NFL will kick off season Wednesday, Sept. NEW YORK - The NFL says it will open the season Wednesday, Sept. 5, to avoid a conflict with President Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention the following night. The season usually begins on a Thursday night, but Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the change for this season on Tuesday. The Super Bowl champion New York Giants will host the season-opener at MetLife Stadium against a team to be announced at a later date. Starting time is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.