Super Bowl 2012 Kickoff Time: 5 Things to Know

The Super Bowl kickoff time is about to begin and you still don't know a thing about the big game.

Have no fear -- we'll give you five quick bits of information to get you prepared before the game begins at 6:30 EST.

When and Where is the Super Bowl?

The game is played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and the kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. EST. The game is broadcast on NBC and live streamed on NBCSports.com and NFL.com. Pre-game coverage is already long under way and available both on your local NBC affiliate and on NBCSports.com.

What Teams are Playing?

The teams in the Super Bowl are the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional game and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship to advance to the Super Bowl.

The Giants defeated the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers on their road to the Super Bowl. The Giants entered the playoffs with a 9-7 record and would be the only seven-loss team to ever win a Super Bowl.

Who is Playing in the Halftime Show?

Legendary pop singer Madonna is the main act of Super Bowl XLVI. The Material Girl is expected to be joined by Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and possibly Cee Lo Green and Will.i.am during the heavily anticipated performance.

What Players Should you Keep an Eye On?

There are a lot of players that could play a big part in either team's game plan but there are a few that stand out above the rest.

For the Giants:

Quarterback Eli Manning

Wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz

Defensive linemen Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck

Defensive secondary Corey Webster and Antrel Rolle

For the Patriots:

Quarterback Tom Brady

Wide receiver Wes Welker

Tight end duo of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski

Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork

Defensive secondary Kyle Arrington and Julian Edelman

Why Do People Keep Discussing a Rematch?

In the 2008 Super Bowl, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14. Many fans and media are looking back on that game and considering Super Bowl XLVI as a rematch of sorts.

It could also refer to the fact the Giants and Patriots met earlier this season in a game that the Giants also won. The Giants defeated the Patriots 24-20 in what was one of the biggest wins of the season for Big Blue.

But the last three times that two teams met in the regular season and again in the Super Bowl, the loser of the regular season game went on to win the Super Bowl.