The start of a new NFL season is always highly anticipated, and for fans, knowing the exact kickoff time of the first game is crucial. The National Football League (NFL) typically releases its schedule for the upcoming season in the spring, which includes the date and time for every game, including the very first one of the season.
For the purpose of this explanation, let’s assume we’re discussing a standard NFL season, though it’s essential to note that specific game times can vary from year to year based on a variety of factors, including broadcasting rights and scheduling considerations.
Regular Season Kickoff Times
NFL games are usually scheduled for Sundays, with kickoff times commonly at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) and 4:05 PM ET (1:05 PM PT). However, there are also games scheduled for Thursdays (often the opening game of the season), Mondays, and occasionally Saturdays towards the end of the season.
Thursday Night Football
The first game of the NFL season often takes place on a Thursday, a tradition that began in 2002. This game is typically played by the defending Super Bowl champions, hosting another team. The kickoff time for Thursday Night Football games, including the season opener, is usually at 8:20 PM ET (5:20 PM PT).
Week 1 Schedule
The rest of the Week 1 schedule will follow the traditional Sunday format, with games at 1:00 PM ET and 4:05 PM ET, and then Monday Night Football, which can have either one or two games starting at 7:15 PM ET (4:15 PM PT) and 8:15 PM ET (5:15 PM PT), respectively.
Finding the Exact Kickoff Time
To find the exact kickoff time of the first NFL game of the season, you can check the official NFL website (nfl.com), which releases the schedule for the upcoming season once it’s finalized. Additionally, sports news websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms often provide real-time updates and schedules for NFL games.
Local Time Considerations
Remember, kickoff times are announced in Eastern Time (ET) for convenience, but if you’re located in a different time zone, you’ll need to adjust the time accordingly. For instance, if a game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET, it would start at 10:00 AM PT (Pacific Time), 12:00 PM CT (Central Time), and 12:00 PM MT (Mountain Time).
Conclusion
The exact kickoff time of the first NFL game can vary, but traditionally, if it’s on a Thursday, you can expect it to be around 8:20 PM ET. For all other games during Week 1, and throughout the season, the standard times apply. Always check the latest updates from reliable sources for the most current information on NFL game schedules and times.
