What Is 2000 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was an NFL preseason exhibition held on August 6, 2000, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The game ended in a 20-17 victory for the Steelers and marked the annual kickoff to the NFL preseason, coinciding with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Key Facts

The 2000 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game took place on August 6, 2000
Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 20-17
Game was played at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio
It was an exhibition game marking the start of the NFL preseason
The game coincided with the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Overview

The 2000 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was a preseason exhibition game that served as the traditional kickoff to the National Football League's annual preseason schedule. Held on August 6, 2000, it featured the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, two of the league’s most storied franchises, meeting in a rare non-regular-season matchup.

This game was particularly significant as it coincided with the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend in Canton, Ohio. The event not only celebrated new inductees but also brought national attention to the sport through a nationally televised game that highlighted both legacy and emerging talent.

Date and location: The game was played on August 6, 2000, at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the permanent home of the Hall of Fame Game since 1962.
Teams involved: The Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys, two franchises with multiple Super Bowl titles and a combined legacy spanning over a century.
Final score: The Steelers won the game 20-17, securing the victory with a strong defensive second half and key contributions from backup quarterbacks and special teams.
Game significance: As an exhibition game, it did not count toward the regular season standings but provided coaches with valuable evaluation opportunities for roster decisions.
Attendance: The game drew approximately 22,000 fans to Fawcett Stadium, a reduced capacity compared to later years before the stadium’s expansion and renaming to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

How It Works

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is an annual tradition that blends sports, history, and celebration, serving as both a competitive exhibition and a ceremonial event. Each component of the game is structured to honor past legends while previewing the upcoming season’s potential.

Annual scheduling:Held every early August, the game marks the official start of the NFL preseason and is scheduled to align with the Hall of Fame induction festivities.
Team selection: The NFL selects two teams annually, often those with recent Hall of Fame inductees or franchises celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Player participation:Starters play sparingly, usually one or two series, to minimize injury risk while giving backups and rookies significant playing time.
Game rules: The game follows standard NFL rules but may include experimental officiating procedures or timing adjustments unique to preseason contests.
Broadcast reach: The game is televised nationally, historically on networks like ABC or NBC, and draws millions of viewers despite its exhibition status.
Charitable impact: Proceeds and event sponsorships support the Hall of Fame’s educational programs and preservation of football history.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2000 Hall of Fame Game can be better understood by comparing it to other similar events in terms of structure, attendance, and significance. The table below highlights key differences between the 2000 game and subsequent editions.

Feature	2000 Game	2010 Game	2020 Canceled	2023 Game
Date	August 6, 2000	August 8, 2010	N/A (canceled)	August 6, 2023
Teams	Steelers vs. Cowboys	Titans vs. Cardinals	N/A	Bills vs. Jets
Location	Fawcett Stadium	Fawcett Stadium	N/A	Tom Benson Stadium
Attendance	~22,000	~25,000	N/A	~17,000
Final Score	Steelers 20, Cowboys 17	Titans 27, Cardinals 13	N/A	Bills 24, Jets 10

While the 2000 game featured legendary franchises, later matchups have varied in prestige. The 2020 game was canceled due to the pandemic, highlighting the event’s vulnerability to external factors. Despite fluctuations in attendance and team appeal, the game remains a symbolic start to the NFL season.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was more than just a preseason exhibition—it was a celebration of football history and a preview of future talent. Its role in connecting past legends with current players and upcoming stars makes it a unique event in the American sports calendar.

Historical continuity: The game links generations of players, with the 2000 inductees such as Joe Montana and Jackie Slater being honored just before kickoff.
Roster evaluation: Coaches used the game to assess rookie performance and depth, influencing final 53-man roster decisions weeks later.
Media exposure: National broadcasts gave lesser-known players a platform to showcase their skills to a wide audience.
Economic impact: The event brought tourism and revenue to Canton, with local businesses benefiting from thousands of visiting fans.
Cultural significance: As a tradition since 1962, the game reinforces the NFL’s heritage and its connection to American sports culture.
Charitable outreach: Fundraising efforts during the weekend support youth football programs and Hall of Fame museum operations.

The 2000 Hall of Fame Game exemplified how sports can blend competition with commemoration, creating lasting memories for fans and players alike while setting the tone for the upcoming NFL season.