FOXBOROUGH — Football is back at Gillette Stadium tonight as the New England Patriots open their 2026 preseason schedule against the Indianapolis Colts at 7:30 p.m.
The matchup marks New England’s first preseason game of the year and the first of two exhibition contests at home. The Patriots will also host the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 22 before closing the preseason on the road against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 27.
New England and Indianapolis already got an early look at one another this week, holding a joint practice at the Patriots’ training facility on Tuesday as both teams continued preparations for the start of the season.
For the Patriots, tonight’s game will provide the coaching staff with its first live preseason evaluation of the roster. With regular-season jobs, depth-chart positions and roster spots still being decided, the exhibition opener gives younger players and newcomers an opportunity to make an impression under game conditions.
The Patriots are opening the preseason at home for the sixth consecutive year. New England and Indianapolis have met just twice previously in preseason play, with their most recent exhibition matchup coming in 1992.
Kickoff between the Patriots and Colts is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The game will be televised locally on WBZ and the Patriots Preseason Network.
