CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are going to the Hall of Fame.
And not just Luke Kuechly, the whole team.
The Panthers will play the Cardinals in the first preseason game of the year on Thursday, Aug. 6, in Canton, Ohio, kicking off a week of festivities that will include the enshrinement of their legendary linebacker two days later.
It will pair up the teams of a couple of members of this year's class, as Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald have had many memorable matchups, including the 2015 NFC Championship Game.
This year's class also includes Drew Brees, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and running back Roger Craig.
It's the first time the Panthers have been in the game since 1995, when they played their expansion cousins, the Jaguars.
The Panthers won that first exhibition game in franchise history 20-14, with fullback Bob Christian scoring the first touchdown.
As the first game on the NFL calendar, it serves as a fourth preseason game for the team, and generally gives a lot of rookies and unheralded players a chance to play.
It also moves the start of the offseason program and training camp up a week for the team, offering more time to prepare.
But it also gives the team the chance to see the Hall, where Panthers legends Sam Mills and Julius Peppers reside, awaiting Keuchly's arrival in August.
Fans seeking unparalleled access to events surrounding Enshrinement Week presented by Novartis can secure ticket packages from On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL and the Carolina Panthers. On Location's ticket packages unlock exclusive moments such as on‑field photo opportunities after the Hall of Fame Game, pictures on the Enshrinement stage on Saturday, and access to a special section to greet returning Hall of Famers as they arrive for the Enshrinement Ceremony. Visit https://OnLocationExp.com/PanthersPFHOF to explore official ticket packages for Enshrinement Week.
View photos from Luke Kuechly's NFL Honors week, where he was named a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, met other Hall of Famers at the Merlin Olsen Super Bowl luncheon, and got sized for his gold jacket and ring, and they measured him for his bronze bust.
Luke Kuechly smiles after being announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 during football's NFL Honors award show in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Adam Vinatieri, from left, sits with Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Drew Brees after being announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 during football's NFL Honors award show in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Adam Vinatieri, from left, stands with Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Drew Brees after being announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 during football's NFL Honors award show in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.
Former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly gets fitted for his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sizing Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, Calif.
Former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly gets fitted for his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sizing Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, Calif.
Former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly gets fitted for his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sizing Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, Calif.
Former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly gets fitted for his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sizing Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, Calif.
