SUPER BOWL 2026: THE COMPLETE UK GUIDE

Everything British fans need to know about Super Bowl LX. UK kickoff time, how to watch for free, and the best ways to enjoy the biggest night in American sports.

Last updated: December 2025 | Super Bowl LX: February 8, 2026

Super Bowl LX Quick Facts

  • Date: Sunday 8th February 2026
  • UK Kickoff: 11:30pm GMT
  • Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (San Francisco Bay Area)
  • Free TV: ITV1 and ITVX streaming
  • Subscription TV: Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Main Event
  • Halftime Show: Bad Bunny
  • Expected finish: ~3:30am Monday

What Time is Super Bowl 2026 in the UK?

Super Bowl LX UK Kickoff

11:30 PM

Sunday 8th February 2026

GMT (UK Winter Time)

Super Bowl LX kicks off at 11:30pm UK time on Sunday 8th February 2026. The game is being held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the local kickoff time is 3:30pm Pacific Time (6:30pm Eastern Time).

The Super Bowl typically lasts around 4 hours including the extended halftime show, pre-game festivities, and TV timeouts. Expect the game to finish around 3:30am on Monday morning.

Super Bowl Timeline (UK Time)

Event UK Time (GMT)
Pre-game coverage begins ~10:00pm
National Anthem ~11:25pm
Kickoff 11:30pm
End of 1st Quarter ~12:00am
Halftime Show (Bad Bunny) ~1:00am
Second Half Kickoff ~1:30am
Game ends (approx) ~3:30am

Book Monday Off Work

The Super Bowl won't finish until around 3:30am on Monday. Many UK fans book the Monday off work in advance - it's not a bank holiday, but it should be! If you're planning to watch the whole game, plan your week accordingly.

How to Watch Super Bowl 2026 in the UK

UK fans have multiple options for watching Super Bowl LX, including a completely free option on ITV.

Channel Cost Coverage
ITV1 / ITVX FREE Full game, halftime show
Sky Sports NFL Subscription Extended coverage, analysis
Sky Sports Main Event Subscription Simulcast of Sky Sports NFL
NOW Sports £14.99 day pass Stream Sky Sports coverage

Watch Super Bowl Free in the UK

Yes, you can watch the Super Bowl completely free in the UK! ITV has broadcast the Super Bowl on free-to-air television since 2017, and this continues for Super Bowl LX in 2026.

ITV1 / ITVX (Free)

Completely Free

The best free option for UK viewers. No subscription, no sign-up fees.

  • TV: ITV1 - Freeview channel 3
  • Streaming: ITVX (free with ads, or ad-free with ITVX Premium)
  • Full game coverage including halftime show
  • UK-focused commentary and analysis
  • Available on all Freeview, Freesat, Sky, and Virgin Media TVs
  • Stream on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and browsers

Paid Options

Sky Sports

Subscription Required

More comprehensive coverage with American-style presentation.

  • Extended pre-game and post-game analysis
  • Multiple camera angles and enhanced coverage
  • Sky Sports NFL and Sky Sports Main Event
  • Available via Sky TV subscription or NOW Sports day pass (£14.99)

Which Should You Choose?

Casual viewers: ITV is perfect - it's free and covers everything you need. Hardcore NFL fans: Sky Sports offers more in-depth analysis and the full American broadcast experience. Most UK fans watch on ITV.

Super Bowl LX Halftime Show

Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LX, making history as the first Latin male artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.

The halftime show typically starts around 1:00am UK time and lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. It's one of the most-watched musical performances in the world, with past performers including Rihanna, Shakira & J-Lo, The Weeknd, and Usher.

Recent Super Bowl Halftime Performers

Year Super Bowl Performer(s)
2026 LX Bad Bunny
2025 LIX Kendrick Lamar
2024 LVIII Usher
2023 LVII Rihanna
2022 LVI Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar

Super Bowl Night Schedule

The Super Bowl is more than just a game - it's a full evening of entertainment. Here's what to expect throughout the night:

Pre-Game (10:00pm - 11:30pm UK)

  • Team introductions and stadium atmosphere
  • Celebrity appearances and red carpet arrivals
  • National Anthem performance (usually a major artist)
  • Coin toss and final pre-game analysis

First Half (11:30pm - 1:00am UK)

  • Two 15-minute quarters of gameplay
  • Famous Super Bowl commercials (mostly US-focused, but entertaining)
  • Extended TV timeouts

Halftime Show (1:00am - 1:30am UK)

  • Stadium transformation for the stage
  • Bad Bunny's headline performance
  • Potential guest appearances

Second Half (1:30am - 3:30am UK)

  • Two more quarters of gameplay
  • Typically more competitive and dramatic
  • Trophy presentation and MVP award

