The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event in the United States, and figuring out exactly when it kicks off can be surprisingly tricky. With multiple networks and streaming platforms giving different times, fans often find themselves scrambling to secure a spot in front of the TV.
At a Glance
- Game start: 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8, 2026
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
- Why it matters: Knowing the precise start time helps you avoid missing the opening kickoff, pre-game ceremonies, and the first commercial block.
Start Time Confusion
When people ask, “What time does the Super Bowl start?” the answer is not always straightforward. Google Trends shows that this question is one of the most searched topics each year, yet search results often list a range of times: 6 p.m., 6:30, 6:40, or 6:45 p.m. ET.
Dennis Deninger, a former ESPN production executive, explains the discrepancy. He says the NFL and its broadcast partners aim to have viewers tuned in during the half-hour before kickoff, a period that is “the biggest showcase for the NFL.”
> “They’re hoping that people will tune in as early as possible in that 6-6:30 hour Eastern Time and catch most of the messaging that they want to deliver,” Deninger said.
The half-hour is also packed with pre-game activities: team introductions, the national anthem, the coin toss, and sometimes a special opening ceremony. These elements are rehearsed to ensure the game starts on time.
> “It is rehearsed ad nauseam and they hit it every time,” Weinberger, a former NFL Network executive producer, added.
Because of this focus on the 6-6:30 window, some outlets list the kickoff at 6 p.m., while others use 6:30 p.m. ET. The network’s own schedule for the 2026 game lists the start at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Why the Half-Hour Matters
The half-hour before kickoff is the most valuable advertising block of the year. Networks sell premium commercial slots during this time, and the NFL earns significant revenue from sponsorships.
- High-priced commercials: Advertisers pay top dollar for spots during the 6-6:30 window.
- Live pre-game coverage: NBC plans a 3 p.m. ET opening ceremony featuring Green Day.
- Audience engagement: The network wants viewers to arrive early to build hype and viewership numbers.
Because of this, the official start time can shift slightly. Deninger estimates the kickoff will be around 6:34 p.m. ET, a guess based on historical patterns.
Network Coverage and Scheduling
The 2026 Super Bowl LX will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock. The schedule is as follows:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:00 p.m. ET | Green Day opening ceremony |
| 5:00 p.m. ET | Team introductions |
| 5:30 p.m. ET | National anthem |
| 6:00 p.m. ET | Coin toss |
| 6:30 p.m. ET | Kickoff |
While the official kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET, the network’s pre-game programming starts at 5 p.m., giving viewers a full two hours of content before the first play.
How to Plan Your Game-Day
To avoid missing the kickoff or having your seat stolen by a relative, follow these steps:
- Set a reminder for 6:00 p.m. ET to be ready for the coin toss.
- Arrive early if you want to secure a good spot in front of the TV.
- Check your streaming app for the correct start time; Peacock lists 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Grab snacks early – the pre-game window is the best time for wings and pigs in a blanket.
If you’re hosting a party, consider setting a timer for 5:45 p.m. to start preparing the viewing area. This gives you a buffer before the live broadcast begins.
Super Bowl LX 2026 Details
- Date: Feb. 8, 2026
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Teams: New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks (exact matchup to be announced)
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, will host the game for the first time in the Bay Area. The venue’s capacity of 68,500 seats means fans can expect a packed stadium and a lively atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- The official kickoff time is 6:30 p.m. ET, but networks sometimes list 6 p.m. due to pre-game programming.
- The half-hour before kickoff is the most valuable advertising period, driving the network’s focus on early viewership.
- NBC’s 2026 schedule starts at 3 p.m. ET with a Green Day opening ceremony and runs through the kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Plan to arrive early and set reminders to secure a good seat and enjoy pre-game snacks without rushing.
With the Super Bowl set for Feb. 8, 2026, fans have plenty of time to prepare and ensure they’re not caught off-guard by the start time confusion.
