to four hours from kickoff, with extra buffer for overtime or extended postgame coverage.
Sources consulted: NFL, Associated Press, NBC Sports, CBS News
