When Does the Super Bowl Start? 2025 Kickoff Time Explained

By Sarah Miller · April 8, 2034

The Super Bowl typically starts at approximately 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the first Sunday of February. For Super Bowl LIX in 2025, kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET, hosted at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

When Does the Super Bowl Start?

The Super Bowl usually kicks off around 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), though the exact time may vary slightly depending on the year and broadcast schedule. The game is always played on the first Sunday of February, serving as the NFL's championship finale after a season that begins in September.

Key Timing Details

Date: First Sunday in February
Kickoff Time: Approximately 6:30 PM ET
Duration: Game lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours including halftime
Broadcast Network: Rotates between CBS, Fox, and NBC
Pre-game Coverage: Begins as early as 12:00 PM ET

Super Bowl LIX: What You Need to Know

Super Bowl LIX (59) will be played on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marks the eighth time the city has hosted the event, making it one of the most frequent Super Bowl host cities.

Venue and Attendance

The Caesars Superdome has a seating capacity of over 73,000 for football games, expandable to nearly 78,000 for special events. It features state-of-the-art facilities and has undergone multiple renovations to meet NFL standards for hosting marquee events.

Historical Kickoff Times and Trends

While the Super Bowl consistently starts in the evening, the precise kickoff time has evolved over the decades due to broadcasting demands and fan experience considerations.

Year	Super Bowl	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Host City	Stadium
2021	LV	Feb 7	6:30 PM	Tampa	Raymond James Stadium
2022	LVI	Feb 13	6:30 PM	Inglewood	SoFi Stadium
2023	LVII	Feb 12	6:30 PM	Glendale	State Farm Stadium
2024	LVIII	Feb 11	6:30 PM	Las Vegas	Allegiant Stadium
2025	LIX	Feb 9	6:30 PM (est.)	New Orleans	Caesars Superdome

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a consistent pattern: since 2010, every Super Bowl has kicked off at or very close to 6:30 PM ET. This standardization improves viewer predictability and maximizes prime-time television ratings across all U.S. time zones.

Why the 6:30 PM ET Start Time?

The 6:30 PM ET slot was adopted to balance several factors:

National Audience Reach: Allows viewers from both coasts to watch live without excessively late hours.
Advertising Revenue: Prime-time placement maximizes ad value; 30-second spots exceeded $7 million in 2024.
Halftime Show Logistics: Provides sufficient time for elaborate performances by top musical acts.
Global Streaming: Accommodates international audiences in different time zones.

How to Watch the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is broadcast nationally in the U.S. across major networks on a rotating basis: CBS, Fox, and NBC. In 2025, CBS will air Super Bowl LIX, with live streaming available via Paramount+, NFL+ app, and other authorized digital platforms.

Available Viewing Options

Over-the-air: Free HD broadcast via local network affiliate
Cable/Satellite: Available through all major providers
Streaming: Paramount+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV
International: NFL Game Pass, DAZN, Sky Sports (UK), ESPN (Latin America)

Frequently Asked Questions About When the Super Bowl Starts

What time does the Super Bowl start in 2025?

Super Bowl LIX will start at approximately 6:30 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Pre-game coverage typically begins around noon ET.

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

The 6:30 PM ET start time ensures optimal television viewership across all U.S. time zones, balancing East Coast convenience with West Coast prime time. It also allows for extensive pre-game programming and advertising.

How long does the Super Bowl last?

The game itself lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes on average, but with halftime, commercials, and potential overtime, the full broadcast can extend beyond 4 hours.

What time does the Super Bowl halftime show start?

The halftime show typically begins around 8:00 PM ET, roughly one hour after kickoff. Exact timing depends on the flow of the game and commercial breaks.

Does the Super Bowl start at the same time everywhere?

Yes, the kickoff is synchronized nationally at approximately 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Local broadcasts adjust accordingly—e.g., 3:30 PM Pacific Time in Los Angeles.