How Long Does the Super Bowl Last
How Long Does the Super Bowl Last

Every year, one of the most common questions fans ask is simple: how long does the Super Bowl actually last? With Super Bowl LX set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, understanding the full timeline helps viewers plan their night, especially on the East Coast.

The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in California. While an NFL game includes 60 minutes of regulation play, the Super Bowl consistently runs much longer due to television production and halftime entertainment.

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Super Bowls rarely go over four hours

• Super Bowl 58 (Feb. 11, 2024): 4 hours, 6 minutes (overtime; only Super Bowl in the past 10 years to exceed four hours)

• Super Bowl 57 (Feb. 12, 2023): 3 hours, 31 minutes

• Super Bowl 56 (Feb. 13, 2022): 3 hours, 26 minutes

• Super Bowl 55 (Feb. 7, 2021): 3 hours, 35 minutes

• Super Bowl 54 (Feb. 2, 2020): 3 hours, 29 minutes

• Super Bowl 53 (Feb. 3, 2019): 3 hours, 32 minutes

• Super Bowl 52 (Feb. 4, 2018): 3 hours, 46 minutes

• Super Bowl 51 (Feb. 5, 2017): 3 hours, 47 minutes

• Super Bowl 50 (Feb. 7, 2016): 3 hours, 43 minutes

Why the Super Bowl runs longer than a regular NFL game

A standard NFL game typically lasts just over three hours, but the Super Bowl is different. According to reporting from NorthJersey.com, recent Super Bowls have averaged between 3 hours and 40 minutes and 4 hours from kickoff to the final whistle.

Several factors contribute to the extended runtime:

  • Longer commercial breaks (Super Bowl ads are the most expensive of the year)

  • A longer halftime show, usually lasting 25–30 minutes, compared to about 12 minutes in a regular game

  • Extra on-field ceremonies, including pregame and postgame presentations

These elements add close to an extra hour compared to a typical NFL broadcast.

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Estimated end time for Super Bowl 60

Based on historical Super Bowl lengths and broadcast schedules, Super Bowl 60 is expected to end between 10:05 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET

  • Halftime begins: around 8:00 p.m. ET

  • Second half kickoff: roughly 8:30 p.m. ET

  • Estimated end time: 10:05–10:30 p.m. ET

If the game goes into overtime — which has happened only twice in Super Bowl history — the finish could stretch closer to 11:00 p.m. ET.

What this means for viewers

For fans watching on the East Coast, Super Bowl Sunday is a late night, especially for families and workdays the following morning. That’s why many viewers plan for a four-hour viewing window to comfortably watch the full game, halftime show, and trophy ceremony without rushing.

For West Coast viewers, the timing is more forgiving, with the game expected to end around 7:05–7:30 p.m. PT.

Bottom line

Although the Super Bowl is officially a 60-minute football game, Super Bowl LX will realistically last close to four hours. If you’re asking “What time will Super Bowl 60 be over?”, the safest answer is just after 10 p.m. ET, with a buffer in case the game runs long.

Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss the ending — or the Lombardi Trophy celebration.