In a corner of Ohio, where the NFL first saw daylight, a new season is about to dawn. This year, the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans will battle it out in the Hall of Fame Game, kicking off the 2024 NFL season. The game is set for 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 1, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. While we await the announcement of the broadcast partner, excitement is already bubbling over.
The Bears, coming off a strong finish last season with five wins out of their last eight games, will be the home team, taking up the south sideline. The Texans, fresh from a divisional playoff run and an AFC South title, will occupy the north sideline.
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“This matchup brings together two franchises that ended last year on a high note and are poised for big things in 2024,” said Jim Porter, President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Bears fans will get to cheer on three new Hall of Famers, while Texans fans can celebrate their franchise’s first inductee. We couldn’t be more thrilled for this year’s game and the enshrinement class.“
For the Bears, this will be their sixth visit to Canton, the last being in 2018. The Texans, however, haven’t graced the Hall of Fame Game since their debut in 2002.
This year’s Hall of Fame class features legends from both squads. The Bears will see Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, and Julius Peppers enshrined. Andre Johnson, the Texans’ inaugural Hall of Famer, joins the class alongside Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, and Patrick Willis.
Where can I catch all the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game 2024 action?
Tickets for the game and enshrinement events go on sale at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, April 12. Fans eager to witness history can grab their seats and learn more about the festivities online. You can also catch all the action at home on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
Enshrinement Week is more than just a game; it’s a multi-day celebration in Canton. Here’s a snapshot of the week’s events:
- Aug. 1: Hall of Fame Game (Texans vs. Bears)
- Aug. 2: Fashion Show
- Aug. 2: Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner, presented by Haggar
- Aug. 3: The Canton Repository Grand Parade
- Aug. 3: Class of 2024 Enshrinement
- Aug. 4: Enshrinees’ Roundtable, presented by Certified Angus Beef
- Aug. 4: Concert for Legends, featuring Carrie Underwood
The Hall of Fame Game’s history with these teams shows the Bears have a strong track record, with a 4-1 record, while the Texans are still searching for their first win, having lost their only appearance in 2002.
Mark your calendars and get ready to watch the Bears and Texans usher in the NFL’s 105th season in a city steeped in football history. It’s not just a game; it’s the beginning of another chapter in the NFL saga.
