The Super Bowl halftime show always steals the spotlight, turning a football game into a global entertainment extravaganza. Fans eagerly await this mid-game spectacle, and with Kendrick Lamar headlining the 2025 edition, the excitement reaches fever pitch. But one question buzzes louder than the rest: What time does the halftime show actually start? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the timing, the performers, and how to catch every electrifying moment of Super Bowl LIX, happening on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
This article delivers the latest scoop as of March 18, 2025, ensuring you stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a music lover, or just here for the vibes, I’ve got you covered with all the details. From kickoff to curtain call, let’s break it down step by step.
Why the Halftime Show Matters
The Super Bowl halftime show transforms a sports event into a cultural phenomenon. Millions tune in not just for the game but for the jaw-dropping performances that define the night. Kendrick Lamar, a rap titan with 22 Grammy wins, takes center stage this year, promising a historic show as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline. His past appearance in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg already set a high bar, but now he commands the spotlight alone.
This isn’t just a concert—it’s a moment. The 2025 halftime show smashed records with 133.5 million viewers, outshining even Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993 performance. With special guests like SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard joining Lamar, anticipation skyrockets. Naturally, knowing when to grab your snacks and settle in becomes crucial.
When Does Super Bowl LIX KickOff?
To pinpoint the halftime show’s start, we first need to clock the game’s beginning. Super Bowl LIX kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 9, 2025. That’s 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), 5:30 p.m. Central Time (CT), and a late 11:30 p.m. in the UK. The game pits the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs, a rematch fans can’t stop buzzing about after the Eagles’ 40-22 victory.
The NFL schedules this prime-time slot to maximize viewership across the U.S. and beyond. Unlike regular season games, the Super Bowl stretches longer due to extended breaks, commercials, and, of course, the halftime extravaganza. So, while kickoff launches the night, the real countdown begins for that mid-game break.
How Long Until Halftime?
Football games split into four quarters, with halftime arriving after the second. In a typical NFL game, each quarter lasts 15 minutes of playtime, but real-time action drags out with timeouts, clock stoppages, and referee reviews. For the Super Bowl, add in extra fanfare—think pregame ceremonies and longer ad breaks—and the first half usually spans 90 minutes to two hours.
Let’s do the math. If kickoff hits at 6:30 p.m. ET, the first two quarters likely wrap between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET. That’s when the players hit the locker rooms, and the stage crew scrambles to set up. However, delays happen. A fast-paced half with fewer interruptions might push halftime earlier, while a slugfest full of penalties could nudge it later. Either way, expect Kendrick Lamar to ignite the stage sometime in that 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET window.
What Time Does the Halftime Show Start?
Here’s the kicker: the NFL doesn’t slap an exact timestamp on the halftime show. Unlike a concert with a set curtain time, this performance hinges on the game’s flow. Based on past Super Bowls and the 2025 event’s rundown, the halftime show typically launches around 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. For West Coast fans, that’s 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT. Central folks clock it at 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT, while UK viewers brace for a 1:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. start on Monday, February 10.
The 2025 show kicked off closer to 8:30 p.m. ET, according to post-event reports, aligning with the game’s tempo. Kendrick Lamar’s set, packed with hits like “Not Like Us” and “HUMBLE.,” ran about 15 minutes—a standard length for Super Bowl performances. Factor in stage setup and teardown, and the entire halftime break stretched to roughly 25-30 minutes. So, mark your calendars, but keep your eyes peeled on the game clock for precision.
What Affects the Halftime Show Timing?
Timing isn’t set in stone, and several factors play puppet master. First, the game’s pace dictates everything. A high-scoring shootout with quick drives might shave minutes off the first half, while a defensive grind with constant stoppages drags it out. The Chiefs-Eagles clash leaned toward the latter, with strategic plays stretching the clock.
