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NFL Sets Date and Time for 1st Lions Game of 2025 Season

ByJoe Summers|
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While most Detroit Lions fans are focused on the NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, there are plenty of interesting, unrelated storylines garnering attention around the league.

One of those directly involves the Lions, who had already been picked to play in the first preseason contest of the 2025 campaign. Officially dubbed the Hall of Fame Game in honor of the class that'll be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, the annual exhibition typically features teams associated with players being given the special honor.

Detroit will take on the Los Angeles Chargers, and now we officially know the date and time of the matchup.

Lions vs. Chargers Hall of Fame Game Date and Time Officially Announced

In a social media post by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's X account, it was revealed that the Lions will battle the Chargers on July 31, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Tickets will go on sale Monday, April 28.

This will be the first time since 2000 that the NFL will hold a preseason game in July, so fans are forgiven if they're slightly confused by the date. Typically, these contests take place in August, though the nature of the 2025 calendar required a July scheduling this time.

Since it's the first preseason matchup, it's unlikely that either team's starters will play. Nonetheless, it's a special honor for both organizations to be on a national stage during one of the biggest events of the NFL's annual schedule.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes four players: DB Eric Allen, DE Jared Allen, TE Antonio Gates, and WR Sterling Sharpe. None of these players ever spent time with the Lions, and Sharpe and Jared Allen played for Detroit's division rivals, so it's curious that the league elected to put the Lions in this spot. Nonetheless, it's a unique chance for the franchise to shine during a stand-alone showcase.

Even though all focus is on the draft, this is still exciting news and illustrates just how quickly the 2025 campaign is approaching.

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