Football fans will have to wait a little longer for the return of the NFL.
The league announced that Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game between the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers has been canceled. Unsafe field conditions have been cited as the cause.
HOF game between Packers and Colts has been canceled due to concerns over field conditions: https://t.co/wEXo0OjJFr pic.twitter.com/gq55PbkNB5
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2016
NFL Cancels Hall of Fame Game Due to Unsafe Field Conditions
The source of the problem is related to the paint job that was applied to the field. This is especially true with respect to the 50-yard line and the end zone. Apparently the paint dried incorrectly, leading to an abnormally hard and slick surface.
The paint that was applied today on middle of field, and in endzones, has congealed; would be like playing on tar.
Game now doubtful.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2016
The field situation became even more apparent when players came onto the field a few hours before kickoff. It was pretty clear that the parts of the field in question were as hard as concrete. The elevated risk level for potential injury as a result precipitated the decision by the NFL.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker has stated that all fans with tickets to the game will be given a full refund. The move is expected to cost the non-profit organization as much as $4 million. In place of the game, an event involving players and new Hall of Fame inductees is expected to be put on.
The next games on the NFL preseason schedule take place this coming Thursday. Six games are on tap, the first two of which (Buccaneers at Eagles, Redskins at Falcons) are slated to kick off at 7 PM ET. The next nationally televised contest can be seen Saturday on ESPN at 8 PM ET when the Dallas Cowboys travel to face the Los Angeles Rams.
