A review is underway after the Pro Football Hall of Fame game in Canton was canceledover the weekend due to field concerns.
Field maintenance and Hall of Fame officials were scrambling late Sunday to try and fix issues with the field, which appeared to stem from the melting of paint at mid-field and in the end zone, leading to a rubbery surface. The field was described as uneven and feeling like tar.
The game was ultimately canceled.
"We're disappointed for the fans," said Pete Fierle, chief of staff and vice president of communications for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's not the way we wanted to end hall of fame weekend."
Fans were disappointed too.
David Markowski is a Green Bay Packers fan who flew to Ohio from California for hall of fame weekend.
He said he was caught off guard by the cancelation.
"Disbelief at first," he said. "I mean I really couldn't believe it. And poor planning. I mean, my gosh, this is a professional organization. How could they not have the field ready?"
Markowski's girlfriend, Karla Kennedy, experienced similar confusion.
"I'm very disappointed in the NFL," said Kennedy. "Really? To not have that ready for a game that they knew was happening. You can't even imagine who could not plan that."
Fierle said a review is underway and there is no additional information at this time.
The refund policy for the canceled game is as follows:
- Credit card charges will be automatically refunded
- A refund check will be issued to those who paid with check
- Cash refunds will also be issued by check
