The Exact Time The Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starts: Your Must-Know 2026 Guide
The most anticipated musical event of the year, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, is a must-see spectacle, and for the upcoming Super Bowl LX, the estimated start time is between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This range is crucial because the exact start is entirely dependent on the flow and duration of the game's first half, a variable that keeps fans on the edge of their seats every year. The 2026 performance is set to feature global superstar Bad Bunny, making this year's show a massive cultural moment for music and sports fans alike.
As of today, December 23, 2025, all eyes are on the National Football League (NFL) championship and the monumental performance by the headliner. The Super Bowl is more than just a football game; it's an annual cultural landmark, and knowing the kickoff time is only the first step. To catch the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, you need to understand the full game schedule and the factors that influence the clock.
Super Bowl LX 2026 Halftime Show: Essential Event Details
To help you plan your viewing party and ensure you don't miss a second of Bad Bunny's performance, here is a complete breakdown of the key information for Super Bowl LX (60).
- Event: Super Bowl LX (60)
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Official Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- Halftime Show Sponsor: Apple Music
- 2026 Halftime Show Headliner: Bad Bunny (Benito Ocasio)
- Estimated Halftime Show Start Time: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
- Estimated Halftime Show Duration: The musical performance itself typically lasts 12–15 minutes.
The kickoff is locked in at 6:30 PM ET, but the first half of an NFL game is rarely a predictable 90-minute affair. The first two quarters of the Super Bowl are extended by numerous factors, which is why the halftime show is always an estimated start time.
Why the Halftime Show Start Time is Always an Estimate
Unlike a regular-season game where halftime starts after the second quarter concludes, the Super Bowl has a significantly longer break to accommodate the massive production of the musical show. This extended break, however, still relies on the exact moment the first half ends. Several factors contribute to the variability of the start time.
The Pacing of the First Half
An NFL game has two 15-minute quarters in the first half, totaling 30 minutes of actual play time. However, the clock stops frequently due to incomplete passes, penalties, timeouts, and out-of-bounds plays. In a high-stakes championship game like the Super Bowl, teams are more likely to use their full allotment of timeouts, further extending the total elapsed time.
Commercial Breaks and Replays
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of television advertising, featuring some of the most expensive and elaborate commercials of the year. The sheer volume of these advertisements, combined with official reviews and in-game presentations, stretches the time between plays and quarters. This means the 30 minutes of game clock often translates to approximately 90 to 120 minutes of real-world time before the second quarter is officially over.
The Halftime Production Setup
Once the second quarter ends, the clock for the Apple Music Halftime Show begins. The break is extended from the usual 12 minutes to around 30 minutes to allow the massive stage, lighting, and sound equipment to be moved onto the field, the performance to take place, and the entire setup to be cleared before the third quarter begins. The musical performance itself, featuring the likes of Bad Bunny's Latin trap and reggaeton style, is a tightly choreographed 12 to 15-minute spectacle.
How to Calculate and Pinpoint the Halftime Show Start
While the 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET window is the most reliable estimate, you can use the following tips to pinpoint the exact moment the show will begin. This method is the best way to ensure you are watching the broadcast at the right time, especially if you are only tuning in for the musical act.
1. Monitor the Game Clock
The halftime show starts immediately after the second quarter concludes. Start paying close attention to the broadcast when the game clock drops below the 5-minute mark in the second quarter. This is typically when the teams start using their timeouts, and the pace of the game slows down.
2. Understand Time Zone Differences
The official kickoff is 6:30 PM ET. Remember to adjust your viewing time based on your local time zone. For Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, the kickoff will be at 3:30 PM Pacific Time (PT). The estimated halftime show start would be between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM PT.
- Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
3. Watch for the Headliner's Introduction
The television broadcast will often have a dedicated segment leading into the Bad Bunny performance, featuring a short documentary or a sponsored message from Apple Music. Once the commentators announce a final break before the show, you know the music is moments away. This is your last chance to grab snacks before the spectacle begins.
The Legacy of the Super Bowl Halftime Show
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved from simple marching band performances in its early days to a global concert event. The shift to major pop and rock acts began in the 1990s, with iconic performances by Michael Jackson, and has since featured a rotating cast of the biggest names in music.
The 2026 performance by Bad Bunny, whose full name is Benito Ocasio, continues this tradition of attracting massive international star power. Following in the footsteps of recent headliners like Rihanna (Super Bowl LVII) and Kendrick Lamar (Super Bowl LIX), Bad Bunny is set to bring his unique blend of Latin trap and reggaeton to the world stage, ensuring the Super Bowl LX halftime show will be a historic moment for the genre and the NFL.
By keeping an eye on the game clock and using the estimated 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET window, you are guaranteed to catch the epic musical interlude that has become just as important as the football game itself.
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