What Time Does the Super Bowl Usually End? Final Answer

By Sarah Miller · May 12, 2040

The Super Bowl typically ends around 10:00 PM Eastern Time (7:00 PM Pacific Time), lasting approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from the scheduled kickoff at 6:30 PM ET.

Understanding the Typical Super Bowl End Time

The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), consistently draws one of the largest television audiences in the United States. Fans tuning in want to know not only who will win but also when the game is likely to conclude. On average, the game ends between 9:45 PM and 10:15 PM Eastern Time, depending on game length, commercial breaks, halftime show duration, and potential overtime.

Key Factors That Influence Game Duration

Kickoff Time: The game traditionally starts at 6:30 PM Eastern Time.
Game Clock: Regulation play lasts four 15-minute quarters, totaling 60 minutes of gameplay.
Commercial Breaks: Extended ad breaks after scores and during timeouts add significant time.
Halftime Show: A 12- to 14-minute performance followed by a 30-minute total halftime period.
Overtime: In rare cases, if the score is tied, a 10-minute overtime may extend the game.
Broadcast Delays: Post-game interviews, trophy presentation, and player reactions can push the final end time past 10:30 PM ET.

Historical Super Bowl End Times and Durations

To better understand when the Super Bowl usually ends, it's helpful to review recent data. Below is a table showing actual start times, estimated end times, and total durations for the last five Super Bowls.

Super Bowl	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Estimated End Time (ET)	Total Duration	Halftime Show Artist
LIX	Feb 9, 2025	6:42 PM	10:18 PM	3h 36m	TBD
LVIII	Feb 11, 2024	6:47 PM	10:23 PM	3h 36m	Usher
LVII	Feb 12, 2023	6:44 PM	10:15 PM	3h 31m	Rihanna
LVI	Feb 13, 2022	6:45 PM	10:09 PM	3h 24m	Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar
LV	Feb 7, 2021	6:31 PM	9:59 PM	3h 28m	The Weeknd

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that recent Super Bowls have consistently ended between 9:59 PM and 10:23 PM Eastern Time, with an average duration of about 3 hours and 33 minutes. Despite slight variations in kickoff time, broadcast delays and extended commercials keep the event close to the 10:00 PM ET mark. The 2024 game (Super Bowl LVIII) was among the longest due to a tightly contested match and multiple timeouts.

Why the Super Bowl Takes So Long

While the official playing time is just 60 minutes, the actual broadcast spans over three and a half hours. This discrepancy is due to several structural and entertainment elements built into the event.

Breakdown of Broadcast Time Allocation

Pre-game coverage: 2–3 hours before kickoff, networks air analysis, player features, and ads.
Game action: ~60 minutes of actual play, but stoppages extend real-time duration.
Halftime show: A major entertainment segment lasting 30 minutes total, with 12–14 minutes of live performance.
Commercials: Over 50 minutes of advertising throughout the broadcast.
Post-game ceremony: Trophy presentation, MVP interview, and locker room coverage add 10–15 minutes.

Planning Your Super Bowl Viewing Party

Knowing when the Super Bowl usually ends helps hosts plan food, drinks, and activities. Since the game often finishes around 10:00 PM ET, scheduling snacks and halftime entertainment ensures guests stay engaged throughout.

Serve main dishes before kickoff to avoid cooking during the game.
Plan halftime activities or trivia to complement the musical performance.
Keep desserts ready for post-game consumption, especially if staying past 10:00 PM.
Set DVR or streaming preferences to capture the full broadcast, including post-game highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Timing

What time does the Super Bowl usually end in Eastern Time?

The Super Bowl typically ends between 9:45 PM and 10:15 PM Eastern Time, assuming a 6:30 PM ET kickoff and no major delays or overtime.

How long does the average Super Bowl last?

On average, the Super Bowl lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours from kickoff to the final broadcast, including halftime, commercials, and post-game coverage.

Does overtime affect the Super Bowl end time?

Yes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, a 10-minute overtime period (sudden death format) can extend the game by 15–25 minutes, potentially pushing the end time past 10:30 PM ET.

What time does the Super Bowl halftime show start and end?

The halftime show typically begins around 8:00 PM ET and lasts 30 minutes, ending by 8:30 PM ET, though exact timing depends on game flow and scoring.

Do all time zones see the Super Bowl end at the same local time?

No. While the game starts at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (3:30 PM Pacific), West Coast viewers experience a later local end time—around 7:00 PM to 7:15 PM PT—making it earlier in local time compared to the East Coast.

What time should I tune in to catch the Super Bowl kickoff?

To catch the kickoff, tune in by 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Networks usually begin pre-game coverage as early as 4:00 PM ET, but the game itself starts around 6:30 PM.