when is 1st nfl game, nfl season start date, first nfl kickoff, nfl opening game, 2026 nfl start, nfl schedule release, super bowl champion game, thursday night football

Discover when the highly anticipated first NFL game of the season typically occurs and what makes this annual event so special for fans across the United States. The National Football League's opening match is a major highlight, signaling the return of America's favorite sport. Learn about the usual timing, the teams involved, and how you can catch all the action. This guide provides all the navigational and informational details you need to prepare for the thrilling start of another NFL season. Get ready to mark your calendars and experience the excitement of professional football's grand return.

The question of "when is 1st nfl game" echoes through households across the United States every year. This highly anticipated event officially kicks off the NFL season. It marks the return of thrilling gridiron action. Fans eagerly await this moment after the offseason.

Typically, the first NFL game is held on the Thursday evening following Labor Day. This tradition ensures a prime time slot for the league's grand opener. For the 2026 season, this would likely place the first game around early September. The specific date and participating teams are usually announced in May, as part of the full NFL schedule release.

The reigning Super Bowl champions traditionally host this opening night spectacle. It is a prestigious honor for the winning team. They get to celebrate their championship on home turf. This setup also guarantees a high-caliber matchup to start the year.

Millions tune in to watch the first NFL game. It is a massive television event. Families gather, friends meet, and the excitement is palpable. This game sets the tone for the entire season ahead.

Understanding when is 1st nfl game is key for every football enthusiast. It allows you to plan your viewing parties. You can also prepare for all the drama and excitement. Get ready for another unforgettable NFL season.

Key Information on When is 1st NFL Game

EventDetail
Typical TimingThursday after Labor Day
Host TeamReigning Super Bowl Champions
BroadcasterNBC (usually Sunday Night Football package)
Schedule ReleaseAnnounced in May
Estimated 2026 DateLikely September 10, 2026

What Others Are Asking?

When does the NFL season officially start?

The NFL season officially begins with its first regular season game. This game traditionally takes place on the Thursday night following Labor Day in early September. It features the reigning Super Bowl champions playing at their home stadium against a chosen opponent, kicking off weeks of thrilling football action.

Who plays in the first NFL game each year?

The first NFL game of the season typically features the previous season's Super Bowl champions. They have the honor of hosting the opening night matchup. Their opponent is selected from their regular season schedule. This creates an exciting high-profile start to the new campaign.

What day of the week is the first NFL game?

The first NFL game is consistently played on a Thursday night. This primetime slot has become a beloved tradition. It allows the league to showcase its premier matchup. It also avoids conflicts with the traditional Sunday slate of games. Fans worldwide anticipate this specific kickoff day.

Can I stream the first NFL game?

Yes, you can typically stream the first NFL game. Major broadcasters like NBC often offer streaming options through their apps and websites. Additionally, services such as Peacock and NFL+ provide access, especially for mobile and tablet users. Always check local listings and subscription details for availability.

Where is the first NFL game usually held?

The first NFL game is traditionally held at the home stadium of the reigning Super Bowl champions. This gives the championship team a grand opportunity to celebrate their previous victory with their fans. It creates an electric atmosphere to begin the new season's competition.

FAQ about When is 1st NFL Game

Who typically plays in the first NFL game?

The reigning Super Bowl champions usually host the first NFL game. They play against an opponent from their upcoming schedule. This tradition honors their victory.

What is the significance of the first NFL game?

The first NFL game signals the official start of the new football season. It's a major cultural event. It brings fans together nationwide to celebrate the return of their favorite sport.

Why is the first NFL game on a Thursday?

The first NFL game is on a Thursday for a prime-time television slot. This allows for a standalone event. It maximizes viewership without competing with Sunday's full schedule. It has become a cherished tradition.

How are the teams for the first NFL game chosen?

The Super Bowl champions automatically secure the host spot. Their opponent is chosen from their regular season schedule by the NFL. The league aims for an exciting, competitive matchup.