Super Bowl Watch Parties in the UK

Many pubs, bars, and venues across the UK host Super Bowl watch parties. Here's how to find one near you:

London

  • Belushi's - Multiple locations, dedicated NFL nights
  • The Hippodrome Casino - Large screens, American atmosphere
  • Roadhouse - Covent Garden, American sports bar vibe
  • Sports Bar & Grill - Marylebone and Piccadilly locations
  • Freight Island Manchester - Major events in the North

Finding Local Events

  • Search "Super Bowl party" + your city on Eventbrite
  • Check local American-themed restaurants and sports bars
  • Look for NFL UK social media announcements
  • Ask in local NFL Facebook groups

Book Early

Popular Super Bowl venues sell out fast. If you're planning to watch at a pub or venue, book your spot in January when events are announced. Many venues offer packages including food and drinks.

Hosting a Super Bowl Party at Home

Hosting your own Super Bowl party is a brilliant way to enjoy the game with friends. Here are some tips for UK hosts:

Timing Tips

  • Start time: Have guests arrive around 10:30pm for pre-game
  • Pace yourselves: It's a 4-hour event ending at 3:30am
  • Nap strategy: Some hosts recommend a pre-party nap
  • Coffee ready: Have caffeine available for the second half

Food Ideas (American-Style)

  • Wings: Buffalo, BBQ, or lemon pepper
  • Nachos: Loaded with cheese, jalapeños, guacamole
  • Sliders: Mini burgers are easy to eat during the game
  • Chips and dips: Classic and easy to graze on
  • Pizza: Order late for the second half energy boost

Making It Fun

  • Squares pool: Classic betting game (10x10 grid)
  • Prop bets: Fun predictions (anthem length, first touchdown scorer)
  • Commercial bingo: Spot common Super Bowl ad themes
  • Team gear: Encourage guests to pick a side

Super Bowl History & Context

About Super Bowl LX

Super Bowl LX (60) will be the 60th Super Bowl and the 56th modern-era championship game. It's being held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California - the second Super Bowl at this venue after Super Bowl 50 in 2016, when the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10.

The San Francisco Bay Area has hosted 11 Super Bowls in total, tying Miami for the most in NFL history.

Recent Super Bowl Results

Year Super Bowl Result
2025 LIX Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 Kansas City Chiefs
2024 LVIII Kansas City Chiefs 25-22 San Francisco 49ers (OT)
2023 LVII Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 Philadelphia Eagles
2022 LVI Los Angeles Rams 23-20 Cincinnati Bengals

New to NFL?

The Super Bowl is the perfect introduction to American football. Check out our beginner guides to understand the game better.

NFL Rules Explained How to Watch NFL UK

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Super Bowl 2026 in the UK?

Super Bowl LX kicks off at 11:30pm UK time on Sunday 8th February 2026. The game typically lasts around 4 hours including the halftime show, so expect it to finish around 3:30am on Monday morning.

What channel is the Super Bowl on in the UK?

Super Bowl 2026 will be broadcast on Sky Sports NFL and Sky Sports Main Event (subscription required), plus free-to-air on ITV1 and ITVX streaming. ITV has broadcast the Super Bowl for free in the UK since 2017.

Can I watch the Super Bowl for free in the UK?

Yes! ITV broadcasts the Super Bowl free-to-air in the UK on ITV1 and via ITVX streaming. No subscription required - just tune in on your TV or stream online.

Where is Super Bowl 2026 being held?

Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California (San Francisco Bay Area) on February 8, 2026. This is the second Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium - the first was Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

Who is performing the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show?

Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LX. He'll make history as the first Latin male artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show.

Is the Monday after Super Bowl a bank holiday in the UK?

No, the Monday after the Super Bowl is not a bank holiday in the UK. Many British NFL fans book the day off work in advance, as the game doesn't finish until around 3:30am UK time.

How long does the Super Bowl last?

The Super Bowl typically lasts around 4 hours, including the extended halftime show, pre-game ceremonies, and TV timeouts. The actual gameplay is four 15-minute quarters, but the broadcast is much longer.

Final Thoughts

The Super Bowl is the biggest night in American sports, and it's become a genuine event in the UK too. Whether you're a die-hard NFL fan or just tuning in for the halftime show and atmosphere, Super Bowl LX promises to be spectacular.

For UK viewers, the 11:30pm kickoff is actually manageable compared to some transatlantic sports events - you can have a proper evening before it starts and still catch the whole game (just don't expect to be productive on Monday!).

Remember: ITV broadcasts the Super Bowl completely free, so there's no barrier to entry. Grab some snacks, invite some friends, and enjoy the show.