Next, commercials bulk up the runtime. Super Bowl ads—those million-dollar, star-studded spots—extend breaks between quarters. Pregame festivities, like Jon Batiste’s national anthem, also nibble at the schedule. Finally, the halftime setup itself takes time. Crews haul out massive stages, lights, and pyrotechnics, all while ensuring safety and precision. These moving parts mean you should tune in early—say, 7:45 p.m. ET—to avoid missing Lamar’s opening bars.
How Long Does the Halftime Show Last?
Unlike a regular NFL halftime, which clocks in at 12-15 minutes, the Super Bowl version stretches longer to accommodate the spectacle. Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance lasted 15 minutes, a tight window packed with energy. Add setup and breakdown—about 5-10 minutes each—and the total break hovered around 25-30 minutes.
Compare that to past shows: Usher’s 2024 set ran 15 minutes, Rihanna’s 2023 performance hit 13 minutes, and the 2022 hip-hop medley with Lamar and crew clocked 14 minutes, 41 seconds. The NFL caps the showtime to keep players warm and ready, but they stretch the break enough to dazzle the crowd. Lamar’s set, with SZA’s soulful hooks and Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam flair, didn’t waste a second.
Who Performed at the 2025 Halftime Show?
Kendrick Lamar headlined, cementing his legacy as a Super Bowl trailblazer. The Compton-born rapper, known for storytelling and raw lyricism, brought his A-game. Joining him, SZA added R&B fire with their collabo hits like “All the Stars.” Samuel L. Jackson, rocking an Uncle Sam getup, kicked things off with gravitas. Serena Williams popped up, dancing to “Not Like Us,” while Mustard spun beats alongside Lamar.
This lineup turned heads, blending music, sports, and Hollywood flair. Lamar’s choice of “Not Like Us”—a Drake diss track—stirred buzz, especially after its Grammy sweep. Critics hailed the show as “electrifying,” with 133.5 million viewers proving its pull. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation, who produced the event, scored a knockout with this crew.
How to Watch the 2025 Halftime Show
Catching the halftime show live takes zero effort if you’ve got the right setup. FOX aired Super Bowl LIX, including Lamar’s performance, across the U.S. For cord-cutters, Tubi streamed it free in 4K—just sign in and watch. Streaming services like DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV also carried FOX, many offering free trials.
In the UK, ITV1 and Sky Sports NFL broadcasted the event, with ITVX and Sky Go streaming options. NFL Game Pass via DAZN delivered full U.S. coverage—including those iconic ads—for just £0.99 overseas. Whether you’re stateside or across the pond, you had front-row access to Lamar’s historic moment.
What Songs Did Kendrick Lamar Perform?
Lamar’s setlist packed a punch, blending new bangers with timeless hits. He opened with “Squabble Up” from his latest album, GNX, setting a gritty tone. “HUMBLE.” followed, igniting the crowd with its booming bass. “Not Like Us” stole the show, a censored but fierce jab at Drake that had fans roaring. SZA joined for “All the Stars,” their Black Panther anthem, before “TV Off” closed the night with a grin.
The 10-song set, clocking 15 minutes, showcased Lamar’s range—storytelling, swagger, and social bite. Serena Williams grooving and Samuel L. Jackson’s interludes added flair. Critics called it a “victory lap,” and the 133.5 million viewers agreed, making it the most-watched halftime show ever.
FAQs About the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show
What exact time did the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show start?
Kendrick Lamar took the stage around 8:30 p.m. ET on February 9, 2025, though the game’s pace nudged it slightly past 8:00 p.m. Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET set the clock, with the first half wrapping after about two hours of play, commercials, and breaks.
How long did Kendrick Lamar perform during the halftime show?
Cheltenham Lamar rocked the Caesars Superdome for 15 minutes, delivering 10 songs. The full halftime break, including setup and teardown, stretched to 25-30 minutes, giving crews time to haul out the massive stage and lights.
Who joined Kendrick Lamar on stage for the 2025 halftime show?
Sizzling SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard teamed up with Lamar. SZA sang “All the Stars,” Jackson played Uncle Sam, Williams danced to “Not Like Us,” and Mustard spun beats, creating a star-packed spectacle.
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