📅 SCHEDULE UPDATE: Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots — TIME CHANGE NOTICE.
The NFL has issued an important SCHEDULE UPDATE for football fans nationwide: the highly anticipated matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots—now officially set as Super Bowl LX—includes a TIME CHANGE NOTICE that affects viewing plans across time zones.
This blockbuster rematch, pitting two storied franchises against each other for the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will now kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT). The adjustment, confirmed by league officials and broadcast partners, shifts the start slightly to optimize national viewership, align with prime-time advertising windows, and accommodate a star-studded pre-game and halftime lineup.
For millions of American viewers—especially those on the East Coast—this means the big game begins right in the heart of Sunday evening, perfect for family gatherings, office pools, and watch parties from Boston to Seattle and everywhere in between.
The decision to tweak the timing comes amid growing excitement for what promises to be one of the most compelling Super Bowls in recent memory. It’s a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX from 2015, when the Patriots edged out the Seahawks 28-24 in one of the most dramatic finishes in NFL history—thanks to Malcolm Butler’s iconic interception that sealed New England’s victory. Eleven years later, both teams have reloaded with fresh talent and momentum. The Patriots, under new leadership and with a dynamic young quarterback steering the offense, clinched the AFC crown after a gritty playoff run.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks stormed through the NFC bracket, showcasing a ferocious defense and explosive playmakers that have fans in the Pacific Northwest dreaming of bringing the trophy back to the Emerald City.
This time change isn’t just logistical—it’s strategic. The NFL and NBC, which is broadcasting the game in partnership with Peacock for streaming, want to maximize audience reach during a weekend that overlaps with other major events, including ongoing coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. By locking in the 6:30 p.m. ET slot, the league ensures the Super Bowl commands undivided attention once evening programming begins. Pre-game festivities will ramp up earlier, with coverage starting around 1 p.m. ET and a special pre-kickoff performance by Green Day scheduled for 6 p.m. ET to build hype.
Halftime will feature Bad Bunny, the global superstar whose high-energy show is expected to draw massive crossover appeal beyond traditional football audiences.
For fans planning their Super Bowl Sunday, the updated schedule means more time to prepare. East Coast viewers can enjoy a full day of tailgate-style activities before settling in for the 6:30 kickoff, while West Coast supporters get an earlier start to the festivities without staying up too late. Central Time fans will tune in at 5:30 p.m., and Mountain Time at 4:30 p.m. The game remains on NBC for over-the-air viewing, with streaming options on Peacock, NFL+, and various cable providers. Telemundo will provide Spanish-language coverage for broader accessibility.
This Patriots-Seahawks clash carries extra weight because of the history. In 2015, the Seahawks were on the verge of back-to-back titles before that fateful goal-line decision. New England capitalized, cementing their dynasty status. Now, both teams enter as underdogs in different ways: the Patriots seeking to prove their resurgence is real, and the Seahawks aiming to rewrite the narrative from that heartbreaking loss. Analysts are already buzzing about key matchups—how the Patriots’ passing attack will fare against Seattle’s secondary, or whether the Seahawks’ ground game can control the clock against New England’s improved front seven.
Beyond the field, the time adjustment highlights how the NFL continues to evolve its biggest event. Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial American holiday, with parties, commercials, and food taking center stage. The later Eastern kickoff gives advertisers more evening eyeballs and lets casual fans join without rushing home from weekend errands. It also syncs better with post-game celebrations, ensuring the victory parade chatter carries into Monday morning water-cooler talk nationwide.
As February 8 approaches, excitement is building from coast to coast. In New England, fans are dusting off their Brady-era gear while embracing the new era. In Seattle, the 12s are ready to make noise even from thousands of miles away. The time change is a small but meaningful update in what will be a massive spectacle—one that reminds us why the Super Bowl remains the premier event in American sports.
Whether you’re rooting for the blue and green or the red, white, and blue, mark your calendars: 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Levi’s Stadium will host history, and living rooms across the country will light up with the same electric energy that has defined this matchup for over a decade. Get ready—it’s almost game time.
