Packers vs. Colts Hall of Fame Game in Canton CANCELED due to turf concerns

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.

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.

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."

"A lot of these fans came a long way. We think it's the only decision that can be made. If we don't stand for integrity, how can we represent the game?" Baker said.

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.

Baker said they were still planning on having both teams take the field on Sunday, and the eight new Pro Football Hall of Famers would be introduced. Lee Greenwood, who was scheduled to perform at halftime, will still perform Sunday, Baker said -- and then fans will be sent home.

"I spoke with both teams, and there were still some guys who wanted to play. But both teams respected the decision that was made," Baker said.

FOX6's Tim Van Vooren is in Canton -- and reported Sunday decision makers for the Packers and Colts were on the field earlier, meeting about the field condition. Baker was speaking with team leaders.

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.

Turf issues ahead of Packers/Colts HOF Game in Canton

Kickoff was set for 7:00 p.m. in Canton.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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