In a surprising last-minute adjustment just days before the biggest game of the NFL season, the league and broadcast partners have announced a two-hour delay to the kickoff time for Super Bowl LX. The highly anticipated rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will now begin at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT local time), instead of the previously scheduled 6:30 p.m. ET.

The official reason cited by NFL officials and FOX Sports — the network originally slated to broadcast the game before the rotation placed it on NBC — stems from updated weather forecasts indicating potential adverse conditions earlier in the evening. While Levi’s Stadium features a state-of-the-art open-air design with excellent drainage, projections showed a higher risk of light rain or wind gusts around the original kickoff window, which could have affected field conditions, pre-game ceremonies, and overall fan experience.

By pushing the start back two hours, organizers aim to ensure safer, drier playing conditions, minimize any disruptions to the elaborate halftime production featuring Bad Bunny, and allow for smoother operations during what is expected to be one of the most-watched television events in history.

This change comes after weeks of buildup to what promises to be an epic clash. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Sam Darnold in a remarkable career resurgence, clinched the NFC title with a dominant playoff run, finishing the regular season at 16-3 and showcasing one of the league’s stingiest defenses anchored by stars like Leonard Williams, Ernest Jones IV, and Devon Witherspoon. Darnold, once labeled a bust after stints with the Jets and others, has silenced critics by leading Seattle to consecutive high-win seasons and now stands on the cusp of his first Super Bowl ring as a starter.

On the other side, the New England Patriots, under head coach Mike Vrabel, have revived their dynasty aura. With rookie sensation Drake Maye at quarterback — a finalist for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors — New England posted a 17-3 record and powered through the AFC playoffs with a suffocating defense that limited opponents to under 9 points per game in the postseason.

Maye, the dynamic young signal-caller, has drawn comparisons to early-career legends, and this matchup marks New England’s bid for a record seventh Lombardi Trophy, their first without Tom Brady or Bill Belichick at the helm.

The delay has ripple effects for millions of viewers worldwide. Pre-game coverage, including Green Day’s special performance starting around 8:00 p.m. ET (shifted accordingly), will now extend further into the evening. The iconic halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny — fresh off his Grammy Album of the Year win and boasting the title of the most-streamed artist globally — remains a centerpiece, with organizers confident the later timing will enhance production elements under potentially clearer skies.

Fans planning parties, travel, or viewing parties are urged to update their schedules immediately. The game will still air live on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock, NFL+, DirecTV, and Telemundo for Spanish-language coverage. Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play duties alongside analyst Cris Collinsworth and sideline reporter Melissa Stark.

This is not the first time Super Bowl kickoff has seen adjustments — past editions have shifted for weather, broadcast logistics, or global viewing considerations — but a two-hour delay this close to game day is rare and underscores the NFL’s commitment to delivering the best possible product. The league emphasized that all ticket holders, sponsors, and partners have been notified, with no changes to gate times or stadium access protocols beyond a slight pushback.

The Seahawks-Patriots rivalry adds extra intrigue: this is a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, where New England edged Seattle 28-24 on Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception in one of the most dramatic finishes in sports history. Eleven years later, both franchises have evolved dramatically. Seattle seeks its second title, while New England chases history without its longtime icons.

As Super Bowl week continues with media sessions, practices, and fan events, the focus now sharpens on how this timing shift might influence preparation or strategy. Players from both sides have expressed flexibility, with Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald joking that “an extra two hours just means more film study,” and Vrabel noting the importance of player rest amid a grueling season.

With the stakes at their highest, this updated kickoff ensures the spectacle unfolds under optimal conditions. Whether it’s Darnold’s redemption arc, Maye’s star turn, a defensive masterclass, or Bad Bunny stealing the show, Super Bowl LX is poised to deliver unforgettable moments — now starting a little later, but with even greater anticipation.

Viewers should check official NFL, NBC, and team channels for any further updates, as final confirmations on pre-game timing will roll out in the coming days. One thing remains certain: when the ball is kicked at 8:30 p.m. ET, the world will be watching.