What Is 1970 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1970 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was played on August 9, 1970, between the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, ending in a 31-31 tie. It was the first Hall of Fame Game held after the NFL-AFL merger agreement and marked the 25th anniversary of the Hall of Fame's founding.

Key Facts

Game date: August 9, 1970
Teams: New York Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Final score: 31-31 tie
Location: Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio
Significance: First Hall of Fame Game after NFL-AFL merger agreement

Overview

The 1970 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was a preseason exhibition match that served as both a celebration of professional football's legacy and a symbolic kickoff to the NFL season. Held in Canton, Ohio, the game brought together two storied franchises to honor the sport's history just weeks before the first fully merged NFL season began.

This particular game was historically notable for occurring during a pivotal transition year for professional football. With the NFL and AFL officially merging under one league structure in 1970, the Hall of Fame Game took on added significance as a unifying event, drawing national attention to the sport's evolving landscape.

August 9, 1970 marked the official date of the game, making it the first Hall of Fame Game of the post-merger era and a key moment in NFL history.
The New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals faced off in a competitive matchup that ultimately ended in a rare 31-31 tie, showcasing high-scoring preseason action.
Played at Fawcett Stadium, the venue seated over 20,000 fans and has hosted every Hall of Fame Game since 1962, becoming a permanent fixture in Canton.
The game was part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which opened in 1963 to honor the greatest contributors to the sport.
Unlike regular-season games, the Hall of Fame Game does not count in the standings, but it remains a prestigious event featuring full NFL rosters and major media coverage.

How It Works

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game functions as both a tribute to football legends and a ceremonial start to the NFL preseason. It features two teams selected by the league to play an exhibition match in Canton, Ohio, typically involving teams with recent Hall of Fame inductees or historical significance.

Preseason Exhibition: The game is the first of the NFL preseason and does not impact regular-season records. It allows teams to evaluate players and test strategies in a live-game setting.
Induction Weekend: The game is held the weekend after the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, linking on-field action with the honoring of new inductees.
Team Selection: The NFL chooses teams based on recent Hall of Fame inductees, legacy, or promotional appeal. In 1970, both the Giants and Cardinals had strong historical ties.
Location:Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, has hosted the game annually since 1962, reinforcing the city’s identity as football’s spiritual home.
Historical Context: The 1970 game was the first after the NFL-AFL merger was finalized, symbolizing a new era of unified professional football.
Television Coverage: Broadcast nationally, the game reaches millions and helps promote the NFL’s return, with networks like NBC and CBS covering it over the decades.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1970 Hall of Fame Game compares to other notable editions in terms of teams, score, and historical context:

Year	Teams	Score	Location	Significance
1970	NY Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals	31-31 tie	Canton, OH	First game after NFL-AFL merger
1962	Rams vs. Bears	24-24 tie	Canton, OH	First-ever Hall of Fame Game
1984	Chiefs vs. Bills	Chiefs won 27-20	Canton, OH	First game after AFL-NFL 10th anniversary
2009	Titans vs. Cardinals	Titans won 27-17	Canton, OH	First game after Super Bowl XLIII
2023	Bills vs. Jets	Aborted due to field conditions	Canton, OH	Game canceled after two lightning delays

The 1970 edition stands out not only for its historic timing but also for its rare tie score. Unlike later games that sometimes faced cancellations or weather issues, the 1970 matchup was completed fully and celebrated as a success, drawing strong attendance and media attention during a transformative year for the NFL.

Why It Matters

The 1970 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game holds lasting significance in the evolution of professional football, symbolizing unity during a major structural shift in the league. It bridged the gap between the old NFL and the newly merged NFL-AFL structure, helping fans embrace the changes ahead.

Merger Symbolism: The game marked the first public NFL event after the 1970 merger, helping normalize the unified league structure for fans and players alike.
Historical Legacy: As part of the Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary, it reinforced the institution’s role in preserving football’s cultural and competitive heritage.
Team Representation: The Giants and Cardinals both had long histories, making their matchup a nod to the NFL’s traditional powerhouses.
Media Attention: National coverage helped elevate the Hall of Fame Game into a marquee preseason event, boosting viewership and fan engagement.
Precedent Setting: The tie result was unusual but highlighted the game’s exhibition nature, distinguishing it from competitive regular-season outcomes.
Cultural Impact: The event strengthened Canton’s status as football’s capital and deepened public connection to the Hall of Fame.

Ultimately, the 1970 game was more than just a preseason exhibition—it was a milestone moment that celebrated football’s past while ushering in a new era of professional play. Its legacy endures in how the Hall of Fame Game continues to honor legends while launching each new season.