CANTON, Ohio -- Melting paint at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio canceled the Indianapolis Colts' first pre-season game of the year against the Green Bay Packers in what was supposed to be the annual Hall of Fame Game.
Field maintenance and Hall of Fame officials were scrambling late Sunday to try and fix issues with the field, which stemmed from the melting of paint at mid-field and in the endzone, leading to a rubbery surface that poses a player safety concern.
Concerns were raised that players' cleats may get stuck in the melted areas where the turf was affected.
Hall of Fame President David Baker said they originally learned of the problem around 5:30 p.m. and discussed with team General Managers about the concerns when attempted fixes didn't work.
They decided that pre-game ceremonies would still go on, but the game could become more of a glorified practice because of the issues. Ultimately, the game was canceled outright, but an official announcement was not immediately made to those in attendance until the pre-game ceremonies started.
Many travelers to Canton had to find out through social media and RTV6 app push alerts.
Baker said it was a difficult decision because of how far and wide the fans traveled, but ultimately it was "the only decision" they could make.
"We'll look at it, we'll make sure it never happens again," Baker said.
A closer look at the melted Hall of Fame Game field https://t.co/rA10ftAz3z #HOFGame @Colts
— RTV6 Indianapolis (@rtv6) August 8, 2016
Official statement on #HOFGame cancellation pic.twitter.com/h7lGVMr6Kg
— RTV6 Indianapolis (@rtv6) August 8, 2016
If you haven't seen the 50 yd line at Tom Benson Stadium. This is what condition it's in right now.#HallofFameGame pic.twitter.com/a1X5d8TikA
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 7, 2016
Well. This is bizarre. #Colts #Packers pic.twitter.com/hIpxNE0T46
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) August 8, 2016
These are your best reactions to the cancellation of the Hall of Fame Game https://t.co/DlSPBRB6qx
— RTV6 Indianapolis (@rtv6) August 7, 2016
Some worried looking faces at midfield right now. Turf issues in Canton. #Colts #Packers pic.twitter.com/x8nH5uyz4m
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) August 7, 2016
Field Turf melted on parts of logo, it's like rubber, big concern cleats will stick there, major player safety issue pic.twitter.com/VT6Y1UcYR1
— Pete Dougherty (@PeteDougherty) August 7, 2016
End zone issue too pic.twitter.com/jnvwtxG6ci
— Pete Dougherty (@PeteDougherty) August 7, 2016
That's HOF prez David Baker talking to Grigson, Murphy (yellow shirt), McCarthy and Thompson pic.twitter.com/9Uhzu83ilK
— Pete Dougherty (@PeteDougherty) August 7, 2016
They've now cleared the field in Canton. No players warming up. #Colts #Packers
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) August 7, 2016
The crew is back working on the field...picking up excess rubber pellets.#Colts #Packers pic.twitter.com/SZT4tkyiOB
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) August 7, 2016
