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📰 Epic & Unexpected: What Time Does the Super Bowl Start in 2026? Full Guide With Positive & Negative Angles
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Here’s everything you need to know about what time does the Super Bowl start, the kickoff schedule, how to watch it, and why some fans are thrilled while others aren’t. This article is based on the latest news for Super Bowl LX — one of the most anticipated sports events of the year.
🏈 What Time Does the Super Bowl Start?
The Super Bowl LX kickoff is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This means that in Pacific Time (PT), the game starts around 3:30 p.m. — a time slot designed to capture viewers across the U.S. in prime late-afternoon and early-evening hours.
📺 Note: The official broadcast window on NBC and streaming platforms like Peacock opens hours earlier, with pre-game shows beginning in the early afternoon.
📺 Kickoff vs. Pregame: What Does “Start Time” Really Mean?
When fans ask “what time does the Super Bowl start?”, it can refer to two different things:
- Official Kickoff Time: The moment the football game action begins — about 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Broadcast Start Time: Super Bowl coverage, including expert analysis and special segments, typically begins hours earlier on NBC and Peacock so viewers don’t miss any hype or build-up.
⚠️ Important: The kickoff is often a few minutes after the listed start time — due to introductions, anthems, and opening ceremonies.
📡 Where and How to Watch
✅ TV Broadcast:
- NBC will air Super Bowl LX live nationally.
- Spanish-language feeds are available on Telemundo and Universo.
📱 Streaming Options:
- Peacock: Live stream of the game and pre-game shows.
- NFL+ and other services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV also carry it (subscription or trials may be required).
🎧 For radio fans, the game is also available via national broadcasts on platforms like Westwood One.
🎤 Halftime Show & Other Entertainment Timing
Even though kickoff is the official start of the game, many viewers mainly tune in for the halftime performance — this year headlined by Bad Bunny. His set is expected to begin around 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. ET, depending on the game’s first half flow.
👍 Positive Highlights About the Start Time
📆 Designed for Maximum Viewership
The 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff is a well-calculated schedule: late enough for East Coast prime time and early enough for West Coast afternoon viewers. This has helped Super Bowl broadcasts consistently draw massive audiences year after year.
🎉 Long Build-Up Ads & Storytelling
Fans get hours of pre-game hype — from coach interviews to player insight segments — making it more than just a football game.
📊 Streaming Accessibility
Multiple apps and streaming options — especially Peacock — mean viewers aren’t restricted to cable, so fans have more ways than ever to catch kickoff.
👎 Negative Fan Frustrations
🕐 Late Evening Finish
For many East Coast viewers, the game doesn’t end until close to or after 10 p.m. ET, which can be late on a school/work night.
📺 Not Always On Time
Even though 6:30 p.m. ET is listed as kickoff, the actual first play can be delayed — which frustrates fans who tune in exactly at start time.
📶 Streaming Confusion
Because streaming platforms vary (not all have Peacock or NBC), some viewers are annoyed about needing multiple subscriptions to ensure they don’t miss kickoff.
🕒 Quick Summary: What Time Does the Super Bowl Start? (Final Take)
🔥 Super Bowl LX kicks off at ~6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
⏱️ Pregame coverage starts hours earlier on NBC and streaming services like Peacock.
🎤 The halftime show is expected between ~8:00 – 8:30 p.m. ET.
📲 For full details on timing and viewing options, check out this news guide: [Where to watch Super Bowl 2026 & start time info](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/where-to-watch-super-bowl-2026-seahawks-patriots-tv-channel-live-stream-start-time-and-prediction/)