The 2026 NFL season kicks off in the Pacific Northwest tonight with the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots. A Seattle music legend will be a major element of the festivities.
Mike McCready, the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Pearl Jam, will perform the national anthem at Lumen Field. Luckily for those in attendance, that's only the beginning of his night.
Here's what we know about McCready's role in the Seahawks' season opener.
Mike McCready to perform national anthem and halftime show
In addition to performing the national anthem, McCready, 60, will take the stage with fellow Seattle-bred rock band Soundgarden at halftime. McCready recently described himself as Soundgarden's biggest fan, and he prepared fans for the special experience
they're collaborating to deliver.
"It's incredibly special, it's incredibly poignant," McCready said. "It's intense, you want to do it right. It's Seattle, we want to play as well as we can for Seattle, because we're from here, this is our home. It's a big deal, and that's an exciting pressure to be part of. And I know how good it's going to sound because of our over rehearsing. Hopefully people will love it, we're looking forward to it. I can't wait. I'll play with those guys anywhere on the planet."
It sounds like it'll be quite the night in Seattle. Kickoff from Lumen Field is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Patriots vs. Seahawks national anthem singer: Meet Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready
