Let’s get specific because I know you’re busy. If the 49ers are playing at home (at Levi’s Stadium), the game usually starts between 1:05 PM and 1:25 PM Pacific. Why the five-minute difference? Because TV networks need a buffer so two games don’t kick off at the exact same second. It’s television magic, I guess.
If they’re playing on the East Coast, get ready for a 10:00 AM Pacific start. That’s brutal, I know. That means you’re pouring a Bloody Mary before the morning cartoons are over. But hey, the game ends by 1:00 PM, so you have the whole afternoon to overanalyze every play call.
And if it’s a nationally televised game (like on Fox, CBS, or NBC), you’re looking at 4:25 PM or 5:20 PM Pacific. You basically have to plan your entire day around the sun’s position. Are you a 1 PM person or a 4 PM person? It’s a lifestyle question.
49ers Game Time: Your Guide
But Wait — What About Bye Weeks and Holidays?
Oh, you thought you were safe? The 49ers get a bye week, which means there is no game. That Sunday is just a void of sadness and lawn work. And if it’s a holiday weekend (like Thanksgiving or Christmas), the NFL throws all rules out the window. You might see a Monday night game or a Saturday triple-header. It’s chaos — beautiful, football-filled chaos.
My advice? Set a reminder on your phone. An actual alarm. Because if you miss the first quarter due to a scheduling mix-up, your friends will never let you forget it. “Remember when you missed Deebo’s 70-yard run?” Yes. They will. Forever.
