NFL Alters Thanksgiving Kickoff Time for Lions vs. Packers Match
In an exciting update for football fans, the NFL has altered the kickoff time for the annual Thanksgiving Day game. This year, the Detroit Lions will play at 1 p.m. ET instead of the traditional 12:30 p.m. ET starting time, marking a significant shift in a nearly century-old tradition.
NFL’s Thanksgiving Tradition
The Lions have been a staple of Thanksgiving football for nearly 100 years, starting their games at 12:30 p.m. ET for the past 42 years. The NFL initially designed this timing to ensure a festive atmosphere for families gathering around the television.
Reasons Behind the Change
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell provided insight into this decision during an interview on the Pat McAfee Show. He mentioned the goal was to align with the league’s traditional game windows that start no earlier than 1 p.m. ET. This move will create a smoother transition into the subsequent games of the day.
- New kickoff time: 1 p.m. ET
- Previous kickoff time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Duration of Lions playing on Thanksgiving: Nearly 100 years
- Consecutive years playing at 12:30 p.m. ET: 42 years
Impact on Viewers
This timing adjustment will be particularly beneficial for viewers on the West Coast. The game will now begin at 10 a.m. PT, allowing fans to enjoy the start of Thanksgiving Day football an hour later than in previous years.
The new schedule also promotes a continuous flow of action, as the Lions’ game will finish closer to the kickoff of the 4:30 p.m. ET game often featuring the Dallas Cowboys. This change enables fans to experience a more seamless afternoon of football, potentially enhancing the overall viewing experience.
As Thanksgiving nears, this adjustment in kickoff timing shapes a modern evolution of the day’s tradition, inviting families to enjoy football together while indulging in their holiday meals.
