This Thanksgiving, the NFL is adding a new chapter to its holiday tradition, and it comes with a rock and roll soundtrack. U2, the legendary Irish band, will headline the halftime show during the first-ever Thanksgiving Eve Game, streaming live on Netflix on November 25. The stage is set at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Green Bay Packers will face the Los Angeles Rams.
For Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., this isn't just another gig. It's a celebration of five decades of music that has spanned continents and generations. From the streets of Dublin to stadiums around the world, U2 has built a legacy that resonates deeply with fans across the Americas, including the Latino community, who have embraced their anthems of hope and resistance.
A historic return to the NFL stage
U2's relationship with NFL halftime shows goes back to 2002, when their performance in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks became a defining moment of collective healing. That emotional connection is something the band has carried with them, and this Thanksgiving Eve performance promises to be equally memorable.
The broadcast will kick off with pre-game coverage at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by the game at 8 p.m. All Netflix subscribers will have access to the live stream at no extra cost, making it a global event. The league and the streaming platform are betting big on this partnership, and having a band with 22 Grammy Awards headlining is a clear statement of intent.
For Latino viewers, this is more than just a football game. It's a cultural moment where music and sports collide, offering a shared experience that transcends borders. Whether you're in Los Angeles, México, or Buenos Aires, you can tune in and feel the energy of a band that has always spoken to the human spirit.
Expanding the NFL's holiday lineup
The Thanksgiving Eve Game is a new addition to the NFL's regular-season schedule, which has traditionally featured games on Thanksgiving Day itself, with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions as perennial hosts. This year, Netflix is also set to broadcast two Christmas Day games: the Packers against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, and the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos.
This move is part of a broader strategy to capture international audiences and bring the NFL into the streaming era. By partnering with a band like U2, the league is signaling that it wants to create entertainment spectacles that rival the Super Bowl halftime show, but with a more intimate, digital-first approach.
For fans of football's next generation, this Thanksgiving Eve game is another reason to celebrate the sport's growing global appeal. And for those who love a good halftime show, U2's performance is bound to be a highlight.
As the NFL continues to expand its reach, this collaboration with Netflix and U2 could redefine how we consume sports and music. It's a bold step, but one that feels natural for a band that has always pushed boundaries.
So mark your calendars. On November 25, grab your family, your friends, and your streaming device, and get ready for a Thanksgiving Eve that rocks. U2 is coming to your screen, and they're bringing five decades of hits with them.
