The NFL’s 2025 preseason will begin with the Hall of Fame Game on July 31, and the Detroit Lions are participating in the contest for the first time since 1991.

Detroit’s opponent in the annual matchup will be the Los Angeles Chargers, who haven’t been involved in the game since 1994, when they were still based out of San Diego. The Lions (32 seasons) and Chargers (29 seasons) previously had the two longest active streaks without playing in the game, which takes place in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the same week of inductions into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The game will be aired at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock, with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth on the call.

Members of this year’s Hall of Fame class include cornerback Eric Allen (Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders), defensive end Jared Allen (Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers) and tight ends Antonio Gates (Chargers) and Sterling Sharpe (Green Bay Packers). Gates, already a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, is a Detroit native who attended Central High School.

“This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said in a release. “For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season.”

It’s no surprise the NFL wants the Lions on a national stage. While speaking at the league’s annual owners meetings earlier this month, team president and CEO Rod Wood said the Lions were involved in the highest-rated game for almost every television network last season. The exception was FOX, which broadcasted the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. The Lions played in the No. 2 game on FOX, according to Wood.

The Lions should have a healthy number of prime time games again in 2025.