CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) -The 2026 NFL preseason opened Thursday night at Tom Benson Stadium, where the Arizona Cardinals faced the Carolina Panthers in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Thousands of fans from across the country attended the game, which marks the traditional start of the NFL season in Canton.
Canton has hosted the NFL preseason opener since 1962. Fans representing a wide range of teams filled the stadium, with many saying the Hall of Fame Game was a destination event.
“What a beautiful stadium. What a beautiful time,” one fan said.
Others echoed the sentiment, citing the shared experience as a draw.
“I love the game. I really got into it, and I love spending time with people who like the same kind of thing,” one attendee said.
One Panthers fan said the team’s history made the trip a priority.
“I’ve been a Panthers fan since the beginning and because they’re still relatively new, I’m excited. They’ve got two players inducted into the Hall of Fame. We went to the Super Bowl twice, and I said I had to go to this Hall of Fame game because they’re going to be here,” the fan said.
Fantasy football players also welcomed the start of the season.
“My girlfriend’s going to hate me because it’s football season. Oh yeah, TV time,” one fan said. “And all the fantasy teams rejoice. We finally have football,” another fan said.
“Fantasy football rosters are getting loaded, it’s that time of the season,” another said.
Although only two teams played Thursday night, fans arrived repping a variety of franchises and for some attendees, Thursday’s game was their first Hall of Fame Game. For others, it was their 51st consecutive year making the trip.
“Fifty-one years I’ve been coming,” one fan said. When asked why she keeps returning, she replied, “My mom makes me.”
While the stadium was filling up, Canton police deployed additional officers throughout the downtown area. [Police issued a warning](https://www.cantonohio.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/172) to parents that juvenile curfews would be strictly enforced during the weekend’s festivities.
“To know that people are looking out for us so that we can enjoy ourselves,” one attendee said.
The Hall of Fame Game is one part of a larger weekend of football fan events scheduled in downtown Canton. Activities are set to continue through the weekend.
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