What Time Does the Super Bowl Start? Super Bowl 2026 Where to Watch, Kickoff Time & Full Guide

The wait is finally over. The final whistle of the 2025–26 NFL season is just hours away as the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks prepare to collide in Super Bowl LX. From coast to coast and around the world, millions of fans are asking the same two questions: what time does the Super Bowl start, and super bowl 2026 where to watch?

This ultimate viewer’s guide answers both—while also diving deep into the historic matchup, the halftime spectacle, player storylines, and why this Super Bowl could become one of the most memorable in modern NFL history.

Whether you’re planning a watch party, setting up a stream, or simply counting down to kickoff, here’s everything you need to know.

What Time Does the Super Bowl Start in 2026?

Let’s begin with the most searched question of the day: what time does the Super Bowl start?

Super Bowl LX Kickoff Time –

Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Kickoff Time:
- 3:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- 2:30 PM Central Time (CT)
- 1:30 PM Mountain Time (MT)
- 12:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)

This earlier kickoff reflects the West Coast location and allows fans nationwide to enjoy the game without a late-night finish.

📌 Pro Tip: Pregame coverage begins hours earlier, so if you’re wondering what time does the Super Bowl start on TV coverage, the broadcast effectively starts in the morning.

Super Bowl 2026 Where to Watch: TV and Streaming Options

The second most searched question today is super bowl 2026 where to watch, and the answer is simple: everywhere.

Television Broadcast –

Network: NBC
Pregame Coverage: Begins at 10:00 AM ET

NBC’s broadcast includes:

Player features
Locker room access
Analyst breakdowns
Live coverage from Santa Clara

Streaming Platforms (Cord-Cutters Covered)

If you’re searching super bowl 2026 where to watch online, here are your best options:

Platform	Available
Peacock	✅
NFL+	✅
Hulu + Live TV	✅
YouTube TV	✅
FuboTV	✅
Sling TV	✅
DIRECTV Stream	✅

Most platforms include DVR options and mobile access, making it easier than ever to watch the Super Bowl anywhere.

Where Is Super Bowl LX Being Played?

Stadium: Levi’s Stadium
City: Santa Clara, California
Home Team: San Francisco 49ers

Levi’s Stadium hosts the Super Bowl for the second time, the first being Super Bowl 50 in 2016. A decade later, the Bay Area once again becomes the epicenter of the football world.

The California setting also influences kickoff timing, entertainment choices, and the overall vibe of Super Bowl LX.

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A Historic Matchup: Patriots vs Seahawks, Revisited

Super Bowl LX isn’t just another championship—it’s a sequel loaded with emotion, history, and unfinished business.

New England Patriots: A Dynasty Beyond Brady

This is the Patriots’ 12th Super Bowl appearance, extending their own NFL record.

Super Bowl Titles: 6
Overall Record: 6–5
First Appearance Without Tom Brady

For the first time in decades, New England reaches the Super Bowl without the quarterback who defined an era. A win would confirm that the Patriots’ dynasty transcends players and generations.

Seattle Seahawks: Redemption on the Biggest Stage

Seattle enters its fourth Super Bowl appearance, seeking its second Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl XLVIII: Win (43–8 vs Broncos)
Super Bowl XLIX: Loss to Patriots (goal-line interception)

That loss still haunts the franchise—and facing New England again offers a rare chance at redemption.

What Time Does the Super Bowl Start vs Pregame Events?

Many fans ask what time does the Super Bowl start but forget how early the day begins.

Super Bowl Sunday Timeline

Event	Time (ET)
Pregame Show Begins	10:00 AM
Player Introductions	~3:00 PM
National Anthem	~3:20 PM
Kickoff	3:30 PM
Halftime Show	~5:00 PM
Postgame Coverage	Immediately after

Knowing this timeline helps fans plan food, parties, and streaming logins without missing a moment.

Halftime Show: Bad Bunny Takes the Global Stage

The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show will be headlined by Bad Bunny, one of the most streamed artists in the world.

Why This Halftime Show Matters

Six-time Grammy winner
Global Latin music icon
First solo Latin headliner in Super Bowl history

His performance is expected to blend reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop with high-energy visuals—making it one of the most culturally significant halftime shows ever.

Pregame Performances: Music Meets Tradition

Before kickoff, Super Bowl LX will feature a powerful lineup of artists:

National Anthem: Charlie Puth
America the Beautiful: Brandi Carlile
Lift Every Voice and Sing: Coco Jones

Each performance brings a different musical style, reflecting the diversity and emotional gravity of the Super Bowl stage.

The Human Story: Sam Darnold’s Remarkable Comeback

One of the most compelling reasons fans are tuning in—beyond what time does the Super Bowl start—is quarterback Sam Darnold.

Once labeled a draft disappointment, Darnold revived his career in Seattle with:

Smart decision-making
Efficient play-action offense
Leadership in high-pressure moments

A Super Bowl win would redefine his legacy entirely—from NFL journeyman to champion.

Super Bowl 2026 Where to Watch for Free?

While most legal streams require a subscription, many offer free trials, especially for Super Bowl weekend.

Best options:

Peacock free trial (select regions)
FuboTV trial
YouTube TV trial

📌 Always confirm trial availability before kickoff.

Key Matchups to Watch on the Field

Patriots Defense vs Seahawks Offense

New England’s disciplined defense must contain Seattle’s balanced attack.

Quarterback Legacy Game

Both quarterbacks have a chance to define—or redefine—their careers forever.

Coaching Chess Match

Adjustments after halftime could determine the champion.

FAQ: Super Bowl LX Viewer Questions

Q1: What time does the Super Bowl start exactly?

👉 Kickoff is at 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT.

Q2: Super Bowl 2026 where to watch without cable?

👉 Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, NFL+, FuboTV.

Q3: Where is Super Bowl 2026 hosted?

👉 Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California.

Q4: Who performs at halftime?

👉 Bad Bunny.

Q5: What channel is Super Bowl 2026 on?

👉 NBC.

Final Super Bowl Sunday Checklist

✔ Know what time does the Super Bowl start
✔ Confirm super bowl 2026 where to watch
✔ Set streaming logins early
✔ Tune in for pregame coverage
✔ Enjoy one of the biggest nights in sports

Final Thoughts

Super Bowl LX is more than just a football game—it’s a collision of history, redemption, music, culture, and legacy. Whether you’re watching for the Patriots’ dynasty, the Seahawks’ redemption, the halftime show, or simply wondering what time does the Super Bowl start, this year’s event promises unforgettable moments.

Now that you know super bowl 2026 where to watch, all that’s left is to grab your snacks, gather your friends, and settle in as the Lombardi Trophy awaits its next home under the California sky.