What Is 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was an NFL preseason exhibition played on August 7, 2016, between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts, ending in a 27–27 tie after a missed extra point due to lightning delays. It marked the first time the Hall of Fame Game ended in a tie since 1960.

Key Facts

The 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was played on August 7, 2016, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
It featured the Green Bay Packers vs. the Indianapolis Colts, ending in a 27–27 tie.
The game was the first Hall of Fame Game tie since 1960 due to a missed extra point after a lightning delay.
A severe lightning storm caused a 78-minute delay in the fourth quarter, halting play with 2:38 remaining.
The game was shortened and ended in a tie after officials decided not to resume play post-delay.

Overview

The 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was a preseason NFL exhibition match held to commemorate the induction of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2016. Played on August 7, 2016, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, it featured the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts in a highly anticipated matchup.

Originally intended as a standard four-quarter exhibition, the game became historic due to weather-related interruptions and an unprecedented outcome. It ended in a 27–27 tie—the first such result in the Hall of Fame Game since 1960—due to a lightning delay that prevented the completion of the final extra-point attempt.

August 7, 2016: The game took place on this date, marking the traditional kickoff to the NFL preseason, delayed from its usual Thursday night slot due to scheduling conflicts.
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium: Located in Canton, Ohio, this 23,000-seat venue hosted the game, specifically built for Hall of Fame events and NFL exhibitions.
Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts: The matchup featured two storied franchises, with the Packers representing the NFC and the Colts the AFC.
27–27 final score: The game ended in a tie after a missed extra point by the Colts was not replayed due to a lightning delay, making it the first tie in the event since 1960.

78-minute delay:

How It Works

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is an annual NFL preseason event that coincides with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It serves as both a tribute to legendary players and a showcase for current teams to begin their preseason preparations.

Annual Event: Held every summer since 1962, the game traditionally opens the NFL preseason and is hosted in Canton, Ohio, to honor new Hall of Fame inductees.
Preseason Format: The game follows standard NFL rules but is used for player evaluation, with starters typically playing only one or two series.
Exhibition Status: Results do not count toward regular-season records, allowing teams to experiment with lineups, strategies, and rookie integration.
Induction Ceremony: The game is scheduled the weekend of the Hall of Fame enshrinement, creating a festival atmosphere for fans and alumni.
Weather Protocols: The NFL enforces strict lightning safety rules; play must be suspended if lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius.
Game Termination: If conditions prevent resumption, the game may be declared official after three quarters, as occurred in 2016.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2016 Hall of Fame Game with typical preseason and regular-season games highlights its unique outcome and structural differences.

Feature	2016 Hall of Fame Game	Typical Preseason Game	Regular-Season Game
Final Score	27–27 tie	Decided result	Decided result
Game Duration	3 quarters completed	4 quarters	4 quarters
Weather Delay	78 minutes	Rare	May resume after delay
Significance	Honors Hall inductees	Team evaluation	Standings impact
Overtime	Not played	Not played	Yes, if tied

This table illustrates how the 2016 game diverged from standard formats due to weather and exhibition rules. While preseason games rarely end in ties, the 2016 contest became a notable exception due to safety protocols overriding competitive resolution.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game holds significance beyond its final score, influencing NFL policy, fan perception, and safety standards. Its unprecedented conclusion sparked discussions about game management and the balance between tradition and player safety.

Historic Tie: The 27–27 outcome was the first tie in the Hall of Fame Game since 1960, marking a rare statistical anomaly in NFL history.
Lightning Safety Emphasis: The 78-minute delay reinforced the NFL’s commitment to weather safety, setting a precedent for future event cancellations.
Preseason Experimentation: Coaches used the game to evaluate young talent, with both teams rotating over 50 players due to its exhibition nature.
Public Criticism: Fans and analysts criticized the decision not to replay the extra point, arguing it undermined competitive integrity.
Policy Review: The incident prompted the NFL to clarify its weather-related termination procedures for preseason games.
Cultural Impact: The game became a talking point in sports media, highlighting the tension between ceremonial events and competitive expectations.

The 2016 game remains a landmark moment in NFL preseason history, symbolizing how external factors can reshape even the most traditional events.