I've had NYSE MOO & LOO orders accepted seconds before the open, even after 9:30. Nasdaq must be entered by 9:28.
On NYSE stocks sent to the NYSE, you can send them anytime BEFORE the stock opens. Sometimes an NYSE stock will open well after 9:30am EST, especially if there is news on it. GT
There are different gateways to Nyse specialist. about 5 of them on some platforms. some have 9:28 cut off time some 9:29 and some till specialist opens.
NASDAQ stocks have to be entered before 9:28. For NYSE, as long as the stock hasn't opened yet it is still good to send.