What time does the Super Bowl officially start?
Super Bowl LX in 2026 kicks off at 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET in Santa Clara, with pre-game coverage starting much earlier.
Sylvie Vance
The official kickoff time for Super Bowl LX (60) on Sunday, February 8, 2026, is scheduled for **3:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)** in Santa Clara, California, which translates to **6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)** (NBC Sports) [1, 3]. This standard late-afternoon local start time is crucial for maximizing both in-person attendance and the massive evening television viewing window across the country. Understanding this precise moment is the first step in planning your entire game-day experience, but the "start" of your Super Bowl experience often begins hours earlier with extensive pre-game programming.
### What is the exact kickoff time, and what time zone does that apply to?
The official NFL designation for the Super Bowl kickoff time is always anchored to the local time of the host stadium. For Super Bowl LX in 2026, the game will take place in Santa Clara, California, meaning the **3:30 PM PT** kickoff is the primary reference point [1]. For the vast majority of the national television audience, the key time is **6:30 PM ET**, as this is the time slot utilized by the primary broadcast network, NBC [2, 4]. It is essential for viewers to convert based on their local time zone, as this standard timing ensures maximum viewership across all major US markets. For instance, Central Time viewers should tune in at 5:30 PM CT, and Mountain Time viewers at 4:30 PM MT.
### How does the official start time differ from the start of the pre-game coverage?
While the **6:30 PM ET** kickoff is the moment the ball is snapped, the "Super Bowl experience" for viewers begins much earlier with dedicated network coverage [2]. Networks typically roll out extensive pre-game programming starting in the early afternoon. For the 2026 game on NBC, the *Super Bowl LX Pregame Show* is scheduled to begin at **1:00 PM ET** [2]. This early window is dedicated to features, team analysis, celebrity interviews, and often, tailgating reports. For those interested only in the ceremonial aspects—the coin toss and the national anthem—these events usually occur 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled kickoff, around 6:10 PM ET. Planning to tune in before 6:15 PM ET ensures you do not miss these traditional, pre-game moments.
### What factors typically influence the final kickoff time for Super Bowl Sunday?
The primary driver for the fixed late-afternoon local kickoff time is commercial advertising revenue and network scheduling optimization [5]. The NFL has established a pattern over the last decade to ensure the game concludes during the prime-time viewing window, typically ending around 9:30 PM PT/12:30 AM ET, allowing for a manageable finish time that keeps the maximum number of viewers engaged [5]. While minor delays due to weather or procedural issues can occur, the NFL is highly disciplined in maintaining the stated time. Factors that *do* cause observable changes are the length of the halftime show and the precision of the post-game ceremonies, which, while not affecting the *official* start, influence the overall broadcast duration.
### Where will the Super Bowl be held next year, and how does the location impact scheduling?
Super Bowl LX will be hosted at the stadium in **Santa Clara, California** [1, 2]. The location dictates the local time zone (PT), which sets the initial 3:30 PM local start. The significance of this location choice relates to weather and infrastructure. Santa Clara in early February offers a statistically favorable climate for outdoor football compared to venues in the Northeast or Midwest, reducing the likelihood of weather-related delays that might otherwise force a major schedule alteration. The stadium campus itself opens much earlier—at 11:30 AM PT—to accommodate fan experiences before the gates are fully dedicated to game-day entry procedures [1].
## Key Takeaways
* **Official Kickoff:** Super Bowl LX is scheduled for **3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET** on Sunday, February 8, 2026 [1, 3].
* **Pre-Game Lead-In:** Major network pre-game coverage begins significantly earlier, often at 1:00 PM ET, providing ample opportunity to settle in [2].
* **Local vs. National:** Always default to the local kickoff time (PT) when referencing the physical event, but recognize the 6:30 PM ET time as the standard for national viewing schedules [4].
* **Consistency is Key:** The NFL adheres closely to this evening kickoff window to maximize advertising revenue and maintain viewership through the halftime show and post-game analysis.
The consistent timing of the Super Bowl has made it a reliable cultural touchstone. By understanding the precise kickoff moment and the surrounding schedule, fans can move beyond simply asking "what time does it start" to strategically planning their engagement, whether they are hosting a party or simply tuning in for the highly anticipated performance moments between halves.
## References
* [1] NFL.com. Super Bowl LX Gameday Guide.
* [2] NBC Sports. How to watch 2026 Super Bowl: TV info, schedule, kickoff....
* [3] Indianapolis Star. Super Bowl 2026 kickoff start time tonight: Where to watch....
* [4] DAZN. What time does Super Bowl LX start and finish?
* [5] NBC Bay Area. Super Bowl guide: How to watch, date and time, halftime....