When Is the Super Bowl Played? Date, Time & Details

By Sarah Miller · April 20, 2052

The Super Bowl is played on the first Sunday of February each year and is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), marking the culmination of the NFL season. It features the winners of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) competing for the league title.

What Is the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the top professional American football league in the United States. It has become one of the most-watched sporting events globally, combining high-stakes football with elaborate entertainment, including celebrity performances and high-profile commercials.

Key Facts About the Super Bowl

It determines the NFL champion for the season.
The game is played between the AFC and NFC conference champions.
Held annually on the first Sunday in February.
Features the iconic halftime show with major musical acts.
Known for its expensive and creative television commercials.

History and Significance

First held in 1967, the Super Bowl originated as a matchup between the NFL and the American Football League (AFL) champions before the two leagues fully merged in 1970. Over time, it evolved into a cultural phenomenon beyond sports, drawing millions of viewers who tune in not only for the game but also for the halftime performance and ads.

Milestones in Super Bowl History

Super Bowl I: Green Bay Packers defeated Kansas City Chiefs (35–10).
Most championships: The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have each won 6 titles.
Largest attendance: Over 103,000 fans at Super Bowl XIV at the Rose Bowl.
Most valuable player (MVP): Awarded since Super Bowl V; Tom Brady holds the record with five MVPs.

When and Where Is the Super Bowl Played?

The Super Bowl is always scheduled for the first Sunday of February. The location rotates among different NFL stadiums, typically in warm-weather cities or venues with retractable roofs.

Upcoming and Recent Host Cities

Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Super Bowl LIX (2025): Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Super Bowl LX (2026): Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Location	Attendance
2021	Feb 7, 2021	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	31–9	Kansas City Chiefs	Raymond James Stadium, Tampa	24,835
2022	Feb 13, 2022	Los Angeles Rams	23–20	Cincinnati Bengals	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood	70,240
2023	Feb 12, 2023	Kansas City Chiefs	38–35	Philadelphia Eagles	State Farm Stadium, Glendale	67,622
2024	Feb 11, 2024	Kansas City Chiefs	25–22 (OT)	San Francisco 49ers	Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas	66,521
2025	Feb 9, 2025	TBD	TBD	TBD	Caesars Superdome, New Orleans	Expected ~75,000

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows recent and upcoming Super Bowl details, highlighting increasing attendance and competitive scores. The 2024 game in Las Vegas marked the first time the event was hosted in Nevada, reflecting the NFL's expansion into new markets. Close final scores indicate rising parity across teams.

How Does the Super Bowl Format Work?

The Super Bowl is the final game of the NFL playoffs, which begin in January. Teams qualify based on regular-season performance, with seven teams from each conference (AFC and NFC) entering the postseason. After three rounds of playoffs, the two conference champions face off in the Super Bowl.

Structure of the NFL Postseason

Wild Card Round: 6 games (3 per conference)
Divisional Round: 4 games
Conference Championships: 2 games (AFC & NFC title games)
Super Bowl: 1 game

Why Is the Super Bowl So Popular?

Beyond being a sporting event, the Super Bowl is a cultural spectacle. It consistently ranks as the most-watched TV broadcast in the U.S. each year. Advertisers pay millions for commercial spots, and the halftime show features global music icons like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Prince.

Factors Contributing to Popularity

National holiday-like viewing tradition
High production value of commercials and halftime show
Social gatherings and Super Bowl parties
Betting and fantasy football engagement
Global media coverage and streaming availability

Frequently Asked Questions About the Super Bowl

When is the next Super Bowl?

The next Super Bowl, Super Bowl LIX, will be played on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What time does the Super Bowl start?

The Super Bowl typically kicks off at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (3:30 PM Pacific Time). Pre-game coverage begins several hours earlier.

How can I watch the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is broadcast nationally on CBS, NBC, Fox, or ESPN/ABC on a rotating basis. In 2025, it will be televised by CBS and available via live stream on Paramount+, NFL+, and other authorized platforms.

Which teams have won the most Super Bowls?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots are tied for the most Super Bowl wins, with six championships each.

Who performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2024?

The 2024 Super Bowl halftime show was headlined by Usher at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The performance featured guest appearances by Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Will.i.am.

What does 'Super Bowl' refer to in terms of numbering?

The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to designate each game (e.g., Super Bowl LIX for 59). This tradition began with Super Bowl V to distinguish it as a major annual event and add prestige.