With Super Bowl LX just days away, millions of fans are asking the same question: what time does the Super Bowl start? The answer is 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks kick off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. But this year's game is more than just a rematch of one of the most memorable Super Bowls in history—it's a cultural event featuring Bad Bunny's groundbreaking halftime show, a star-studded broadcast lineup on NBC, and pregame festivities that begin hours before kickoff.
How Super Bowl LX Unfolded: Inside the Patriots-Seahawks Rematch
The matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks marks the first Super Bowl rematch since the two teams faced off in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, a game famously decided by Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception in the final seconds. That 28–24 Patriots victory remains one of the most iconic finishes in NFL history, and now both franchises have a chance to rewrite the narrative. According to the New England Patriots' official preview, this will be the 10th Super Bowl rematch in league history, adding another layer of historical significance to an already compelling storyline.
This year's Patriots squad, led by head coach Jerod Mayo, has rebuilt its roster around a dynamic young quarterback and a defense that ranked among the league's best during the regular season. The Seahawks, under veteran coach Mike Macdonald, counter with a balanced offense and a secondary that has forced turnovers at a league-leading rate. The chess match between these two coaching staffs—both of whom have extensive playoff experience—will be a key subplot throughout the night.
Timeline: How Super Bowl LX Developed Over the Past Year
The road to Super Bowl LX began in earnest in March 2025, when the NFL released its regular-season schedule and confirmed that Levi's Stadium would host the big game. By September, both the Patriots and Seahawks had emerged as early favorites in their respective conferences, setting the stage for a potential rematch. In December, the league announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, making him the first Latino artist to solo headline the event.
January 2026 saw the playoff field narrow, with the Patriots defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game and the Seahawks overcoming the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship. The following week, NBC released its full broadcast schedule, confirming that pregame coverage would begin at 1 p.m. ET on February 8. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when the NFL revealed the complete musical lineup: Charlie Puth (national anthem), Brandi Carlile (“America the Beautiful”), and Coco Jones (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”).
Why This Super Bowl Matters: Expert Analysis and Impact
Beyond the on-field action, Super Bowl LX represents several landmark moments for the NFL and popular culture. Bad Bunny's halftime performance is expected to draw a massive global audience, particularly across Latin America, where his music dominates charts. Industry analysts predict that the telecast could challenge viewership records set by previous Super Bowls, thanks to the combination of a nostalgic rematch and a culturally relevant halftime show.
“This is a defining moment for the league's efforts to expand its international footprint,” says sports media consultant Brad Adgate. “Having a superstar like Bad Bunny appeals to a younger, more diverse demographic that the NFL has been trying to reach for years.” Additionally, the game's location in the San Francisco Bay Area—a region that hasn't hosted a Super Bowl since 2016—is projected to generate an economic impact of over $500 million for Santa Clara and surrounding communities.
On the field, the stakes are equally high. A Patriots victory would give the franchise its seventh Lombardi Trophy, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most all‑time. A Seahawks win would deliver the organization its second championship and cement the legacy of a roster that has been rebuilt almost entirely since the team's last Super Bowl appearance.
Where Things Stand Now: Latest on Super Bowl LX Preparations
As of February 2026, all systems are go for a smooth game‑day operation. Levi's Stadium has undergone a series of upgrades to accommodate the expected crowd of 68,500, including enhanced Wi‑Fi connectivity and additional concession options. The NFL has coordinated with local law enforcement and transportation agencies to manage the influx of visitors, with extra trains and shuttles scheduled to run throughout the day.
NBC's broadcast team, led by play‑by‑play announcer Mike Tirico and analyst Cris Collinsworth, has been on site since mid‑week, conducting interviews and producing feature segments from Radio Row. Sideline reporters Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung will provide real‑time updates from the sidelines, while the network's “Football Night in America” crew will handle pregame analysis. For viewers who prefer streaming, the game will be available on Peacock, NFL+, and the NBC Sports app, with Spanish‑language coverage on Telemundo and Universo.
Weather is not expected to be a factor—forecasts call for clear skies and temperatures in the mid‑60s during the day, cooling to the 50s by kickoff. The NFL has contingency plans for any unforeseen issues, but all indications point to ideal conditions for both the outdoor tailgating experience and the game itself.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Super Bowl LX
Once the final whistle blows, the focus will shift to the post‑game celebrations and the immediate future of both franchises. The winning team will participate in the traditional Disneyland parade on Monday, February 9, followed by a rally in its home city later in the week. Player accolades—including Super Bowl MVP—will be announced shortly after the game, with the victors also receiving their championship rings during a ceremony in the summer.
For the NFL, Super Bowl LX serves as a springboard into the 2026 offseason. The draft will be held in Chicago in late April, followed by organized team activities and minicamps. League officials are already planning for Super Bowl LXI, which will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in February 2027. But before that, there's still the matter of determining a champion on February 8—a decision that will be made under the lights at Levi's Stadium, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California.
- Teams: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (rematch of Super Bowl XLIX).
- TV Broadcast: NBC, with streaming on Peacock, NFL+, and the NBC Sports app.
- Halftime Performer: Bad Bunny, joined by Charlie Puth (national anthem), Brandi Carlile (“America the Beautiful”), and Coco Jones (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”).
- Pregame Coverage: Begins at 1 p.m. ET on NBC, with extensive analysis and features leading up to kickoff.
- Weather: Expected to be clear and mild, with no precipitation anticipated.
Whether you're tuning in for the football, the halftime show, or the commercials, Super Bowl LX promises to be an unforgettable chapter in NFL history. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET.
