Cardinals, Panthers to open 2026 NFL preseason in Canton for Hall of Fame Game
CBS Sports
by
Shanna McCarriston
March 4, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NFL has announced that the 2026 preseason will kick off on Thursday, August 6, with a historic matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers in Canton, Ohio. The game, held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, will mark the beginning of the league’s season and coincide with the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Representing the home team for the event will be the Arizona Cardinals, while the Panthers make their second appearance in the Hall of Fame Game. Both teams will take the field as fans celebrate the Class of 2026, which includes legendary players like Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly, alongside Drew Brees, Roger Craig, and Adam Vinatieri. The game will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock, offering football enthusiasts their first chance to see NFL action since the Super Bowl.
The Hall of Fame Game has been a longstanding tradition in the NFL, dating back to 1962 when the league first opened its hall of fame. The Cardinals have a rich history in Canton, having participated in the inaugural game against the New York Giants, which ended in a tie. Over the years, Arizona has made five additional trips to Canton, compiling a record of 1-3-1. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ appearance will mark their second time playing in the Hall of Fame Game. This year’s game is particularly
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/4/2026