When does the Super Bowl start? Kickoff time, schedule, and what to know today

Super Bowl Sunday arrives on Feb. 8, 2026, and the most searched detail is straightforward: the game’s kickoff is scheduled for about 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans planning watch parties or travel should still expect some flexibility, because the ball is typically kicked a few minutes after the top-of-the-hour window once pregame ceremonies wrap.

Kickoff time: about 6:30 p.m. ET

The Super Bowl’s official kickoff window is approximately 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. That’s the moment the game is expected to begin, but not necessarily the exact second the opening kickoff occurs. The final timing is influenced by how long the on-field pageantry runs, including player introductions and the national anthem.

If you’re trying to avoid missing the first snap, aim to be settled in several minutes before 6:30 p.m. ET.

Pregame coverage starts much earlier

While the game begins in the early evening, the broadcast day starts far earlier. Most outlets build all-day coverage around the event, and the stadium schedule includes hours of warmups, arrivals, and on-field segments.

For viewers, the practical takeaway is simple: you do not need to tune in early to catch the opening kickoff, but you may want to if you care about:

• storylines and analysis,

• celebrity arrivals and red-carpet style segments,

• on-field ceremonies and music performances.

Anthem and halftime: when to expect them

The anthem is typically staged shortly before kickoff, and the halftime show begins once the second quarter ends. Because game flow varies—drives can be long, penalties can extend possessions, and replay reviews can add time—halftime is best treated as a window rather than an exact minute.

A common planning approach: treat the halftime show as roughly 90–120 minutes after kickoff in most game scripts, though it can land earlier or later depending on pace of play.

Quick timing guide for Sunday (ET)

Times beyond kickoff are approximate and can shift meaningfully based on game pace and stoppages.

Where it’s being played, and why timing matters

This year’s championship is in Santa Clara, California, which creates a three-hour gap between local time and Eastern Time. For fans traveling, meeting friends at bars, or coordinating food delivery, that time conversion is often where confusion starts.

Using ET as the reference point helps keep plans consistent nationwide—especially for guests calling in from different time zones or for hosts trying to time food, commercials, and halftime.

What to watch for right before kickoff

If you’re asking “When does the Super Bowl start?” because you want to skip the long buildup, here’s the most reliable rule: tune in by 6:20 p.m. ET. That buffer covers the on-field run-up and reduces the odds you miss the first possession.

Also keep in mind that big events occasionally run a few minutes behind schedule, so the opening kickoff can land slightly after 6:30 p.m. ET even when everything is running smoothly.

Sources consulted: NFL, Associated Press, Reuters, NBC Sports