Related games

First NFL game timing, Reigning Super Bowl champions host, Thursday night kickoff, Early September tradition, Major television event, Start of football season

Get Your Free Printable NFL 2025 TV Schedule NFL Schedule 2025 Printable 1014x570 2025 2026 Nfl Schedule Dates Free Printable 2025 Nfl Weekly Matchups Schedule NFL Dublin Game 2025 Vikings Vs Steelers Vikings Vs Steelers NFL 2025 Games

When Does Nfl Release 2026 Schedule Image 14 935x1024 2026 NFL Draft Order 7 Rounds How To Stream The Golf Masters On Prime Video Tnf25 Schedule Release 2000 Final NFL Sets Slate For 2025 Adds First Ever Trips To Dublin Nfl Games 2025 Scaled.webp

Your Guide To The NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 Dates Matchups And More Image 5 1024x768 AI Predicts 2026 NFL Playoffs With Shocking No 1 Seed And Surprise Nfl Playoffs Predictions 2026 Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Super Bowl Nfl 6824402 When Does Nfl Release 2026 Schedule Image 3 1024x969

2026 Nfl Calendar Printable Calendar Nfl Elite Calendar 2026 2 2025 2026 NFL Schedule Every Game By Week Dates Locations WIN DAILY D23e8b41 6949 4216 9d83 1024x683 2026 NFL Mock Draft Expect A QB Heavy Top 10 United Kingdom Arch Manning Goes No 1 In Way Too Early 2026 Nfl M Arch Manning Goes No 1 In Way Too Early 2026 Nfl MNFL Heading To Australia In 2026 Los Angeles Rams To Host First Los Angeles Rams Nfl Australia Melbourne

When Where What Time Is The Super Bowl 2026 On Sunday Super Bowl 2026 1024x576 Watch NFL On CBS 2025 2026 Season Prime Video SX1080 FMjpg 2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket Schedule Predictions For Postseason Games 2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket Schedule Predictions For Postseason Games NFL To Play First Ever Regular Season Game In Australia At MCG In 2026 1738808049 NFL RAMS

NFL Playoff Bracket 2025 Breaking Down Matchups Schedule For AFC Nfl Playoff Bracket Bills Win .webp2026 NFL Schedule Printable And TV Lineups Sports Brackets 2026 NFL Schedule Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Nfl Season 6824369 2026 Nfl Calendar Printable Calendar Nfl Elite Calendar 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Cornerbacks The Game Haus 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Cornerbacks .webpPrintable NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 Schedule TV Broadcast NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 1024x652 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Wide Receivers The Game Haus 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Wide Receivers .webpNFL Announces Punishment Decision U Turn After Star Wins KS NFL Graphics 130225

Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Nfl American Football 7004217 Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show Who Is Performing During The NFL S Nfl Game Pass Row NFL Announces Major Change After Exploiting Legal Loophole TOB NFL EUROPEAN GAMES IN 2025 V2 GRAPHIC 1 When Is The 2026 NFL Draft Date Start Time How To Watch 88287192007 2026 Nfl Draft Logo Imagn

2026 NFL Mock Draft Early Predictions For First Round Picks ESPN Nfl Reid Too Early 16x9 608x342 NFL Playoffs 2026 Schedule Dates Times TV Channels NFL Playoffs 2026 1024x536 ESPN S Monday Night Football To Feature 25 Games In The 2025 2026 NFL Espns Monday Night Football To Feature 25 Games In The 2025 2026 Nfl Season NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 AFC NFC Picture And Super Bowl Predictions Nfl Bracket 7pm (1)

