You're standing by the chips, looking at the dip, and someone asks the million-dollar question: "Wait, what time is the halftime show?" It happens every year.
Usually, by the time the second quarter is winding down, everyone realizes they have no clue when the actual music starts. If you’re trying to plan your snack run or just want to make sure you don't miss Bad Bunny making history at Super Bowl LX, timing is everything.
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The short answer? You should be in front of your TV by 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
But football is unpredictable. A flurry of timeouts or a long review can throw the clock off. Honestly, if you want the full breakdown of how we get to that "8:00ish" start time, here’s the deal.
What Time Is Half Time Super Bowl (and Why It’s Never Exact)
The game kicks off at 6:30 PM ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Since the Super Bowl is essentially a four-hour television production disguised as a football game, the first half usually takes about 90 minutes.
That puts the what time is half time super bowl window right around 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET.
Why the clock is weird
In a regular NFL game, halftime is just 13 minutes. It’s barely enough time to grab a beer. But for the Super Bowl? The NFL stretches it to about 25 to 30 minutes.
Think about the logistics. They have to wheel out a massive stage, set up complex pyrotechnics, and get a small army of dancers in place—all without ruining the turf. Then the artist performs for roughly 13 minutes, and the whole thing has to be dismantled so the third quarter can start. It’s a miracle of engineering, basically.
Who Is Headlining the 2026 Halftime Show?
This year is a big one. Bad Bunny is taking the stage as the first-ever solo Latin male headliner. After years of rumors involving everyone from Taylor Swift to Adele, the NFL and Apple Music finally confirmed Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio for the Santa Clara show.
He’s not totally new to this. You might remember him appearing briefly during the J.Lo and Shakira performance back in 2020. But this time, he's the main event.
The vibes will be different. Expect a lot of reggaeton, plenty of Spanish-language hits, and a high-energy production that matches his global streaming dominance. If you're looking for songs like "Tití Me Preguntó" or "Monaco," this is the window you can't miss.
Planning Your Super Bowl LX Viewing
If you aren't on the East Coast, the math gets a little annoying. Here is the approximate schedule for the different time zones:
- Pacific Time: Kickoff at 3:30 PM, Halftime around 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM.
- Mountain Time: Kickoff at 4:30 PM, Halftime around 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM.
- Central Time: Kickoff at 5:30 PM, Halftime around 7:00 PM - 7:15 PM.
- Eastern Time: Kickoff at 6:30 PM, Halftime around 8:00 PM - 8:15 PM.
Watching from the UK? You're looking at a 1:00 AM start for the music on February 9. Good luck with work on Monday.
Where to Watch
The 2026 game is airing on NBC. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it on Peacock. For the Spanish-language broadcast, head over to Telemundo.
The "Bad Bunny" Factor: Will It Be Longer?
There’s always talk about whether the halftime show will run over. The NFL is notoriously strict with their timing because every second of ad space costs millions.
However, Bad Bunny is known for elaborate sets. While the performance itself will likely stay in that 13-minute sweet spot, the entire halftime break—including the analysis and the setup—tends to lean toward the 30-minute mark lately.
The 2025 show with Kendrick Lamar set a massive viewership record. The league is clearly leaning into these mega-stars to keep people from switching channels during the break.
Don't Forget the Pre-Game
If you’re a fan of the anthem, you need to tune in way before the what time is half time super bowl window. Charlie Puth is set to perform the National Anthem this year.
Expect the "Star Spangled Banner" to happen around 6:15 PM ET, followed by the coin toss. If you're betting on the length of the anthem (a classic prop bet), make sure you're settled in early.
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Actionable Tips for the Best Experience
To make sure you actually see the show without stress, follow these steps:
- Download the Peacock App Early: Don't wait until 6:25 PM to realize you need a software update or forgot your password.
- Set a "Five Minute" Warning: Set an alarm on your phone for 7:55 PM ET. The second quarter can end abruptly if a team just runs out the clock.
- Sync Your Group: If you're hosting, warn your guests that the "real" show starts at 8:00 PM so they aren't stuck in the kitchen.
- Check the Score: If the game is a blowout, the halftime show usually starts a few minutes earlier as the game flow speeds up. If it's a high-scoring shootout with lots of penalties, expect a delay closer to 8:15 PM ET.
The Super Bowl is as much about the spectacle as it is the sports. Between Bad Bunny’s historical performance and the high-tech setup at Levi's Stadium, this halftime is shaping up to be one of the most-watched musical events of the decade. Just keep an eye on that game clock.