Super Bowl Start Time: What Time Does It Begin?

By Sarah Miller · February 21, 2032

The Super Bowl LVIII started at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 11, 2024. The game took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and aired live on CBS, Nickelodeon, and streamed via Paramount+. Kickoff occurred shortly after the pregame ceremonies concluded.

What Time Does the Super Bowl Start?

The Super Bowl typically begins at approximately 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), though the exact kickoff time can vary slightly depending on the network's pregame coverage and ceremonial events. For example, Super Bowl LVIII kicked off at 6:47 PM ET despite the scheduled 6:30 start due to extended pregame festivities.

Understanding Broadcast Timing

While the official kickoff is expected around 6:30 PM ET, fans should expect the game to begin closer to 6:45 PM due to:

Pregame performances and national anthem
Halftime show preparations
Network commercials and commentary
Coin toss and team introductions

Super Bowl LVIII Game Details

Super Bowl LVIII marked the 58th edition of the NFL's championship game, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25–22 in overtime. It was the first Super Bowl to go into overtime since Super Bowl LI.

Venue and Significance

Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, hosted the event for the first time. This location reinforced the NFL’s growing presence in the Las Vegas market and introduced new fan engagement experiences.

Year	Super Bowl	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Location	Winner	Viewership (Millions)
2024	LVIII	February 11	6:47 PM	Las Vegas, NV	Kansas City Chiefs	123.7
2023	LVII	February 12	6:49 PM	Glendale, AZ	Kansas City Chiefs	115.1
2022	LVI	February 13	6:44 PM	Inglewood, CA	L.A. Rams	112.2
2021	LV	February 7	6:43 PM	Tampa, FL	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	96.4
2020	LVIV	February 2	6:40 PM	Miami Gardens, FL	Kansas City Chiefs	102.0

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a consistent trend: while broadcast schedules list a 6:30 PM ET start, actual kickoff times range from 6:40 PM to nearly 6:50 PM due to production elements. Viewership has steadily increased, with Super Bowl LVIII becoming the most-watched telecast in American history.

How to Watch the Super Bowl

Fans have multiple options to watch the Super Bowl live:

Broadcast TV: CBS, Fox, NBC rotate coverage annually.
Streaming: Paramount+ (for CBS years), Fox Sports app, NBC Sports app, or YouTube TV.
International: DAZN, BBC Sport, and other regional broadcasters carry the game globally.

Planning Your Super Bowl Viewing Party

To maximize enjoyment, consider these tips:

Start pregame viewing at 5:00 PM ET for full analysis.
Use multiple screens to follow live stats and alternate broadcasts (e.g., Nickelodeon’s youth-focused stream).
Schedule food and drinks ahead to avoid missing key moments.
Check local listings for blackout restrictions (rare in modern era).

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Start Time

What time does the Super Bowl usually start?

The Super Bowl typically starts at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), though actual kickoff often occurs between 6:40 PM and 6:50 PM due to pregame ceremonies and broadcasts.

What time does the Super Bowl halftime show start?

The halftime show generally begins around 8:00 PM ET, lasting approximately 12–14 minutes. Exact timing depends on the flow of the first half and any stoppages.

What time does the Super Bowl end?

The game usually ends between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM ET. Overtime games, like Super Bowl LVIII, may extend past 10:00 PM ET.

Does the Super Bowl start at the same time everywhere?

No. While kickoff is based on Eastern Time, local airings adjust accordingly: 3:30 PM Pacific Time (PT), 4:30 PM Mountain Time (MT), and 5:30 PM Central Time (CT).

Can I stream the Super Bowl for free?

Yes. If you have access to a supported streaming service (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV), you can stream it through the network’s app. Additionally, services like Paramount+ offer free trial periods that may cover the game during CBS years.