If you’re living in the Mountain time zone, you’re basically in the "Goldilocks zone" for football. You don’t have to wake up at dawn like the West Coast for early games, and you aren’t staying up until midnight like the poor souls in New York. But when it comes to the biggest game of the year, the timing is precise. Like, clockwork precise.
So, when does the Super Bowl start MST?
For Super Bowl LX, which is happening on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the official kickoff is set for 4:30 PM MST.
Now, if you’ve watched enough of these, you know the "official" time and the moment the kicker’s foot actually hits the ball are two different things. Usually, there’s about 10 to 12 minutes of national anthem performances, coin tosses, and jet flyovers. Expect the actual game action to begin around 4:42 PM MST.
Why the 4:30 PM MST Start Time Matters
The NFL is obsessed with the 6:30 PM Eastern Time slot. It’s the sweet spot for television ratings. For those of us in Denver, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City, that translates to 4:30 PM. This is actually perfect. It means the game ends right around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM MST, giving you plenty of time to clean up the buffalo wing mess and get to bed before the Monday morning reality check hits.
Honestly, the schedule for the day is a whole marathon, not just a sprint. NBC is the broadcaster this year—taking over the rotation—and they are planning to lean heavily into the fact that the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are happening at the same time.
The Full Sunday Timeline (MST)
- 11:00 AM: The heavy pre-game coverage starts. If you like four hours of retired quarterbacks sitting at a desk talking about "keys to the game," this is your moment.
- 4:00 PM: The "official" pre-game ceremonies begin. This is when Charlie Puth is expected to perform the National Anthem for 2026.
- 4:30 PM: The scheduled kickoff time for Super Bowl LX.
- 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Somewhere in this window, Bad Bunny will take the stage for the Halftime Show.
- 8:15 PM: Estimated game conclusion (assuming no overtime drama).
Where the Magic is Happening
This year, the circus heads to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It’s the home of the 49ers. Because it’s a West Coast game, the stadium will still be bathed in daylight when the game starts at 3:30 PM local time (which, again, is our 4:30 PM MST).
There’s something kinda cool about watching the sky turn from bright blue to that deep California sunset orange on your TV while you're likely staring at a pile of snow outside in the Rockies.
💡 You might also like: ncaa d1 basketball rankings: Why the AP Top 25 is Lying to You
How to Watch Without a Cable Bill
You don't need a $100-a-month Comcast subscription to see this. Since NBC has the rights for Super Bowl LX, you've got options:
- A Digital Antenna: Seriously. It’s 2026 and "rabbit ears" (the high-tech versions) are still the best way to get a 4K-ish uncompressed signal for free.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming service will carry the game live. Just make sure your internet can handle the bandwidth, or you’ll be three plays behind your neighbor who is screaming through the wall.
- Telemundo: If you want the Spanish-language broadcast, which—honestly—is often way more energetic than the English one.
The Bad Bunny Factor
A lot of people tune in just for the Halftime Show. This year is a massive deal because Bad Bunny is headlining. Given his track record, expect a high-energy, reggaeton-heavy spectacle that will likely start around 90 minutes after the initial kickoff. If you're only here for the music, set an alarm for 6:00 PM MST, but give yourself a buffer.
🔗 Read more: Olya and Brenda: Why Their Names Still Ring Out in Tennis Stadiums
Common Misconceptions About the Start Time
People often get confused because Arizona is a bit weird with Time Zones.
Most of the year, Arizona doesn't do Daylight Saving Time. However, in February, MST is MST. Whether you are in Albuquerque, Boise, or Scottsdale, 4:30 PM is your mark.
Another thing: don't trust the "kickoff" listed on some international sites. They often list the broadcast start time, which can be hours earlier. If you show up to the party at 1:00 PM MST, you're going to be watching a lot of commercials and human-interest stories about a linebacker’s childhood dog before any football actually happens.
Practical Steps for Game Day:
- Sync your clocks: If you're betting on the "first score" or "opening toss," make sure your stream isn't lagging. Cable is usually 30 seconds ahead of streaming apps.
- Food Prep: Have the food ready by 4:00 PM MST. The transition from the anthem to the kickoff happens fast, and you don't want to be in the kitchen when the opening return happens.
- Check the App: If you're using Peacock, log in at least 20 minutes early to handle any "oops, you need to update the app" surprises.
The 4:30 PM MST start is arguably the best time in the country to watch. You get the full spectacle, the halftime show during dinner, and the trophy presentation before the Sunday Night Blues fully set in. Mark the calendar for February 8 and get the wings ready.