A game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers kicks off the 2025 season. Yes, they both kick off the NFL preseason.
Today July 31, both teams will face each other at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. It will be the fourth visit to Canton for the Bengals and the third for the Chargers. Kickoff!
Time and channel for the 2025 Hall of Fame Game
- The game will kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on NBC and Peacock.
- Adrenaline will be running through the stands. Two legitimate Super Bowl contenders will have the opportunity to pay tribute to the immortals of the game.
- The broadcast will be handled by the Sunday Night Football team, with Mike Tirico on play-by-play, Cris Collinsworth as analyst, Melissa Stark on the sidelines and Terry McAulay with refereeing analysis.
“This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders for Super Bowl LX”
“Seeing them clash right out of the gate in Canton should mark a dynamic start to another spectacular season,” the executive added.
Detroit is the home team and Los Angeles is the away team
It should be made clear that the Hall of Fame Game does not officially count. Neither for the preseason table nor for anything else. It has been played since 1962 as a symbolic act. Many consider it a general practice where pieces are adjusted.
What is certain is that it marks the official return of football after six months of inactivity.
This year, the Lions (15-2 in 2024), champions of the NFC North, will play at home. The Chargers (11-6), who qualified as wild cards, will be the visitors.
Gates, Sharpe, Allen and Allen: the connection with the Class of 2025
The four new Hall of Fame members will be in attendance at the game. Antonio Gates, Sterling Sharpe, Eric Allen and Jared Allen will parade onto the field before kickoff.
On August 1, they will receive their gold jackets, a symbol of immortality in football. The induction ceremony will be held the following day at the same stadium.
Antonio Gates played his entire career with the Chargers, which gives this exhibition game a strong emotional value.
Lions return to Canton after 40 years
It will be the fourth appearance for the Lions in this event and the third for the Chargers, who have not played here since 1994.
The Los Angeles Rams have a draw and a defeat in this scenario, including the only scoreless game in the history of the event (0-0 in 1980 against Green Bay, suspended by storm). Detroit last won in 1991 against Denver (14-3).
How to buy tickets and what else to see during Enshrinement Week
Tickets for the Hall of Fame Game are available at profootballhof.com/tickets. The game is part of the Enshrinement Week, presented by Novartis, which also includes:
- August 1: Fashion Show Luncheon and Gold Jacket Dinner
- August 2: Grand Parade and Enthronement Ceremony
- August 3: Unscripted & Tailgate and the Concert for Legends with Nickelback
Fans seeking premium experiences can purchase official hospitality packages through On Location, with exclusive parties, access to the Gold Jacket Dinner and special events.
Read the full article here