Your Guide To The NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 Dates Matchups And More Image 5 1024x768
ESPN S Monday Night Football To Feature 25 Games In The 2025 2026 NFL Espns Monday Night Football To Feature 25 Games In The 2025 2026 Nfl Season
When Does Nfl Release 2026 Schedule Image 3 1024x969
2026 NFL Schedule Printable And TV Lineups Sports Brackets 2026 NFL Schedule
2025 2026 NFL Schedule Every Game By Week Dates Locations WIN DAILY D23e8b41 6949 4216 9d83 1024x683 . Printable NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 Schedule TV Broadcast NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 1024x652 . Your Guide To The NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 Dates Matchups And More Image 5 1024x768 . ESPN S Monday Night Football To Feature 25 Games In The 2025 2026 NFL Espns Monday Night Football To Feature 25 Games In The 2025 2026 Nfl Season . When Does Nfl Release 2026 Schedule Image 3 1024x969 . 2026 NFL Schedule Printable And TV Lineups Sports Brackets 2026 NFL Schedule
When Does Nfl Release 2026 Schedule Image 14 935x1024
NFL Dublin Game 2025 Vikings Vs Steelers Vikings Vs Steelers NFL 2025 Games
NFL Sets Slate For 2025 Adds First Ever Trips To Dublin Nfl Games 2025 Scaled.webp
NFL Playoffs 2026 Schedule Dates Times TV Channels NFL Playoffs 2026 1024x536
2025 2026 Nfl Schedule Dates Free Printable 2025 Nfl Weekly Matchups Schedule . When Is The 2026 NFL Draft Date Start Time How To Watch 88287192007 2026 Nfl Draft Logo Imagn . When Does Nfl Release 2026 Schedule Image 14 935x1024 . NFL Dublin Game 2025 Vikings Vs Steelers Vikings Vs Steelers NFL 2025 Games . NFL Sets Slate For 2025 Adds First Ever Trips To Dublin Nfl Games 2025 Scaled.webp. NFL Playoffs 2026 Schedule Dates Times TV Channels NFL Playoffs 2026 1024x536
How To Stream The Golf Masters On Prime Video Tnf25 Schedule Release 2000 Final
2026 NFL Draft Order 7 Rounds
AI Predicts 2026 NFL Playoffs With Shocking No 1 Seed And Surprise Nfl Playoffs Predictions 2026
Watch NFL On CBS 2025 2026 Season Prime Video SX1080 FMjpg
Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Super Bowl Nfl 6824402 . 2026 NFL Mock Draft Early Predictions For First Round Picks ESPN Nfl Reid Too Early 16x9 608x342 . How To Stream The Golf Masters On Prime Video Tnf25 Schedule Release 2000 Final . 2026 NFL Draft Order 7 Rounds . AI Predicts 2026 NFL Playoffs With Shocking No 1 Seed And Surprise Nfl Playoffs Predictions 2026 . Watch NFL On CBS 2025 2026 Season Prime Video SX1080 FMjpg
NFL To Play First Ever Regular Season Game In Australia At MCG In 2026 1738808049 NFL RAMS
NFL Playoff Bracket 2025 Breaking Down Matchups Schedule For AFC Nfl Playoff Bracket Bills Win .webp
NFL Announces Major Change After Exploiting Legal Loophole TOB NFL EUROPEAN GAMES IN 2025 V2 GRAPHIC 1
Get Your Free Printable NFL 2025 TV Schedule NFL Schedule 2025 Printable 1014x570
NFL Announces Punishment Decision U Turn After Star Wins KS NFL Graphics 130225 . When Where What Time Is The Super Bowl 2026 On Sunday Super Bowl 2026 1024x576 . NFL To Play First Ever Regular Season Game In Australia At MCG In 2026 1738808049 NFL RAMS . NFL Playoff Bracket 2025 Breaking Down Matchups Schedule For AFC Nfl Playoff Bracket Bills Win .webp. NFL Announces Major Change After Exploiting Legal Loophole TOB NFL EUROPEAN GAMES IN 2025 V2 GRAPHIC 1 . Get Your Free Printable NFL 2025 TV Schedule NFL Schedule 2025 Printable 1014x570
2026 NFL Mock Draft Expect A QB Heavy Top 10 United Kingdom Arch Manning Goes No 1 In Way Too Early 2026 Nfl M Arch Manning Goes No 1 In Way Too Early 2026 Nfl M
2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket Schedule Predictions For Postseason Games 2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket Schedule Predictions For Postseason Games
Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Nfl Season 6824369
Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show Who Is Performing During The NFL S Nfl Game Pass Row
2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Wide Receivers The Game Haus 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Wide Receivers .webp. 2026 Nfl Calendar Printable Calendar Nfl Elite Calendar 2026 . 2026 NFL Mock Draft Expect A QB Heavy Top 10 United Kingdom Arch Manning Goes No 1 In Way Too Early 2026 Nfl M Arch Manning Goes No 1 In Way Too Early 2026 Nfl M. 2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket Schedule Predictions For Postseason Games 2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket Schedule Predictions For Postseason Games . Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Nfl Season 6824369 . Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show Who Is Performing During The NFL S Nfl Game Pass Row
NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 AFC NFC Picture And Super Bowl Predictions Nfl Bracket 7pm (1)
NFL Heading To Australia In 2026 Los Angeles Rams To Host First Los Angeles Rams Nfl Australia Melbourne
2026 Nfl Calendar Printable Calendar Nfl Elite Calendar 2026 2
2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Cornerbacks The Game Haus 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist Cornerbacks .webp. Super Bowl 2026 Date Location Logo Halftime Show Predictions Skysports Nfl American Football 7004217 . NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 AFC NFC Picture And Super Bowl Predictions Nfl Bracket 7pm (1) . NFL Heading To Australia In 2026 Los Angeles Rams To Host First Los Angeles Rams Nfl Australia Melbourne . 2026 Nfl Calendar Printable Calendar Nfl Elite Calendar 2026 2