The 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game will be played tonight, Thursday, Aug. 6, as the Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in Canton to open the preseason. Taking place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the exhibition matchup kicks off the league’s 107th season.
The ceremonial game anchors a full weekend of festivities in Canton, culminating in Saturday’s enshrinement ceremony honoring former franchise icons Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald.
Both teams begin their four-game exhibition schedules tonight, giving head coaches a first opportunity to evaluate reserve players fighting for 53-man roster spots.
How To Watch NFL Hall of Fame Game 2026: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Tonight’s matchup marks the second historical appearance in Canton for Carolina and the sixth for Arizona. The Panthers made their Hall of Fame Game debut during the 1995 expansion campaign, while the Cardinals participated in the 1962 contest.
Both franchises enter tonight with first-team workloads heavily restricted. Carolina’s third-year head coach, Dave Canales, confirmed that veteran Kenny Pickett will start under center while Bryce Young rests alongside top starters.
On the opposite sideline, Arizona first-year head coach Mike LaFleur will rest starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, turning signal-calling duties over to Carson Beck.
Game Details
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET.
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio.
How to Watch
TV: NBC (Pre-game coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. ET with Football Night in America).
Live Stream: Peacock, NFL+ (mobile and tablet devices).
Radio: Westwood One (National broadcast), Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Cardinals Flagship), WRFX 99.7 FM The Fox (Panthers Flagship).
When is the Class of 2026 Enshrinement?
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Held inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the ceremony serves as the centerpiece of Hall of Fame Weekend, where inductees deliver their speeches, receive gold jackets, and reveal their official bronze busts.
Who Are the NFL Hall Of Fame 2026 Inductees?
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 features five legendary figures, led by first-ballot inductees Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald. Brees finishes his career second all-time in NFL passing yards and touchdowns, while Fitzgerald ranks second all-time in career receiving yards and receptions.
Joining them in Canton are former Defensive Player of the Year linebacker Luke Kuechly, legendary postseason kicker Adam Vinatieri, and senior committee selection Roger Craig, the former 49ers running back who became the first player in league history to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Season for Panthers and Cardinals
Both organizations enter the 2026 season looking to establish long-term momentum following offseasons focused on roster construction.
Carolina continues to build under third-year head coach Dave Canales, prioritizing offensive continuity around quarterback Bryce Young following their 2025 NFC South title.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Meanwhile, Arizona aims to make a playoff push in the competitive NFC West with quarterback Jacoby Brissett operating behind a retooled offensive line.
Tonight’s exhibition provides coaches with critical tape on lower-tier depth positions before mandatory roster reductions occur later this month. Both franchises return to action next week for Preseason Week 1 matchups.
Where Can I Watch 2026 NFL Preseason? Streaming Details
Fans looking to stream preseason action throughout August have several digital options across devices. Peacock will stream tonight’s Hall of Fame Game live nationwide alongside NBC’s television broadcast.
For subsequent exhibition games, NFL+ provides live access to out-of-market preseason contests on mobile and desktop platforms. Local broadcast markets can access live streams via provider platforms such as YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV.
International viewers outside the United States can stream every 2026 preseason matchup live or on demand through NFL Game Pass on DAZN, providing seamless global access to all 32 teams.
