"Disappointed:" Packers fans couldn't understand why official notice HOF game was canceled took so long
CANTON, Ohio -- The Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts Pro Football Hall of Fame Game set for Sunday evening, August 7th was canceled due to turf concerns.
This decision was made due to the condition of the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium after Saturday night's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. There were concerns over melted paint and an uneven playing surface.
Turf issues ahead of Packers/Colts HOF Game in Canton
David Baker, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame said on ESPN Sunday evening the brand new field "passed the test" when it was first installed, and again Sunday morning when the cover came off following the HOF enshrinement ceremony Saturday.
David Baker
Baker said it was soon determined that some paint mid-field had congealed and players and doctors for the Packers and Colts were concerned.
"We thought we might be able to re-mediate it, even if it meant delaying the game for up to an hour. If it is remotely close to being unsafe -- we conferred with the league and decided the best thing to do was to respect the safety of the players. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is hallowed ground. Our mission says we are to honor the heroes of the game, and not just the Hall of Famers, but the guys playing today," Baker said.
Baker called the cancellation a "very difficult decision."
Fans entering stadium for Pro Football HOF Game
FOX6's Tim Van Vooren spotted Packers personnel, Colts personnel and Pro Football Hall of Fame personnel examining the turf hours ahead of kickoff.
As fans filed into Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Sunday, the countdown to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. was still an hour away. League officials had already canceled the game, but there was no announcement, no signage, no official word for fans from officials.
Meanwhile, fans were beginning to learn the news from social media.
Fans entering stadium for Pro Football HOF Game
"We drove seven hours -- spent a lot of money on hotels and rooms and all that and now the game`s canceled," Reginald Harris said.
With less than an hour until kickoff, fans were still being let into the stadium, which almost angered them more.
"Nobody`s been told anything. The guys aren`t practicing. They took tablets out. If they are going to cancel, they keep letting people in -- so can you imagine when everybody leaves, when they finally say that it is canceled, what it's going to be like?" Tina Hetrick said.
Pro Football HOF Game
As the stadium filled to capacity, the sidelines began to empty, and equipment was hauled back to locker rooms. Yet there was still no official word.
"We don`t know what we are going to do now," a Packers fan said.
"We`re really disappointed," a Packers fan said.
Pro Football HOF Game
Finally, Baker, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame confirmed what 90% of the stadium already knew. The Packers vs. Colts pre-season game was canceled, due to concerns regarding player safety.
Baker said there will be a refund policy that is announced for guests -- and said visitors should check the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website for details.
Pro Football HOF Game
Baker said it was determined that some paint mid-field had congealed and players and doctors for the Packers and Colts were concerned.
Packers players cleared the field as workers used a variety of equipment to smooth the artificial surface. Rubber pellets used in the turf came loose and were scattered in several spots and needed to be removed.
Neither team was on the field for warmups less than an hour before kickoff.
Some fans said they understood that player safety comes first, and that the potential for injury in this situation was too great.
However, many couldn't understand why it took so long to notify fans.
"We wanted to tell the fans personally. It's a difficult call but they needed to hear it personally, and I wanted them to hear it from me," Baker said.
Turf issues ahead of Packers/Colts HOF Game in Canton