Champions Chelsea hammered West Bromwich Albion 6-0 inspired by Didier Drogba's hat-trick but the day belonged to seaside club Blackpool who have been in the wilderness since 1971.
Tottenham Hotspur and free-spending Manchester City, two sides intent on challenging for the title, played out a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane in which City were indebted to a sensational goalkeeping performance by Joe Hart.
Aston Villa responded to the shock resignation of manager Martin O'Neill with a 3-0 win over West Ham United with winger James Milner, poised to join Manchester City, scoring the third goal in what could be his last game for the club.
Relegation favourites and with their dated Bloomfield Road ground still undergoing a makeover, Blackpool and their joyous orange-clad fans unexpectedly stole top billing as the world's most-hyped domestic league opened for business.
"This is a great group of lads and we had a great day today," Holloway told Sky Sports.
"I had to throw in three boys today who had literally just met each other. If we stay together we may cut it and have half a chance to stay above three teams at the end of the season."
But it was Hart, who did not cost a penny and was preferred to Ireland's Shay Given, who made six top-drawer saves to keep Tottenham at bay in the opening 45 minutes.
"I was happy to make the saves and be part of a good performance," Hart, who eclipsed the debuts of Yaya Toure and Davis Silva, told the BBC.
"All I wanted to do was play for Man City but I've got to keep on my toes because Shay is a great keeper and next week I might be out of the team again."
Blackpool's preparations for the season had been far from ideal but Wigan threw down the welcome mat as the visitors cruised into a 3-0 halftime lead.
