All articles tagged with #home opener
After a 238-yard, two-TD performance in a 23-19 win at Tampa Bay, Browns coach Todd Monken signaled Deshaun Watson will start the Week 3 home opener against Carolina, despite the quick four-day turnaround and a potential loud reception if Watson falters in the short week.
The Ravens host the Saints in a White Noise home opener, aiming to turn M&T Bank Stadium into a true home fortress after momentum from a Week 1 win over the Colts. They face injuries (Zay Flowers doubtful; Hendrickson, Stanley and John Simpson questionable) but Roquan Smith and a resilient defense, along with Lamar Jackson’s familiarity with the NFC, should keep Baltimore competitive. If Flowers is out, Derrick Henry could carry the load and Carson Vinson could start at left tackle, while Nnamdi Madubuike’s return is still weeks away as Baltimore seeks to re-establish the home-field edge.
After a 27-7 win in Melbourne, the 49ers slept through most of their 14-hour flight home and arrived in the Bay Area refreshed for their Sunday home opener against the Miami Dolphins, with players saying the trip was quiet and they’re back to their routine.
USC opened the college football season with a notably sparse home crowd at the Coliseum (announced attendance around 51,144, likely lower in person due to heat), prompting the school to issue a statement acknowledging attendance factors and pledging to improve atmosphere for the rest of the season as Fresno State visits next.
The Buffalo Bills will re-sod Highmark Stadium’s grass less than three weeks before their season opener after wear patches from the preseason, with installation starting Monday and expected to be finished by week’s end to ensure the best possible surface for early home games.
The Buffalo Bills will replace the entire grass playing surface at their new stadium before Week 2’s Thursday night home opener against the Detroit Lions, the first of three straight home games. Officials say the upgrade, intended to improve playability and reduce divots, comes even though the current field passed inspection; the move reflects a commitment to a top-tier surface for the players.
The Washington Capitals released their 84-game 2026-27 regular-season schedule—the NHL’s first 84-game slate since 1993–94—opening with back-to-back road games against the Hurricanes and Lightning and a home opener Oct. 7 vs. the Penguins. The season features two five-game homestands, several three-game road trips, 14 back-to-backs, and a Feb. 4–12 All-Star break. Washington will split its schedule by facing Metropolitan rivals twice, other Eastern Conference teams three times, and Western Conference teams twice; captain Alex Ovechkin signed a one-year extension and could be entering his 22nd, potentially final, season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins won their home opener against the New York Islanders 4-3, with goals from both new and veteran players, including Harrison Brunicke's first NHL goal. The game featured strong performances from Crosby and Malkin, and the Penguins unveiled new jerseys and honored their longstanding players. Tristan Jarry earned the win with 34 saves, and the team prepares for their next game against the Rangers.
The New York Giants will not hold a pregame tribute for Charlie Kirk before their upcoming game against the Chiefs, due to the timing of his recent assassination and their focus on other memorials like 9/11, aligning with their past practices and league decisions.
The Tennessee Titans host the Los Angeles Rams in their home opener, with key focus on rookie QB Cam Ward's performance, receiver improvements, pass protection, defense against a strong Rams offense, and special teams. A win could significantly boost their playoff chances early in the season.
Tennessee football released its depth chart for the upcoming home game against ETSU, with no changes from the previous week despite injuries, and several key players listed as starters but expected to miss the game, highlighting ongoing position battles and player rotations.
The Dallas Stars announced their 2025-26 NHL regular-season schedule, starting on October 9 against Winnipeg, with their home opener on October 14 versus Minnesota, featuring 31 home games, key dates around holidays, and a mid-season break for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.
The St. Louis Blues will open their 2025-26 NHL season at home against the Minnesota Wild on October 9th at the Enterprise Center, with full season tickets and deposits available now, and single-game tickets to be announced later.
The Oakland Ballers' inaugural home opener at Raimondi Park drew a sold-out crowd of over 4,000 fans despite the sweltering heat. The event was a celebration of Oakland's new baseball team, featuring appearances by local celebrities and politicians, tailgating festivities, and significant community support. Although the Ballers lost 9-3 to the Yolo High Wheelers, the night was more about the community spirit and the promise of a new, locally embraced franchise.
Ahead of their home opener against the Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Guardians and their fans experienced an epic total solar eclipse at Progressive Field, with the Cleveland sky turning very dark around 3:13 p.m. ET. Many fans and players wore special eclipse glasses to witness the rare event, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a baseball game. The home opener had been rescheduled to accommodate the historical moment.