The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest sporting event in the world, drawing millions of viewers for an unforgettable combination of athleticism, entertainment, and spectacle. Whether you’re a hardcore NFL fan, someone tuning in for the commercials, or just here for the halftime show, it’s important to know what time the Super Bowl starts. But the timing isn’t as simple as you might think, so let’s break it down.
What Time Does the Super Bowl Start?
Super Bowl 2025: The Essential Details
For Super Bowl LIX in 2025, the event is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025. The kickoff time is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (Eastern Time).
This time is standard for most Super Bowls, but there are some additional factors that influence the overall schedule.
The Super Bowl will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the venue’s eighth time hosting the big game.
The game will be broadcast live across the United States and globally, making it a time for families, friends, and fans to gather and watch the iconic event unfold.
What to Expect Leading Up to the Game
Though the kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, the actual event experience stretches far beyond the game itself. Leading up to the start, viewers can expect hours of pre-game coverage, which typically begins as early as 2:00 p.m. ET for major networks like Fox.
This includes interviews, team analyses, and hype-building segments to get fans excited for the game.
Additionally, the Super Bowl features the famous halftime show, which often lasts between 20-30 minutes, and this break in the action is highly anticipated each year. Top musical artists are typically invited to perform, and their performances become a cultural event in themselves. The 2025 halftime show will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, promising another legendary performance.
Why the Super Bowl Starts Later Than Other NFL Games
Unlike regular NFL games, which typically kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET or 4:25 p.m. ET, the Super Bowl starts later in the evening. This timing is largely influenced by the extensive pre-game programming and entertainment segments. These include things like the national anthem, which is often sung by famous artists, as well as the commercials, which have become as much of an attraction as the game itself.
The late start also accommodates the Super Bowl commercials, which are typically aired during the breaks between plays. These ads, sometimes running at over $7 million per 30-second spot, have become an essential part of the event’s allure.
This adds to the overall broadcast time, which can stretch beyond three hours.
Super Bowl Start Times for Upcoming Years
For those planning for future Super Bowls, here’s what to expect in terms of scheduling:
- Super Bowl 2025: February 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Super Bowl 2026: The game will be played in Las Vegas, with a 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff (exact date TBD, but traditionally on the first Sunday in February).
Viewing the Super Bowl
For those who want to enjoy the game but don’t want to wait for the television coverage, the Super Bowl is widely available across multiple platforms. In 2025, Fox will broadcast the game on TV, and streaming services like NFL+ and Fubo TV will provide live coverage as well.
Whether you are in the U.S. or overseas, it’s easy to access the game, and for international fans, it will typically be available at 11:30 p.m. GMT for viewers in the UK.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl is not just a championship game; it’s a global event that combines sports, entertainment, and cultural moments. Super Bowl LIX in 2025 is scheduled for February 9, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This iconic venue has hosted many memorable Super Bowls, making it a fitting choice for the big game. Pre-game coverage and entertainment, including the much-anticipated halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar, are set to enhance the experience for millions of fans worldwide.
Whether you’re curious about Super Bowl facts and history, wondering when the Super Bowl is this year, asking where the Super Bowl is being held, planning for the next Super Bowl, or simply excited to know who is playing in the Super Bowl, this event promises to deliver on every front. From pre-game analysis to epic commercials, the Super Bowl unites fans globally, creating an unforgettable shared experience.
People Also Asked
Here are five common questions people often ask about the Super Bowl, along with their answers:
What time does the Super Bowl start in 2025?
The Super Bowl LIX in 2025 will start at 6:30 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on Sunday, February 9, 2025. This is the standard start time for most Super Bowls, and it will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Why does the Super Bowl start later than regular NFL games?
The Super Bowl starts later than regular season NFL games because it includes extended pre-game programming, including interviews, analysis, and entertainment segments. Additionally, the halftime show and commercials are integral parts of the event, making the total broadcast time much longer than a typical NFL game.
What time does the Super Bowl start in other time zones?
- Eastern Time (ET): 6:30 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 5:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 4:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 3:30 p.m.
If you’re watching from outside the United States, such as in London (GMT), the game will begin at 11:30 p.m. GMT.
How can I watch the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl 2025 will be broadcast on Fox. If you’re unable to watch on TV, you can stream the game via services like NFL+ and FuboTV. In addition to these, the Super Bowl is also available through various international broadcasters, depending on your location.
What are some interesting facts about the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is more than just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Here are some fun facts:
- The Super Bowl has become famous for its commercials, with ads costing over $7 million for a 30-second spot.
- The halftime show is one of the most-watched musical performances worldwide, with artists like Beyonce, Shakira, and Kendrick Lamar taking center stage.
- Super Bowl Sunday is unofficially considered the second-largest eating day in the U.S., right after Thanksgiving, with millions of pounds of chips, wings, and guacamole consumed on the day.
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