If you’re typing san diego chargers game time into a search bar right now, you’re likely feeling one of two things: nostalgic or slightly confused.
Here’s the reality check. The Chargers haven't played a home game in San Diego since January 1, 2017. That's a long time. Nearly a decade of "Los Angeles" being slapped in front of the name, yet for a massive chunk of the fanbase, they will always belong to Mission Valley.
You’re probably looking for when the Bolts kick off next. But the "San Diego" part of your search tells me you might be one of the thousands who still refuse to acknowledge the 405-freeway trek to Inglewood. Or maybe you're just looking for the latest on those rumors about them playing "home" games back in America's Finest City.
The 2026 Schedule Reality
The team is officially the Los Angeles Chargers, and their home is SoFi Stadium. However, the connection to San Diego isn't entirely dead. In a move that surprised a lot of people last summer, Jim Harbaugh actually brought the team back to San Diego for a portion of training camp. They practiced at the University of San Diego, and honestly, the turnout was wild.
If you are looking for the next kickoff, you have to look at the 2025-2026 postseason and the upcoming 2026 cycle.
The Chargers’ 2025 season just wrapped up with a tough Wild Card loss to the New England Patriots on January 11, 2026. They lost 16-3 in a game that was mostly a defensive grind. If you were looking for that san diego chargers game time, it was an 8:00 PM ET kickoff on a Sunday night.
What's Next for the 2026 Season?
Since the playoff run is over, the next time you'll see a "San Diego" (Los Angeles) Chargers game time will be the preseason in August 2026. The NFL usually drops the full schedule in mid-May.
Here is who they are slated to play at home in 2026:
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Houston Texans
The away slate is just as brutal. They'll be heading to Buffalo, Miami, and even across town to face the Rams.
Why We Still Say "San Diego"
It’s a habit. It’s a protest. It’s a culture.
For 56 years, the Chargers were the heartbeat of San Diego sports. From the Air Coryell days to the Junior Seau era and the LaDainian Tomlinson "L.T." years, that lightning bolt was synonymous with Qualcomm Stadium. When Dean Spanos moved the team in 2017, it left a massive hole.
The search for san diego chargers game time persists because the brand is still fundamentally tied to the city. Even the players feel it. Harbaugh, who has deep ties to San Diego, has been vocal about honoring that history. He knows that a huge portion of the "home" crowd at SoFi still drives up from Chula Vista, Oceanside, and El Cajon.
Watching the Game in 2026: How to Find the Time
If you're trying to catch a game, the "time" isn't as simple as it used to be. The NFL has gone all-in on streaming.
- The YouTube Move: In 2025, we saw the Chargers play the Chiefs in Brazil. That game was on YouTube. It wasn't on standard cable.
- Prime Video: Thursday Night Football is still the kingdom of Amazon.
- Peacock and NFL+: For the 2026 season, expect at least one or two games to be exclusive to these platforms.
Basically, if you see a game listed for 1:05 PM or 1:25 PM PT, it’s usually on CBS or FOX. If it’s a night game, you better have your apps updated.
The "Home Game" Atmosphere
Let’s be real. SoFi Stadium is a marvel of engineering, but it often feels like an "away" game for the Chargers. When the Raiders or the Cowboys come to town, the stadium is a sea of silver and black or blue and silver.
That’s why the san diego chargers game time is more than just a clock setting. It’s a logistics nightmare for local fans. A 1:00 PM kickoff in Inglewood means a San Diego fan has to be on the road by 8:30 AM just to deal with the inevitable Sunday morning traffic through San Clemente and Orange County.
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Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you are a die-hard fan still searching under the San Diego banner, here is how you stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming 2026 season:
- Mark your calendar for mid-May. That is when the NFL releases the specific dates and times for the 17-game schedule.
- Check the "Home" status. Watch for "neutral site" or international games. The NFL is pushing for more games in London, Germany, and potentially Spain.
- Follow local San Diego reporters. Guys like Tom Krasovic still cover the team with a San Diego lens. They’ll give you the info that the LA-centric media might gloss over.
- Download the Chargers App. Just be prepared to see "Los Angeles" everywhere. It’s the best way to get instant notifications for flex-schedule changes.
The Bolts might be 120 miles north, but the "San Diego" spirit is what keeps the lights on. Keep an eye out in May for the first official 2026 kickoff times.