Hmmm... today is Friday so from the article, it sounds like there is a debate next Thursday, 9/3. Except according to this, the first debate is Tuesday, September 29. Could the NYT have published a mistake? (Horrors!! :)
FWIW, here's THIS year's debate schedule:
Presidential: Thur, Sep 29, Thur, Oct 15, Thur, Oct 15.
Vice Presidential: Weds, Oct 15
All the debates will will start at 9 p.m. ET and will run for 90 minutes without commercial interruption.
More info here.