The NFL announced it will open the season Wednesday, Sept. 5, to avoid a conflict with President Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention the following night.
The NFL Kickoff game typically opens the regular season on a Thursday night, but Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the change for the upcoming season on Tuesday.
The Super Bowl XLVI-champion New York Giants will host the game at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The game will be aired on NBC, with the NFL Kickoff 2012 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The last NFL game played on a Wednesday happened during the 1948 season between the Rams and Lions. The Rams won 44-7.
The 2012 Democratic National Convention is being held in Charlotte, N.C., and Obama is planning to make his acceptance speech at Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
