Los Angeles now knows when they will get their first look at their Chargers.
The NFL announced the full preseason schedule, which highlights the Bolts opening up Week 1 vs. the Seattle Seahawks at StubHub Center and a nationally televised game Week 3 at the Rams on Aug. 26. The team will also play the second preseason game at home vs. the New Orleans Saints before closing out the exhibition slate at the San Francisco 49ers. Dates and kickoff times for the Seahawks, Saints and 49ers games are TBD.
"I can't wait to get started," said Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn. "It will be great to take the field for the first time in front of our fans at StubHub Center. We've got two very good teams coming to our stadium; plus our fans will get to see us play in person for the third week in a row when we take on the Rams at their place. It's really the perfect schedule for both our players and our fans."
The Bolts open up at StubHub Center against the Seahawks. The game marks a reunion for new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who held the same role for Seattle from 2009-2012. It also marks the first time nose tackle Brandon Mebane and cornerback Trovon Reed face off against their former team.
Former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees then leads the Saints out west for a rare visit on a date to be determined. The two teams squared off in the regular season a year ago, but last faced off in the preseason in 2010.
Meanwhile, the Bolts will play a nationally televised preseason game for the sixth straight year when they visit the Rams. Kickoff from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is set for 5:00pm PT and will be shown on CBS. Finally, in what has become an annual tradition, the Chargers close out the preseason against the 49ers.
"It's an exciting preseason for us," added Philip Rivers. "We start right off the bat at home with Seattle and then New Orleans. Those two games will give us a feel for our new home. We can learn the routine and what the atmosphere will be like at StubHub Center. Then we go face the Rams on national TV, which will be fun, and finish with the 49ers once again. Getting the preseason schedule paints the picture for what the year will be like. We see how our season is going to start off, so it makes the new year more real."
In addition to giving L.A. their first taste of Chargers football, the preseason is a battleground for players trying to fight for a spot on the 53-man roster. A number of key Chargers including Jahleel Addae, Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, Josh Lambo, Branden Oliver and more impressed as undrafted rookies to make the active squad. They've all gone on to carve out valuable roles over the years.
While the preseason schedule is now official, the regular season slate of games will be announced in a matter of weeks. Stay tuned to Chargers.com for more information.
