Super Bowl Start Time 2025: What Time Does It Begin?

By Sarah Miller · November 7, 2026

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

When Does the Super Bowl Start?

The Super Bowl consistently begins at 6:30 PM Eastern Time, regardless of the host city's local time zone. This prime-time slot ensures maximum viewership across all U.S. time zones and aligns with major broadcasting standards.

Key Timing Details

Kickoff occurs approximately 30 minutes after the pre-game show concludes.
Pre-game festivities usually begin around 1:00 PM ET, but the main telecast starts at 6:30 PM ET.
The halftime show follows shortly after the second quarter ends, typically beginning around 8:00 PM ET.
Local stadium gates open much earlier—often between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM—for ticketed fans attending in person.

Super Bowl LIX Date and Location

Super Bowl LIX (59) will take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The game will be hosted at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marks the 8th time New Orleans has hosted the event, making it one of the most frequent Super Bowl cities in NFL history.

Why Is the Super Bowl Always on a Sunday?

The NFL has maintained a long-standing tradition of scheduling regular-season games and playoffs on Sundays to maximize television ratings and fan engagement. The Super Bowl, as the league’s championship finale, continues this pattern by being held on the first Sunday of February each year.

Historical Super Bowl Start Times

While the exact start time has slightly varied over decades, since 2004, every Super Bowl has kicked off at precisely 6:30 PM ET. Prior to that, some games started as early as 6:00 PM or even 5:30 PM ET depending on broadcast agreements and venue logistics.

Year	Super Bowl	Date	Stadium	City	Kickoff Time (ET)
2025	LIX	February 9	Caesars Superdome	New Orleans, LA	6:30 PM
2024	LVIII	February 11	Allegiant Stadium	Las Vegas, NV	6:30 PM
2023	LVII	February 12	State Farm Stadium	Glendale, AZ	6:30 PM
2022	LVI	February 13	SoFi Stadium	Inglewood, CA	6:30 PM
2021	LV	February 7	Raymond James Stadium	Tampa, FL	6:30 PM
2020	LIV	February 2	Hard Rock Stadium	Miami Gardens, FL	6:30 PM
2019	LIII	February 3	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Atlanta, GA	6:30 PM
2018	LII	February 4	U.S. Bank Stadium	Minneapolis, MN	6:30 PM

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows consistent start times since 2018, all at 6:30 PM ET, reflecting standardized broadcast practices. Despite varying host cities and weather conditions, the NFL prioritizes national TV scheduling over local factors. This consistency helps fans plan viewing parties and media outlets coordinate coverage years in advance.

What Influences the Exact Kickoff Time?

Several factors contribute to the fixed 6:30 PM ET start:

National Broadcast Scheduling: Networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, and ABC/ESPN require uniform timing for ad sales and programming alignment.
Halftime Logistics: A predictable start allows performers, stage crews, and security teams to prepare efficiently.
Viewership Across Time Zones: Starting at 6:30 PM ET translates to prime time (3:30 PM PT), optimizing live audience size nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About When the Super Bowl Starts

What time does the Super Bowl start in 2025?

Super Bowl LIX will start at 6:30 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, February 9, 2025. It will be played at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Does the Super Bowl always start at the same time?

Yes, since 2004, every Super Bowl has kicked off at exactly 6:30 PM Eastern Time. This standardization supports national broadcasting needs and viewer convenience.

What time does the Super Bowl pre-game show begin?

Major networks typically begin their pre-game coverage around 1:00 PM ET, featuring analysis, player interviews, and entertainment segments leading up to the 6:30 PM kickoff.

How long does the Super Bowl last?

The game itself lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours, including halftime. Most Super Bowls conclude between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM ET, depending on stoppages and overtime scenarios.

What time does the Super Bowl halftime show start?

The halftime show usually begins around 8:00 PM ET, immediately following the end of the second quarter. Performances typically last 12–14 minutes.

Can the Super Bowl start late?

Rarely. While minor delays can occur due to extended pre-game ceremonies or technical issues, the NFL and broadcasters strive to maintain the 6:30 PM ET kickoff strictly. Significant delays are uncommon.