Kaylah Walton
With the NFL season unfolding, fans are not just focused on their teams’ performance, but also the excitement leading up to the Super Bowl, the highlight of the football calendar. An interesting aspect many viewers may think about is the length of halftime during NFL games.
In both the regular season and playoffs, NFL games feature a halftime break lasting roughly 12-13 minutes. This short pause is perfect for fans to refresh and prepare for the second half of the game.
Even in the high-pressure playoff games, the halftime period stays steady at 12-13 minutes, ensuring that all players enjoy equal rest.
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What to Expect During Super Bowl Halftime?
In contrast, Super Bowl halftime is a much grander affair. The break stretches to about 30 minutes, providing ample entertainment along with a longer recess. The Super Bowl halftime show is a significant highlight, showcasing performances from renowned artists.
Notable past performers include Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, Beyonce, Paul McCartney, Prince, and Lady Gaga.
Typically, the halftime show lasts around 12-15 minutes, featuring artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Rihanna. Lady Gaga’s performance in 2017 was 13 and a half minutes long, while Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars also performed slightly over 13 minutes in the previous year.
This longer halftime isn’t just for entertainment; it offers players and coaches extra time to regroup and re-strategize for the second half. Some teams even practice specifically for the Super Bowl halftime to maximize the unique challenges that come with a longer break.
Record-Setting Halftime Show
Usher’s halftime performance during Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, marked the longest in NFL history, lasting 15 minutes—two minutes longer than any previous show.
