The NFL says it will open the season on Wednesday, September 5 to avoid a conflict with President Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention the following night.

The season usually begins on a Thursday night, but Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the change for this season on Tuesday.

The Super Bowl champion New York Giants will host the season-opener at MetLife Stadium against a team to be announced at a later date.

Starting time is scheduled for 8.30pm local time.