sportingnews
After a six-month hiatus, professional football makes its much-anticipated return as the league's exhibition slate commences with the storied Hall of Fame Game. This year, the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals square off in a contest that traditionally signals the start of the extended NFL campaign.
The matchup unfolds at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, a venue that annually hosts this special event, which honors the sport's newest Hall of Fame inductees. Arizona's participation pays tribute to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who will be enshrined, while Carolina celebrates the induction of linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Although marquee players from both rosters may sit out, the game offers an early glimpse into each team's preparations for the 2026-27 season. Enthusiasts eager to see which franchise begins its preseason with a victory can find all necessary broadcast information below.
Key Game Details
The contest is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET. The venue is Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Broadcast and Streaming
NBC will provide national television coverage of the Hall of Fame Game. For cord-cutters, live streaming is available via fubo and DIRECTV, both offering free trials to new subscribers. DIRECTV's platform also includes access to a wide range of sports channels, such as TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network.
Panthers Preseason Schedule
- Thursday, Aug. 6: vs. Cardinals (Hall of Fame Game) – 8 p.m. ET – NBC, DIRECTV, fubo
- Saturday, Aug. 15: at Bills – 1 p.m. ET – WSOC, DIRECTV, fubo
- Friday, Aug. 21: at Jaguars – 7:30 p.m. ET – WSOC, DIRECTV, fubo
- Friday, Aug. 28: vs. Texans – 7 p.m. ET – WSOC, DIRECTV, fubo
Cardinals Preseason Schedule
- Thursday, Aug. 6: vs. Panthers (Hall of Fame Game) – 8 p.m. ET – NBC, DIRECTV, fubo
- Thursday, Aug. 13: at Raiders – 7 p.m. ET – Arizona's Family, DIRECTV, fubo
- Saturday, Aug. 22: vs. Cowboys – 9 p.m. ET – Arizona's Family, NFL Network, DIRECTV, fubo
- Friday, Aug. 28: at Packers – 7 p.m. ET – Arizona's Family, DIRECTV, fubo
Originally reported by sportingnews.