Prospects for ATLAS and CMS at the LHC

The first proton-proton collisions at the LHC are expected later this year and the first physics run in 2008. The detectors are also in an advanced state of preparation. There are compelling theoretical arguments that new physics phenomena will appear within the energy range of this facility. This talk will review the physics potential of the ATLAS and CMS detectors in the early years of LHC operation.