If you were looking for the time super bowl 2025 start, you've probably realized that "kickoff" and "broadcast start" are two very different animals. Honestly, showing up right at 6:30 p.m. ET is a rookie move. By then, you’ve already missed the flyover, the anthems, and that specific brand of pre-game tension that only exists in New Orleans.
Super Bowl LIX went down on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome. It was a massive night. The Kansas City Chiefs were hunting for a historic "three-peat" against the Philadelphia Eagles. But if you were sitting on your couch waiting for the ball to leave the tee, the actual time super bowl 2025 start for that first snap was roughly 6:40 p.m. ET.
Television schedules always list the window starting at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local CT in New Orleans). That’s when the "official" broadcast begins. However, the NFL loves its pageantry. You have the player introductions, the coin toss, and the National Anthem—performed this year by the legendary Jon Batiste. If you’re just there for the football, you’ve basically got a ten-minute buffer. If you’re there for the snacks and the vibe, you should've been tuned in hours earlier.
The 6:30 p.m. ET Kickoff Myth
Why does the NFL stick to this specific time? It’s basically a math equation for viewership. By starting at 6:30 p.m. on the East Coast, the league hits the "Goldilocks zone" for the entire country.
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- Eastern Time: 6:30 p.m. (Prime dinner time)
- Central Time: 5:30 p.m. (The heart of the action in New Orleans)
- Mountain Time: 4:30 p.m. (Late afternoon)
- Pacific Time: 3:30 p.m. (The ultimate afternoon party start)
Fox handled the broadcast this year. They didn't just start at 6:30, though. They ran a five-and-a-half-hour pre-game marathon starting at 1 p.m. ET. It’s a lot of talking heads, but for the die-hards, it’s part of the ritual.
What happened at the Caesars Superdome?
The venue is a character all its own. This was the 11th time New Orleans hosted, which ties the record for most Super Bowls in a single city. There’s something sort of magical about the Superdome. It’s loud. It’s dark. It’s intense.
The game itself was a rematch of Super Bowl LVII. The Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts, came in with a chip on their shoulder. On the other side, Patrick Mahomes was looking to cement a legacy that even Tom Brady—who was actually in the booth as a commentator for the first time—would have to envy.
When did Kendrick Lamar take the stage?
For a huge chunk of the audience, the time super bowl 2025 start for the halftime show is the only clock that matters. This wasn't just any show. Kendrick Lamar headlining in the middle of his massive cultural run was a statement.
Halftime doesn't have a fixed "start" time on the clock because it depends on the game flow. If there are a lot of penalties or incomplete passes, the first half drags. Generally, the second quarter ends about 90 to 100 minutes after kickoff.
For Super Bowl LIX, Kendrick and his surprise guest SZA hit the stage around 8:15 p.m. ET. The set was tight. It lasted about 13 minutes, featuring "Not Like Us" and some heavy hitters from his album GNX. If you stepped away to refill the wings at 8:00 p.m., you were cutting it dangerously close.
Watching the clock: When did it actually end?
Most NFL games take about three hours. The Super Bowl is a different beast. Between the extended halftime (which is twice as long as a regular-season break) and the $7 million commercials, things stretch out.
The final whistle blew around 10:10 p.m. ET. For those on the East Coast, it’s a late night, especially with the post-game trophy presentation and Jalen Hurts being named MVP after the Eagles' 40-22 victory.
- Kickoff Window: 6:30 p.m. – 6:40 p.m. ET
- Halftime Window: 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET
- Game End: Approximately 10:15 p.m. ET
Why the New Orleans start time felt different
Usually, the Super Bowl is the only show in town. But 2025 was weird. The city was originally supposed to host in 2024, but Mardi Gras got in the way. The NFL had to push it back a year to avoid the chaos of two massive festivals colliding.
Even with the delay, the energy was vibrating. The city had been through a lot leading up to the game, including a security scare on New Year’s Day, but by the time Feb 9 rolled around, the "Big Easy" was locked down and ready.
Actionable Steps for Future Big Games
If you missed the time super bowl 2025 start or felt rushed, here is how to handle the next one. First, always assume the ball is in the air 10 minutes after the listed time. Use that window for your final bathroom break. Second, if you’re streaming on a service like Tubi or Fubo, expect a 30-second delay compared to cable. Turn off your phone notifications so your "spoiler" friend doesn't ruin a touchdown before you see it. Finally, bookmark the official NFL schedule page at least a week out, as they often tweak the pre-game performance order (like the "Lift Every Voice and Sing" performance) which can move the kickoff by a minute or two.