What time does the Super Bowl halftime show begin?

Super Bowl IV has arrived, and like everything else, it’s going to look slightly different this year, thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Safety protocols will be in place, crowds will be smaller, and the tone may even be a bit different — but the Super Bowl halftime show will go on.

Hit Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd will headline the halftime performance during the 2021 Super Bowl, and the artist has already teased big things. Although he was tight-lipped about what viewers can expect in most of his interviews, he did spill a bit about the setup while speaking with Variety — and apparently, he and his team wanted to do something different for the performance:

"“Due to COVID, and for the safety of the players and workers, we kind of built the stage within the stadium. We’re also using the field as well, but we wanted to do something that we’ve never done before. But I’m not gonna tell you anything else because you’ll have to watch on Sunday.”"

This year’s halftime show is also reportedly shorter than usual, so The Weeknd has already confirmed that there won’t be time for any guest appearances. Clocking in somewhere between 13 to 15 minutes, The Weeknd will have to deliver his songs and message quickly. But when can fans expect to see the star take the stage?

When will the Super Bowl halftime show begin?

This year’s game is slated to start at 6:30 p.m. ET, meaning the halftime show should start sometime around 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.

Performances typically begin halfway through the game, or around 90 minutes after it starts, but it’s hard to predict exactly when the artist will take the stage. That said, most years, the halfway point is around 8 or 8:30, so if you’re hoping to tune in for The Weeknd’s performance only, turning the TV on at 8 is probably your best bet.

Will you be tuning in for this year’s Super Bowl? Are you excited to see The Weeknd perform? Sound off in the comments below.