What Time Does Super Bowl Play? Kickoff Time Explained

By Sarah Miller · December 19, 2043

The Super Bowl typically kicks off at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the first Sunday of February. For Super Bowl LIX in 2025, the game is scheduled for February 9, 2025, starting at 6:30 PM ET, live from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

When Does the Super Bowl Start?

The Super Bowl consistently begins at 6:30 PM Eastern Time, regardless of the host city's local time zone. This prime-time slot ensures maximum viewership across all U.S. time zones and aligns with broadcast schedules on major networks like CBS, NBC, Fox, or ESPN.

Key Timing Details

Kickoff: 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
Date: First Sunday in February (February 9, 2025, for Super Bowl LIX)
Broadcast Network: ABC/ESPN (for 2025)
Pre-game Coverage: Begins as early as 12:00 PM ET
Halftime Show: Starts around 8:00 PM ET

Super Bowl LIX Game Information

Super Bowl LIX marks the 59th edition of the NFL's championship game. Hosted in New Orleans, the event brings together top teams, high-profile entertainment, and record-breaking viewership.

Year	Date	Location	Venue	Network	Average Viewers (Millions)
2021	Feb 7	Tampa, FL	Raymond James Stadium	CBS	96.4
2022	Feb 13	Inglewood, CA	SoFi Stadium	NBC	100.2
2023	Feb 12	Glendale, AZ	State Farm Stadium	Fox	115.1
2024	Feb 11	Las Vegas, NV	Allegiant Stadium	CBS	123.7
2025	Feb 9	New Orleans, LA	Caesars Superdome	ABC/ESPN	Projected >125

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows a steady increase in Super Bowl viewership over the past five years, with Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 drawing a record 123.7 million viewers. The shift to dual-network broadcasts (ABC/ESPN in 2025) may further boost audience reach. Consistent start times help maintain high engagement throughout pre-game, game, and halftime programming.

What Time Should You Tune In?

While kickoff is at 6:30 PM ET, fans are encouraged to tune in earlier for full coverage:

12:00–2:00 PM ET: Pregame analysis and team previews
4:00–6:00 PM ET: Live field reports, player interviews, and fan events
6:30 PM ET: National anthem and coin toss
8:00 PM ET: Halftime show featuring headlining artists
Approx. 10:00 PM ET: Post-game celebration and MVP interview

Common Questions About Super Bowl Timing

What time does the Super Bowl start in Central Time?

The Super Bowl starts at 5:30 PM Central Time (CT), one hour behind Eastern Time.

Does the Super Bowl always start at the same time?

Yes, since 2004, the Super Bowl has consistently started at 6:30 PM Eastern Time, regardless of location or network.

How long does the Super Bowl usually last?

The game lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, including halftime. Most games conclude between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM ET.

What channel is broadcasting the 2025 Super Bowl?

Super Bowl LIX in 2025 will be broadcast on ABC and simulcast on ESPN, marking the first time ESPN carries the game under the new rights agreement.

Why does the Super Bowl start at 6:30 PM ET?

This time slot maximizes national viewership by accommodating all U.S. time zones during prime evening hours and allows for extensive pre-game programming that drives advertising revenue.