KANSAS CITY, Mo – The countdown is on. Today, the Kansas City Chiefs officially announce the start of the 2026 Season Kickoff, a month-long celebration that brings together fans, players, partners, and the community as Chiefs Kingdom gears up for the return of football.
Beginning with Training Camp and culminating with the club's Monday Night Football home opener, the 2026 Season Kickoff will feature fan-favorite traditions, community initiatives, charitable events, and key milestones that celebrate the passion and pride of Chiefs Kingdom.
"The start of football season always brings a special energy to Kansas City," said Chiefs President Mark Donovan. "From Training Camp and Red Thursday to the Kickoff Luncheon and our home opener, these events reflect the traditions, community spirit, and passion that make Chiefs Kingdom unique. We look forward to celebrating with our fans as we begin another season together."
Throughout August and September, fans can take part in a variety of events and experiences leading up to kickoff and beyond.
2026 SEASON KICKOFF SCHEDULE
- August 1-2 – NFL Back Together Weekend at Training Camp presented by YouTube TV: Celebrate the return of the season during Training Camp: Back Together Weekend presented by YouTube TV on August 1-2. Watch live on ESPN and NFL Network, also streaming with NFL+. Catch full days of practice, player interviews, mic'd up moments and more.
- August 5 – Red Thursday Flag Unveiling: The Chiefs unveil the official 2026 Red Thursday Flag.
- August 6 – Red Thursday Flag Presale Begins: Fans can secure the limited-edition commemorative flag benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities before it becomes available to the public. The online-only presale will go live on shop.chiefs.com.
- August 6 – Red Thursday Virtual 5K Registration Opens: Fans across Chiefs Kingdom can participate in the 7th annual Red Thursday Virtual 5K presented by G.E.H.A. This year's race is virtual, so Chiefs fans can show their pride from wherever they call home. The Red Thursday Virtual 5K race window will be open from Thursday, September 10 – Sunday, September 13. Look for sign-up information on chiefs.com/redthursday/run.
- August 15 – Chiefs Charity Game – Preseason Game Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs on KSHB 41: The Chiefs continue one of the NFL's premier preseason charitable traditions as they take the field while supporting a worthy community cause. On Saturday, August 15, the Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Rams for the 42nd annual Chiefs Charity Game. The matchup will directly benefit the life-changing work being done by Jackson County CASA. The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. CT kickoff on KSHB 41 locally.
- August 21 – The Franchise presented by G.E.H.A: See the Chiefs like never before in the season 7 premiere of "The Franchise" presented by G.E.H.A. The new season will highlight key moments, untold behind-the-scenes stories, and never-before-seen footage. Watch exclusively on the Chiefs official YouTube Channel.
- August 22 – Preseason Game at Tampa Bay on KSHB 41: On Saturday, August 22, the Chiefs will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on KSHB 41.
- August 28 – Preseason Game Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs on KSHB 41: On Friday, August 28, the Chiefs will host the Seattle Seahawks for the club's preseason finale. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff on KSHB 41. Inspired by the iconic Backyard Football video game, the game will feature a pregame activation in the Ford Tailgate District, along with interactive fan experiences and themed elements woven throughout the game-day experience.
- September 1 – Chiefs Kickoff Luncheon, Kingdom Impact Report & Lamar Hunt Award: The annual luncheon benefitting the KC Chamber highlights the club's impact throughout Chiefs Kingdom, recognizes community leaders, and celebrates the presentation of the Lamar Hunt Award.
- September 10 – Red Thursday: On Thursday, September 10, the Chiefs will continue their longstanding tradition where Chiefs Kingdom comes together to support local families in need at the Ronald McDonald House through flag sales throughout the Kansas City area.
- September 14 – Home Opener: Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Monday Night Football) on EPSN and ABC: The 2026 regular season opens at home as the Chiefs host the Broncos under the lights on Monday Night Football. The game is scheduled for a 7:15 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPN and ABC.
The return of football represents more than the start of a new season – it marks the continuation of a tradition that connects generations of fans across Kansas City and around the world. Through community outreach, charitable initiatives, and unforgettable gameday moments, the 2026 Season Kickoff celebrates everything that makes Chiefs Kingdom so special.
For the latest information, event details and updates throughout the month, visit chiefs.com/kickoff.
