Wondering what time does the Super Bowl start? You’re not alone—every year searches surge as fans, hosts and casual viewers race to lock in kickoff times, TV channels and pregame windows. With kickoff typically set for early evening Eastern Time and network previews beginning hours earlier, timing affects everything from food prep to final invitations. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the exact start can shift by a few minutes, networks plan staggered pregame shows, and local kickoff can feel different depending on your timezone.
When the Super Bowl actually starts: kickoff basics
Most recent Super Bowls have scheduled kickoff around 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET). So when people ask “what time does the Super Bowl start,” the short answer is: expect an early-evening kickoff—usually around 6:30 PM ET—unless the league announces a different time for a specific year.
That kickoff time refers to when the first offensive snap is expected. Pregame programming, national anthems and commercials begin well before that—networks typically open live coverage at least two hours earlier.
Typical televised schedule on game day
Networks host a lineup like this (times approximate):
- Pep rally / morning replays and studio shows: earlier in the day
- Network pregame show: 2–3 hours before kickoff
- Pregame features & national anthem: 30–60 minutes before kickoff
- Kickoff: around 6:30 PM ET (most years)
- Halftime show: mid-game, usually 45–60 minutes after kickoff depending on scoring and clock stoppages
What time does the Super Bowl start in your timezone?
To plan accurately, convert the known Eastern kickoff to your timezone. Below is a quick conversion table assuming a 6:30 PM ET kickoff—adjust if the league sets a different time for the year.
| Timezone | Kickoff (assuming 6:30 PM ET) |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 6:30 PM |
| Central (CT) | 5:30 PM |
| Mountain (MT) | 4:30 PM |
| Pacific (PT) | 3:30 PM |
| Alaska (AKST) | 2:30 PM |
| Hawaii (HST) | 12:30 PM |
Why the kickoff time matters
Kickoff time drives party scheduling, live betting cutoffs, TV ad windows and even travel plans for fans attending the game. If you’re hosting, aim to have guests arrive before the pregame show—many of the memorable moments (ads and musical performances) happen before or during halftime.
How to find the exact kickoff time this year
League and network announcements are the definitive sources. The NFL posts official game times and broadcast partners on its site, and major outlets re-report those times. For authoritative details check the NFL schedule or the Super Bowl page on Wikipedia.
Examples of trusted sources: NFL Super Bowl hub and the Super Bowl Wikipedia entry, which track kickoff and broadcast updates.
Network coverage and regional variations
The broadcast network (CBS, FOX, NBC, etc.) sets the national pregame lineup. Local affiliates may customize pregame elements, and blackout rules (rarely used nowadays) can affect local viewing. The easiest move: check the network’s Super Bowl page and local listings the week of the game.
Real-world example: planning around kickoff
Picture this: you live in Chicago (Central Time) and invite friends for a 6:00 PM arrival. If kickoff is 6:30 PM ET, that’s 5:30 PM CT—your guests would miss the first plays. What I’ve noticed is hosts often aim for a 4:30–5:00 PM arrival in CT to catch the pregame fun and commercials. Sound familiar?
Case study: Last-minute schedule changes
Sometimes kickoff feels fluid. Delays can come from extended pregame ceremonies or weather. In my experience covering live sports, networks will update on-air and on social channels if timelines shift—so keep a phone nearby if you’re coordinating guests.
Planning checklist: what to do now
Practical steps so you’re not scrambling:
- Confirm official kickoff via the NFL site or your broadcaster a few days before the game.
- Convert kickoff to local time (use the table above or your phone’s calendar).
- Schedule guest arrivals to catch pregame and commercials—plan 60–90 minutes earlier than kickoff for parties.
- Check streaming or cable login details ahead of time to avoid last-minute tech issues.
Common questions fans ask
People frequently ask: “what time does the Super Bowl start tonight?” If the event is imminent, networks and the NFL will publish the exact kickoff time and pregame schedule. Another common worry: “Will the halftime show start at a fixed time?” Halftime timing depends on game flow—typically about midway through the second half but can shift if the clock stops a lot.
Useful tools and official links
Use official league and major news sources for final confirmation. For historical context and overall event info, the Super Bowl Wikipedia page is helpful. For live broadcast and streaming details, check your network’s Super Bowl page—networks post timing, streaming links and companion programming.
Practical takeaways
1) Assume kickoff will be in the early evening ET (often near 6:30 PM), then convert to your timezone. 2) Plan to arrive or tune in at least an hour before kickoff to catch pregame highlights and ads. 3) Confirm the final time via the NFL or the broadcast network the week of the game.
Final thoughts
So, what time does the Super Bowl start? Expect an early-evening kickoff—commonly around 6:30 PM ET—and treat that as your baseline while you confirm the exact scheduled time for the year. Timing shapes the whole experience: the food, the party energy, the ad-watching strategy—and yes, the bragging rights after a perfect halftime GIF goes viral. Keep that calendar alert set; the kickoff countdown is real.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most recent Super Bowls kick off around 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Confirm the exact kickoff on the NFL site or the broadcast network the week of the game.
Plan to tune in 60–90 minutes early to catch pregame shows, the national anthem and the most-talked-about commercials.
Check the NFL’s official Super Bowl hub or the broadcast network’s Super Bowl page; both publish official kickoff and broadcast schedules.