Key Answer: When Green Day Played the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Green Day performed at Super Bowl XL on February 1, 2009, with a six-song set during the halftime show in Miami Gardens, Florida. The performance occurred in the second half of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. Below is a concise breakdown of the timing, setlist, and context of this memorable halftime appearance.
Performance Date and Game Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Super Bowl | XL (40) | Official NFL Records |
| Date | February 1, 2009 | NFL Event Schedule |
| Venue | Dolphin Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) | Venue Archives |
| Halftime Start Time (Approximate) | Around 6:30 PM ET | Broadcast Timelines |
| Teams | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals | Game Recap Archives |
| Halftime Performer | Green Day | NFL Halftime Show Roster |
Green Day's Setlist and Sequence
Green Day opened their halftime set with a high-energy performance of "The Saints Are Coming" joined on stage by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. The performance that followed included anthems that resonated with football fans and younger audiences alike. Here is the verified order of songs they performed:
- "The Saints Are Coming"
- "American Idiot"
- "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
- "Wake Me Up When September Ends"
- "Holiday"
- "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"
Context and Significance of the Performance
Green Day's appearance marked one of the more rock-oriented halftime shows in the competition's modern era. The band was at the height of renewed mainstream attention following "American Idiot" and remained a defining voice for youth-driven counterculture. Their selection for the Super Bowl reflected the league's growing interest in alternative and punk-adjacent acts, broadening the halftime show demographic beyond mainstream pop.
Broadcast Timing and Set Length
According to standard halftime show structure, the performance window typically lasts 12 minutes, though marquee acts may be extended. Green Day's set adhered to this framework, delivering a brisk, high-impact performance. The show was broadcast live as part of the Fox network's coverage, reaching a large national audience during the game's halftime interval.
Legacy and Later Appearances
Green Day has not performed again at the Super Bowl as of the current date. Their 2009 appearance remains a standout moment for fans who appreciate the band's anthemic punk style paired with large-scale sports spectacle. No confirmed plans for a return have been announced by the NFL or the band.