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We’re just hours away from crowning a champion for the 2025 NFL season as the
New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks meet in Super Bowl 60, one of the
most anticipated sporting events of the year.
From kickoff time and TV coverage to streaming options, commercials, halftime
entertainment, and key storylines, fans around the world are asking one central
question: What time does the Super Bowl start in 2026?
Here is a complete, easy-to-follow guide to everything you need to know before
the big game begins.
What Time Does the Super Bowl Start?
The Super Bowl 60 kickoff time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, which
translates to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
The 2026 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will
begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8. However, viewers should be aware that
Super Bowl kickoff times are often approximate. Due to extended pregame
ceremonies, player introductions, and entertainment segments, the actual kickoff
may occur a few minutes after the listed time.
To avoid missing any action, fans are encouraged to tune in by 6:00 p.m. ET.
Where Is Super Bowl 60 Being Played?
Super Bowl 60 is being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The West Coast location explains the earlier local start time while allowing the
game to remain in prime time for the majority of U.S. viewers. Levi’s Stadium has
previously hosted major NFL events and is once again the center of the football
world.
Pregame Coverage Start Time
NBC’s Super Bowl Sunday coverage begins early in the day.
Game-day programming starts at 12:00 p.m. ET, offering more than six hours of
pregame content. Coverage includes expert analysis, player interviews, behind-
the-scenes features, predictions, and in-depth breakdowns of both teams before
kickoff.
What Channel Is the Super Bowl On?
Super Bowl 60 will air nationally on NBC.
For Spanish-speaking viewers, the game will also be broadcast on Telemundo. The
exact channel number may vary depending on location, so viewers should check
their local listings.
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, bringing their familiar voices to
the NFL’s biggest stage.
How to Watch the Super Bowl 2026 Live
Fans have several options to watch Super Bowl 60 live.
Those watching on traditional television can tune in to their local NBC affiliate or
Telemundo. Cord-cutters and streaming viewers can watch the entire game live on
Peacock, NBC’s official streaming service.
Peacock will carry full coverage of the event, including pregame shows, the Super
Bowl kickoff, halftime entertainment, and postgame analysis.
Can You Watch the Super Bowl for Free?
Yes, the Super Bowl can still be watched for free under certain conditions.
Viewers with access to NBC or Telemundo through an antenna or standard
television package can watch the game without paying an additional fee. However,
streaming the Super Bowl on Peacock requires a subscription.
Many fans choose Peacock for its convenience, high-quality stream, and ability to
watch from mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming platforms like Roku or Fire
TV.
What Time Do Super Bowl Commercials Start?
Super Bowl commercials are a major part of the event, often drawing as much
attention as the game itself.
With kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, the first Super Bowl ads are expected to air
during the game’s first commercial break. This typically happens after the opening
drive or first change of possession.
Viewers can expect the first commercials to appear between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.
Who Is Performing at the Super Bowl Opening Ceremony?
Rock band Green Day will perform during the Super Bowl 60 opening ceremony.
The performance is scheduled to begin around 6:00 p.m. ET, roughly 30 minutes
before kickoff. According to the NFL, Green Day will play some of their most
recognizable songs while ushering generations of Super Bowl MVPs onto the field,
creating a unique and celebratory moment for the league’s 60th championship
game.
How to Watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show
The Super Bowl halftime show typically begins between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. ET,
depending on the length of the first half.
In addition to the main broadcast on NBC and Peacock, the Turning Point All-
American Halftime Show will stream live at around 8:00 p.m. ET on Turning Point’s
social media channels, including X and YouTube.
How Long Does the Super Bowl Last?
The Super Bowl usually lasts between three and four hours.
Including the extended halftime show and additional commercial breaks, viewers
can expect Super Bowl 60 to conclude around 10:00 to 10:30 p.m. ET.
Super Bowl 60: Patriots vs. Seahawks
The matchup features two teams that entered the 2025 NFL season with modest
expectations.
The New England Patriots finished the regular season with a 17-3 record, while the
Seattle Seahawks entered the Super Bowl at 16-3. Despite similar records, Seattle
comes into the game as the betting favorite, while New England finds itself in the
unfamiliar role of underdog.
Seattle’s Rise to the Super Bowl
The Seahawks’ season has been defined by balance and resilience.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, once considered a career journeyman, has led a
powerful offense supported by an elite defense known as the “Dark Side.” Seattle’s
defense has been one of the most dominant units in the NFL, consistently
pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year, has been
the centerpiece of Seattle’s offense, accounting for a massive portion of the team’s
receiving production.
New England’s Underdog Run
The Patriots’ journey to Super Bowl 60 has been equally compelling.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye entered the season with questions
surrounding his consistency but quickly emerged as one of the league’s most
exciting young stars. Maye nearly captured the NFL MVP award and has made
several clutch plays throughout the postseason.
Head coach Mike Vrabel, named NFL Coach of the Year, has guided New England
through difficult weather conditions, tough defenses, and high-pressure situations
to reach the Super Bowl.
Quarterback Comparison: Sam Darnold vs. Drake Maye
One of the most debated aspects of Super Bowl 60 is the quarterback matchup.
Sam Darnold brings experience and composure, along with elite weapons like
Smith-Njigba. While Darnold has struggled under pressure earlier in his career, this
season he has shown improved decision-making and confidence.
Drake Maye, meanwhile, offers mobility and improvisation. His ability to escape the
pocket and make plays with his legs adds an unpredictable element to New
England’s offense.
X-Factors to Watch
Beyond the quarterbacks, several players could play pivotal roles.
For Seattle, rookie defender Nick Emmanwori has emerged as a versatile force
capable of disrupting both the run and the pass. For New England, defensive tackle
Milton Williams has been a consistent presence in the postseason, particularly
when generating pressure up the middle.
The performance of Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell could also shape the
game, as he faces one of the league’s most aggressive pass rushes.
Defensive Storylines That Could Decide the Game
A major question entering Super Bowl 60 is whether New England can contain
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks receiver accounts for more than 40 percent of
Seattle’s total receiving yards, making him the focal point of the offense.
On the other side, Seattle will aim to keep Drake Maye in the pocket and limit his
scrambling ability. If the Seahawks can force third-and-long situations
consistently, they could control the pace of the game.
Super Bowl 60 Predictions
Most experts give a slight edge to Seattle due to their depth and defensive
strength, though many acknowledge New England’s history of thriving as an
underdog.
Predicted scores range from a comfortable Seahawks win to a narrow Patriots
upset, underscoring how evenly matched the teams appear heading into kickoff.
Final Reminder: When Should You Tune In?
To catch every moment of Super Bowl 60:
Pregame coverage begins at 12:00 p.m. ET
Opening ceremony starts around 6:00 p.m. ET
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET
Halftime show airs around 8:00–8:30 p.m. ET
Super Bowl 60 promises high drama, massive entertainment, and a fitting
conclusion to the 2025 NFL season. Whether you’re watching for the football, the
commercials, or the halftime spectacle, everything is set for one unforgettable
night.
