Super Bowl Start Time: What Time Does the Game Begin?

By Sarah Miller · March 20, 2032

The Super Bowl LVIII game starts at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on February 11, 2024. This kickoff time is consistent with recent years and allows for extensive pre-game coverage beginning several hours earlier.

When Does the Super Bowl Start in Different Time Zones?

The official kickoff time for the Super Bowl is set for 6:30 PM Eastern Time. However, fans across the United States and around the world tune in from various time zones. Below is a breakdown of the start time by region:

Eastern Time (ET): 6:30 PM
Central Time (CT): 5:30 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 4:30 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 3:30 PM
Alaska Time (AKT): 2:30 PM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HAT): 12:30 PM
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 11:30 PM
Central European Time (CET): 12:30 AM (February 12)
India Standard Time (IST): 5:00 AM (February 12)
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT): 8:30 AM (February 12)

Super Bowl LVIII Game Details

Key Event Information

The Super Bowl is more than just a football game—it's a cultural event with high viewership, celebrity appearances, and major advertising debuts. Here are the core details for Super Bowl LVIII:

Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024
Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Broadcast Network: CBS, Nickelodeon (kids-friendly stream), and available via Paramount+ and NFL+ streaming platforms
Halftime Performer: Usher

Pre-Game Coverage Schedule

While the game starts at 6:30 PM ET, pre-game programming begins much earlier. Major networks typically launch their Super Bowl special coverage starting at noon ET.

Time (ET)	Event
12:00 PM	Pre-game shows begin (CBS, FOX, NBC)
2:00 PM	Tailgate events and fan festivals peak
5:00 PM	NFL Red Zone pre-game special
6:00 PM	Final player warmups, coin toss
6:30 PM	Official kickoff
8:30 PM	Halftime show (approximate)
10:00 PM	Expected end of game

Recent Super Bowl Kickoff Times (Historical Trends)

Year	Super Bowl	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Location	Winner
2024	LVIII	Feb 11	6:30 PM	Las Vegas, NV	Kansas City Chiefs
2023	LVII	Feb 12	6:30 PM	Glendale, AZ	Kansas City Chiefs
2022	LVI	Feb 13	6:30 PM	Inglewood, CA	Los Angeles Rams
2021	LV	Feb 7	6:30 PM	Tampa, FL	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2020	LIV	Feb 2	6:30 PM	Miami Gardens, FL	Kansas City Chiefs

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows that since 2020, the NFL has consistently scheduled the Super Bowl kickoff for 6:30 PM ET. This timing maximizes primetime television ratings across all U.S. time zones and accommodates global broadcasts. The stability in scheduling reflects the league’s strategy to optimize viewership and commercial revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Start Time

What time does the Super Bowl start in 2025?

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025. Based on recent patterns, the expected kickoff time is 6:30 PM Eastern Time. The game will be hosted at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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

The 6:30 PM ET start time ensures the game airs during prime television hours across the U.S., particularly benefiting East and West Coast audiences. It also allows ample time for pre-game ceremonies, commercials, and halftime production setup.

How long does the Super Bowl usually last?

The average Super Bowl game lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours, including halftime. With pre-game and post-game coverage, total broadcast time can exceed 8 hours. The game itself is approximately 60 minutes of playtime, but stoppages extend real-time duration.

Can I stream the Super Bowl online?

Yes, the Super Bowl can be streamed live via official broadcasters' platforms such as Paramount+ (for CBS), ESPN App (for ABC), NBC Sports App, or through services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV. NFL+ also offers mobile streaming options.

What time is the Super Bowl halftime show?

The halftime show typically begins around 8:00–8:30 PM Eastern Time, depending on the flow of the first half. For Super Bowl LVIII, Usher headlined the performance at approximately 8:20 PM ET.