What Time Was the Super Bowl Kickoff in 2018
The Super Bowl LII kickoff on February 4, 2018 was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This early-evening slot balances coast-friendly viewing and live audience comfort, following the established pattern for non-Super Bowl XLVIII games. Below are the exact local start times and how the league chooses each year’s kickoff time.
Exact Kickoff Time by Time Zone (Super Bowl LII)
| Time Zone | Local Start Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 6:30 p.m. | Network prime-time corridor on East Coast |
| Central Time (CT) | 5:30 p.m. | Central US viewers |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 4:30 p.m. | Mountain US viewers |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 3:30 p.m. | Preferred West Coast window |
| Alaska Time (AKT) | 2:30 p.m. | Local start for Alaska |
| Hawaii–Aleutian Time (HAT) | 1:30 p.m. | Live start for Hawaii |
How the NFL Chooses the Kickoff Time
Since 2004, the league selects the Super Bowl time based on network planning, ad economics, and stadium conditions. Fox aired Super Bowl LII and preferred a 6:30 p.m. ET start to anchor its prime-time lineup. An early kickoff (versus a 9:00–9:30 p.m. ET slot) reduces weather risk for cold-venue cities, helps with west-coast live viewing, and supports global simulcast scheduling. Broadcasters also weigh local ad inventory and live-news build when confirming the final slot.
Key Context and FAQs
- Was the 2018 kickoff earlier than recent Super Bowls? Yes, many Super Bowls since 2015 have used 8:30–9:30 p.m. ET; 6:30 p.m. is notably earlier and more conservative.
- Does time zone affect ad rates? Yes, East Coast slots command premium national ad prices because they reach the largest live audience during prime hours.
- Can the kickoff shift after announcement? Only for extreme weather or logistical emergencies; the announced 6:30 p.m. ET time was the actual start on Feb 4, 2018.
Why Early Kickoff Matters for Viewers
An early Super Bowl helps Eastern and Central fans watch live without late-night fatigue, supports West Coast primetime viewing, and eases travel and security logistics around the stadium. It also enables international broadcasters to schedule same-night coverage in Europe and Asia without pushing into unreasonable early-morning hours.
Historical Time Trends (Selected Examples)
| Year (Game) | Kickoff Time (ET) | Venue | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (LII) | 6:30 p.m. | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis | Fox broadcast; early slot for weather risk management |
| 2017 (LI) | 8:30 p.m. | NRG Stadium, Houston | CBS; conventional late-evening time |
| 2015 (XLIX) | 9:30 p.m. | University of Phoenix, Glendale | NBC; late prime-time preference |
| 2014 (XLVIII) | 9:30 p.m. | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | First under NBC’s new window; late night |
Planning and Reference Takeaways
For historical context, Super Bowl LII kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET on February 4, 2018. This earlier slot reflects a deliberate choice by Fox and the NFL to manage weather, west-coast viewing, and live-event logistics. The kickoff time is set by the broadcast network and league well in advance, with adjustments only for exceptional circumstances. Use these details to align viewing plans, advertising insights, and travel coordination for past or future Super Bowl references.