Super Bowl Start Time: When Does It Kick Off?

By Sarah Miller · September 28, 2041

The Super Bowl LVIII started on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 6:30 PM ET (3:30 PM PT) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kickoff time was approximately 6:47 PM ET, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime.

When Is the Super Bowl Start Time?

The start time of the Super Bowl is consistent year to year: it kicks off around 6:30 PM Eastern Time on the first Sunday in February. While the exact kickoff may vary slightly due to pregame ceremonies, networks aim for a 6:30 PM ET broadcast start. For Super Bowl LIX in 2025, fans can expect a similar schedule, likely on February 9, 2025, at a yet-to-be-confirmed stadium.

Key Factors Influencing Super Bowl Timing

NFL Scheduling: The league schedules the game for the second Sunday of February, typically falling between February 1 and February 8.
Broadcast Coordination: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN/ABC rotate coverage, aligning kickoff with prime-time television audiences.
Pregame Show Duration: Networks begin pregame coverage as early as 1 PM ET, but actual gameplay starts around 6:30 PM ET.
Venue Location: Time zone adjustments affect local vs. national air times—e.g., 3:30 PM PT in West Coast venues.

Super Bowl LVIII Game Details and Results

Super Bowl LVIII marked the 58th edition of the NFL’s championship game. Held at Allegiant Stadium—the home of the Las Vegas Raiders—it was the first Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The matchup featured the Kansas City Chiefs (AFC champions) versus the San Francisco 49ers (NFC champions), ending in a thrilling 25-22 overtime victory for the Chiefs.

Event	Date	Time (ET)	Location	Teams	Final Score	MVP
Super Bowl LVIII	February 11, 2024	6:30 PM (kickoff ~6:47 PM)	Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV	Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers	25-22 (OT)	Patrick Mahomes

Table data source:1, 2

The table above outlines the official timing, venue, teams, and outcome of Super Bowl LVIII. Notably, the game's kickoff occurred nearly 17 minutes after the scheduled broadcast start due to extended pregame festivities and ceremonies. This delay is common and expected, especially with high-profile musical performances and tributes.

How Broadcast Networks Affect Kickoff Timing

While the NFL sets the official start time, broadcast partners influence the actual gameplay moment. Major networks like CBS, Fox, and NBC use the Super Bowl as a flagship event, maximizing ad revenue through prolonged pregame shows.

Typical Super Bowl Broadcast Schedule (ET)

1:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Pregame coverage (analysis, interviews, features)
6:30 PM: National anthem, coin toss, kickoff preparation
~6:45 PM: Actual kickoff
10:00 PM (approx): Game concludes, trophy presentation, postgame analysis

This structure ensures maximum viewer engagement across time zones, particularly accommodating both East and West Coast audiences.

Super Bowl LIX 2025: What to Expect

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will be televised by CBS and streamed on Paramount+. As with past years, kickoff is expected at 6:30 PM ET, with live updates available via NFL+, ESPN, and other sports platforms.

Fans planning viewing parties or travel should monitor official NFL announcements starting in late 2024 for exact dates, ticket availability, and performer lineups for the halftime show.

Common Questions About Super Bowl Start Time

What time does the Super Bowl start in Eastern Time?

The Super Bowl broadcast begins at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Actual kickoff usually occurs between 6:40 PM and 6:50 PM ET due to pregame rituals and national anthem performances.

Does the Super Bowl always start at the same time?

Yes, the Super Bowl consistently starts at 6:30 PM ET every year, regardless of location. Local time varies—for example, 3:30 PM PT on the West Coast—but the Eastern Time slot remains fixed for national broadcast consistency.

Why does the actual kickoff happen later than 6:30 PM?

The delay is due to pregame ceremonies including team introductions, the national anthem, coin toss, and potential tributes. These elements typically add 15–20 minutes before the first snap.

How long does the Super Bowl usually last?

The average Super Bowl game lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including halftime and commercial breaks. With pregame and postgame shows, total broadcast time exceeds 8 hours, from 1 PM ET to after 10 PM ET.

Where can I watch the Super Bowl live?

The Super Bowl is broadcast nationally on rotating networks: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN/ABC. In 2025, CBS will televise Super Bowl LIX, with live streaming available on Paramount+, NFL+, and the ESPN app. International viewers can access NFL Game Pass.