The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), is one of the most-watched television events in the United States. For fans planning to tune in, knowing the start time is crucial. The start time for the Super Bowl can vary slightly from year to year, but it generally falls within a specific window. Here's a look at the start times for five recent Super Bowls to give you an idea of what to expect.
Understanding Super Bowl Start Times
The Super Bowl typically starts between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET). This time frame allows for a significant portion of the U.S. audience to watch the game after their workday or school day has ended. The exact start time can depend on various factors, including the network broadcasting the event, the location of the game, and any pre-game festivities that are scheduled. For the purposes of this discussion, we’ll examine the start times for Super Bowls from recent years.
Super Bowl LV (55) Start Time
Super Bowl LV, which took place on February 7, 2021, between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs, started at 6:30 PM ET. This game was broadcast on CBS and saw the Buccaneers win decisively, 31-9.
Super Bowl LIV (54) Start Time
In 2020, Super Bowl LIV, played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers on February 2, kicked off at 6:30 PM ET. The game, broadcast by FOX, resulted in a 31-20 victory for the Chiefs.
Super Bowl LIII (53) Start Time
Super Bowl LIII, held on February 3, 2019, between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, started at 6:30 PM ET. This game, broadcast by CBS, was notable for its defensive battle, with the Patriots winning 13-3.
Super Bowl LII (52) Start Time
The start time for Super Bowl LII, played on February 4, 2018, between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, was also 6:30 PM ET. NBC broadcast the game, which saw the Eagles win their first Super Bowl title, 41-33.
Super Bowl LI (51) Start Time
Lastly, Super Bowl LI, which took place on February 5, 2017, between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, kicked off at 6:30 PM ET. FOX was the broadcaster for this game, which is famous for the Patriots’ historic comeback, winning 34-28 in overtime.
| Super Bowl | Start Time (ET) | Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|
| LV (55) | 6:30 PM | CBS |
| LIV (54) | 6:30 PM | FOX |
| LIII (53) | 6:30 PM | CBS |
| LII (52) | 6:30 PM | NBC |
| LI (51) | 6:30 PM | FOX |
Key Points
- The Super Bowl typically starts between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM ET to accommodate a wide audience.
- Recent Super Bowls have consistently started at 6:30 PM ET, regardless of the broadcaster.
- Factors such as pre-game festivities and network broadcaster can influence the exact start time.
- Planning ahead, including considering pre-game and post-game content, can improve the viewing experience.
- The consistency in start times reflects the NFL's effort to make the Super Bowl accessible to the largest possible audience.
In conclusion, while the specific details of each Super Bowl can vary, the start time has been consistent in recent years, providing fans with a predictable schedule for this major sporting event. As the NFL continues to evolve and grow, understanding these patterns can help fans make the most of their Super Bowl experience.
What is the typical start time for the Super Bowl?
+The Super Bowl typically starts between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), with recent games consistently starting at 6:30 PM ET.
Does the broadcaster affect the start time of the Super Bowl?
+While the broadcaster (such as CBS, FOX, or NBC) might influence some aspects of the event, the start time has been consistent across different broadcasters in recent years.
How can I plan for the Super Bowl if I’m hosting a viewing party?
+Consider the start time, plan for pre-game and post-game activities, and ensure you have enough food, drinks, and seating for your guests. Also, be prepared for potential overtime play.
