Hall of Fame Game canceled due to poor field conditions

Players from both sides expressed concern over the condition of the turf in Canton.

Sunday night’s Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, was canceled due to concerns over the condition of the playing surface.

The Colts and Packers were scheduled to take part in the game, but members of both teams expressed concerns over the turf at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Players complained that parts of the surface were “as hard as concrete” and the paint at midfield and in the end zones had congealed and become tar-like, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

In a statement, the NFL said the decision was made due to “safety concerns.”

Colts defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin said on Twitter that, although the game was canceled, he would be talking with fans on the field and signing autographs. 

The stadium, which was built in 1938 and first hosted the Hall of Fame Game in 1962, is home to several high school and smaller college teams. The stadium is currently undergoing a renovation, which began after last season’s game. 

Teams that play in the Hall of Fame Game play one more preseason game than the rest of the league.