When Is The Halftime Show? Your Complete Guide To Super Bowl LIX, Kickoff Times, And Performance Secrets

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the single most-watched musical event of the year, and for the next big game, Super Bowl LIX, the performance is expected to begin between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 9, 2025. This highly anticipated spectacle, officially known as the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, will feature hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar. The precise start time for the show is never fixed, as it depends entirely on the flow and duration of the first two quarters of the football game, but viewers should tune in for kickoff around 6:30 PM ET to ensure they don't miss the dramatic build-up to the performance. The Halftime Show is a logistical marvel, packing a stadium-sized concert into a break that is only slightly longer than a standard NFL game's intermission. The entire process, from the football players leaving the field to the stage being disassembled and the game resuming, is a choreographed dance involving hundreds of crew members. Understanding the timing isn't just about watching the performance; it's about appreciating the incredible production that makes the 12-to-15 minute musical set possible.

The Definitive Schedule: When to Watch the Next Two Halftime Shows

Getting the timing right is crucial, especially for those who tune in primarily for the musical acts rather than the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles. The Halftime Show always occurs during the intermission between the second and third quarters of the Super Bowl. Here is the freshest, most up-to-date information for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX and the one immediately following it, Super Bowl LX.

Super Bowl LIX (2025) Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar's Performance

• Game Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025.
• Location: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Kickoff Time (Game Start): Approximately 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET).
• Halftime Show Start Time (Estimated): Between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM ET.
• Headliner: Kendrick Lamar.
• Guest Appearances: Expected to feature SZA, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and tennis star Serena Williams.
• Network: The game will air on FOX.

The time window of 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET is a strong estimate based on historical game duration, but remember that a few long, clock-stopping plays or penalties could push the start time slightly later. It is highly recommended to start watching the broadcast no later than 7:45 PM ET to catch the pre-show excitement and the start of the intermission.

Super Bowl LX (2026) Halftime Show: Bad Bunny's Debut

For those looking even further ahead, the performer for Super Bowl LX has already been announced, making it a historic event for the Apple Music Halftime Show.

• Game Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026.
• Location: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
• Headliner: Bad Bunny.
• Significance: Bad Bunny is the first Latin artist to headline the Halftime Show since Jennifer Lopez and Shakira in 2020.

The 12-Minute Miracle: Halftime Show Logistics and Duration

The most surprising fact about the Super Bowl Halftime Show is its actual length. While the entire intermission is roughly 30 to 40 minutes, the musical performance itself is a hyper-efficient, non-stop spectacle that lasts only about 12 to 15 minutes. This short window is what makes the production such a feat of modern logistics, requiring military-precision planning and execution.

The Three Phases of the Intermission

The 30–40 minute total break is broken down into three distinct, high-pressure phases:

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1. Setup (Approx. 5-8 Minutes): As soon as the second quarter clock hits zero, hundreds of stagehands, volunteers, and crew members swarm the field. They swiftly roll out massive, pre-fabricated stage pieces, speakers, lighting rigs, and video screens. This "lightning-fast setup" is often accomplished in mere minutes.
2. The Performance (Approx. 12-15 Minutes): This is the high-energy concert featuring the headliner, like Kendrick Lamar or Bad Bunny, along with any special guests. Past performers have included global icons such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga.
3. Teardown (Approx. 5-8 Minutes): Immediately after the final song, the crew rushes back onto the field to break down the stage and remove every piece of equipment, ensuring the field is pristine and safe for the players to return for the third quarter.

This entire operation is a masterclass in supply chain and stage management, often taking months of extreme planning for a performance that lasts less than a quarter hour.

A History of Entertainment: The Most Iconic Halftime Shows

The Super Bowl Halftime Show wasn't always the massive pop culture phenomenon it is today. For decades, the entertainment consisted of college marching bands or drill teams. Everything changed in the 1990s when the NFL realized the massive potential of booking world-class pop and rock stars. This shift is what truly cemented the Halftime Show as a must-watch event, even for non-football fans.

The Performances That Defined the Modern Era

The following three performances are widely credited with turning the Halftime Show into the global spectacle we anticipate every year:

• Michael Jackson (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993): The King of Pop's performance is universally credited as the moment the Halftime Show pivoted from marching bands to A-list musical acts. His iconic set, featuring hits like "Billie Jean" and "Black or White," set a new standard for stadium entertainment and dramatically boosted the game’s ratings.
• Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007): Performing in a torrential Miami downpour, Prince turned a potential logistical nightmare into one of the most legendary musical moments ever. His rendition of "Purple Rain" in the pouring rain is often cited as the greatest Halftime Show of all time, demonstrating the power of live performance.
• Beyoncé (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013): Beyoncé’s electrifying performance, which included a partial reunion of Destiny's Child, showcased unparalleled stage command, choreography, and vocal power. Her show is frequently ranked among the best and demonstrated the modern Halftime Show's ability to create viral, unforgettable moments.

Other unforgettable performances that solidified the show's status include Madonna (2012), Katy Perry (2015), Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (2020), and the hip-hop collective featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent (2022). These shows, along with the upcoming performances by Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny, continue the tradition of delivering high-octane, unforgettable entertainment in a breathtakingly short amount of time.

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