NFL Preseason 2026: When Does It Start? Key Dates, Hall of Fame Game & Week-by-Week Breakdown
- Capital City Tickets
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
The 2026 NFL Preseason is almost here, kicking off football excitement after a long offseason. Whether you're hunting for cheap NFL Preseason 2026 tickets, planning your viewing schedule, or curious about roster battles, this guide covers everything fans need to know. NFL Preseason 2026!
When Does the 2026 NFL Preseason Start?
The 2026 NFL Preseason officially begins with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The three-week exhibition slate runs through late August, giving teams time to evaluate talent before the regular season starts on September 9, 2026.
Hall of Fame Game 2026
Matchup: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
TV/Streaming: NBC / Peacock
This annual showcase honors new Hall of Famers and gives fans an early look at two intriguing teams. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Game often sell quickly due to the unique atmosphere.
2026 NFL Preseason Week-by-Week Schedule Overview
Preseason Week 1: August 13 – August 15, 2026 Preseason Week 2: August 20 – August 23, 2026 Preseason Week 3: August 27 – August 29, 2026
Highlighted Week 1 Matchups (Partial List)
Thursday, August 13: Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals (7:00 PM), Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers (7:00 PM), Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots (7:30 PM), and more.
Friday, August 14: Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons (7:00 PM), Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets (7:00 PM), Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders (7:00 PM).
Additional games include Chargers at Texans, Cardinals at Raiders, and Titans at 49ers.
Full schedules with exact times for Weeks 2 and 3 are available on NFL.com. Many games air on local channels, NFL Network, or streaming platforms.
Best Places to Buy 2026 NFL Preseason Tickets
Preseason games offer some of the most affordable ways to see NFL action live. Here are the top recommended platforms (as of July 2026):
StubHub — Excellent for last-minute deals and verified tickets.
SeatGeek — User-friendly with price predictions and great mobile app.
Vivid Seats — Strong selection and rewards program.
Ticketmaster — Official primary seller for many teams (prices often higher).
CapitalCityTickets.com or similar independent resellers — Frequently offer the lowest prices with no hidden fees.
Pro Tip: Compare across platforms for your city or team. Preseason tickets are usually cheapest in Week 3 and for less popular matchups. Look for "verified resale" to avoid scams.
NFL Preseason 2026 FAQ
How many preseason games does each team play? Each NFL team plays three preseason games.
Do preseason games count toward standings? No — they are exhibitions. Wins and losses do not affect regular season records.
Are preseason tickets cheaper than regular season? Yes, significantly. Expect prices starting under $20–$50 for many games versus hundreds for prime regular season seats.
Where can I watch 2026 NFL Preseason games? Local TV, NFL Network, NFL+, Amazon Prime (select games), and streaming services like Peacock or YouTube TV.
What should fans expect from preseason? Starters play limited snaps. Focus is on evaluating rookies, backups, and depth chart battles. It's great for seeing future stars emerge.
Can I buy tickets on game day? Yes — digital tickets make last-minute purchases easy, but popular games sell out faster.
Why Attend or Watch NFL Preseason in 2026?
Preseason offers a relaxed atmosphere, cheaper tickets, and a chance to experience stadium amenities without the intensity of the regular season. It's the perfect time for families, first-timers, or fans wanting to scout their team's depth.
Ready to grab tickets? Compare deals on StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and CapitalCityTickets.com today before popular matchups increase in price.
Disclaimer: The Ticket Blog is an independent platform providing news, guides, and affiliate links for ticket resale marketplaces. We are not affiliated with the NFL, any teams, venues, or primary ticket sellers. Prices fluctuate based on demand. Always buy from reputable sources.