Super Bowl 60 is set to pit the New England Patriots against either the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While fans are already debating seating positions, the exact kickoff time remains a moving target, with networks and the NFL carefully choreographing the pre-game hour to maximize viewership and advertising revenue. Below is a clear guide to the start time, pre-game schedule, and practical tips for securing the best spot on the couch.
At a Glance
- Super Bowl 60 will be played on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California.
- The kickoff window is 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m. ET, with the most reliable start time listed as 6:30 p.m. ET by NBC Sports.
- Networks will air an opening ceremony by Green Day at 3 p.m. ET and stream the game on Peacock.
Why it matters: Fans need to know when to tune in to catch the commercials and avoid missing the opening kickoff.
Super Bowl 60: Date, Teams, and Location
Super Bowl 60, officially titled Super Bowl LX, will take place on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. The venue is Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, located in Santa Clara, California. The game will feature the New England Patriots against either the Los Angeles Rams or the Seattle Seahawks, depending on the NFC champion that year.
The matchup is significant because it pits a storied AFC franchise against a top-tier NFC team, promising high stakes and intense competition. The location in the Bay Area also means that fans traveling from the East Coast will have to adjust for a 3-hour time difference.
Start Time Confusion: Why the 6-6:30 Window Matters
Google Trends shows that “What time does the Super Bowl start?” is one of the most searched questions for the weekend. The answer is not a single time but a half-hour window. The NFL and the networks that air the game want all eyes on the broadcast in the 6-6:30 hour Eastern Time leading up to kickoff.
Dennis Deninger, a former ESPN production executive with 25 years of experience, explained:
“It’s the biggest showcase for the NFL to get across all of the things it stands for,” Deninger said. “They’re hoping that people will tune in as early as possible in that 6-6:30 hour Eastern Time and catch most of the messaging that they want to deliver.”
Eric Weinberger, a former NFL Network executive producer, added that the half-hour is a gold mine for advertisers:
“There’s a lot of dollars in that,” Weinberger said. “They need the anthem person to be out there. They need the fireworks to go off. They need the coin toss to happen. It is rehearsed ad nauseam and they hit it every time.”
The network’s scheduling strategy ensures that the most valuable advertising slots-those commercials that air just before the kickoff-are protected. These commercials can cost millions of dollars per spot, making the exact start time crucial for sponsors and viewers alike.
The Official Start Times
- NBC Sports lists the start time as 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Peacock presents it as 6 p.m. ET.
This discrepancy has led to confusion, but most experts agree that the game will actually begin around 6:34 p.m. ET. Deninger offered his educated guess:
“I suspect it’s going to kickoff around 6:34,” Deninger said. “That’s my educated guess.”
Pre-Game Schedule and Broadcast Details
The pre-game hour is meticulously planned to keep the kickoff on schedule. Here’s a timeline of the key events:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:00 p.m. | Opening ceremony by Green Day |
| 5:45 p.m. | National anthem performance |
| 6:00 p.m. | Coin toss and team introductions |
| 6:15 p.m. | First commercial break |
| 6:30 p.m. | Kickoff |
The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. Viewers can also access additional content such as behind-the-scenes footage and live commentary through the NBC Sports app.
The original version of this story was published in January 2024, providing early guidance for fans planning their Super Bowl parties.
Seating Strategy Tips
Securing a good seat at a Super Bowl party can feel like a game in itself. Here are practical steps to help you claim the best spot:
- Arrive early: If you want a seat in front of the TV, aim to be there by 6:15 p.m. ET. This gives you time to choose a spot before the pre-game festivities begin.
- Plan for snacks: The most popular food-wings and pigs in a blanket-are usually served just before kickoff. If you arrive too early, you may miss out; too late, and you risk losing your spot to an eager relative.
- Use a seating chart: Many hosts post a seating diagram on the event page. Identify the area with the best view and assign a friend to hold that spot.
- Set a reminder: Use a phone alarm for 6:30 p.m. ET to ensure you’re ready to watch the kickoff.
- Stay flexible: If you’re not at exactly 6:30 p.m. ET, you still have a few minutes before the game starts to grab a snack.
Key Takeaways
- Super Bowl 60 will be played on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
- The kickoff is expected around 6:30 p.m. ET, with most commercials airing just before.
- Networks schedule a 6-6:30 p.m. window to maximize advertising revenue and ensure a smooth start.
- Fans should arrive by 6:15 p.m. ET to secure a good seat and avoid missing the pre-game snacks.
- The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
By understanding the timing, schedule, and strategy, you can enjoy the game without the last-minute scramble for the best seat.
