NFL season starts Sept. 5

Updated: February 29, 2012, 1:41 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

The NFL will kick off its season on Wednesday, Sept. 5 instead of the traditional Thursday night start to avoid a conflict with a scheduled speech by President Barack Obama on Sept. 6 at the Democratic National Convention.

Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement Tuesday. The game, to be hosted by the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Giants' opponent for the opener hasn't been determined yet. The 2012 NFL schedule will be revealed in the coming months.

According to the league, it hasn't played a game on a Wednesday since Sept. 22, 1948, when the Rams faced the Lions.

The NFL regular season has started on a Thursday since 2002.

This year's change was announced by the league on Tuesday.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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