CANTON, Ohio (WBTV) - The Carolina Panthers will kick off the upcoming NFL season in the annual Hall of Fame game this summer.
The Panthers will take on the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio.
The annual preseason kickoff game typically pits two teams who have a Hall of Fame inductee being enshrined that year.
For Carolina, former linebacker Luke Kuechly will be inducted, alongside legendary Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The other three members of the 2026 Hall of Fame class are Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig.
The Panthers’ only other appearance in the Hall of Fame game came back in 1995, when they played the Jaguars ahead of both teams’ inaugural season. Carolina won that matchup by a final score of 20-14.
Despite Carolina’s participation in the Hall of Fame game, it will still play three “regular” preseason contests like all other teams. That could prove big for players hoping to make the 2026 team.
Judging by fans’ comments on social media, they were excited to see the Panthers play an extra preseason game.
“Boom Boom Boom Let’s Go,” one fan commented.
“PANTHERS FOOTBALL EARLY,” another fan wrote online.
The special matchup is scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff, and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Tickets for the Hall of Fame game, plus the Aug. 8 enshrinement ceremony can be bought here.
The Panthers will play the Cardinals in this year's Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6.
The Panthers will play the Cardinals in this year's Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6.(Jacob Kupferman | AP)
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