What Is 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was scheduled for August 5, 2019, between the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, but was canceled due to unsafe field conditions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. It marked the first cancellation in the game's history, originally set to kick off the NFL preseason and honor the Hall of Fame inductees.

Key Facts

Game scheduled for August 5, 2019, at 8:00 PM ET
Matchup: Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Canceled due to poor field conditions from prior events
First cancellation in the 50-year history of the Hall of Fame Game
Rescheduled Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony held August 3, 2019

Overview

The 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was intended to be the traditional kickoff to the NFL preseason, held annually in Canton, Ohio, as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement festivities. This year’s game was set to feature the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers, two of the NFL’s most storied franchises, meeting for the first time in a Hall of Fame Game.

However, the game was officially canceled just hours before kickoff due to unsafe playing conditions on the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The field had suffered damage from multiple non-football events held in the days prior, including a high school all-star game and a monster truck show, making it unplayable for professional athletes.

Date and time: The game was scheduled for August 5, 2019, at 8:00 PM ET, a rare Monday night kickoff for the preseason opener.
Teams involved: The Chicago Bears, 2018 NFC North champions, were to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, an AFC powerhouse with six Super Bowl titles.
Historical significance: This would have been the 50th edition of the Hall of Fame Game, which began in 1962 to commemorate new Hall of Fame inductees.
Field conditions: Persistent rain and prior events led to a waterlogged, uneven turf surface, prompting safety concerns from both teams and the NFL.
Outcome: The NFL announced the first-ever cancellation of the Hall of Fame Game, marking a historic moment in league preseason history.

How It Works

The Hall of Fame Game is traditionally the first preseason game of the NFL calendar, played the weekend after the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. It serves both as a tribute to the newly inducted legends and as a competitive tune-up for two selected teams.

Enshrinement tie-in:Eight new inductees were honored in 2019, including Tony Gonzalez, Champ Bailey, and Pat Bowlen. The game is meant to celebrate their careers.
Preseason kickoff: The game officially starts the NFL preseason schedule, giving teams early evaluation opportunities for rosters and depth.
Team selection: The NFL selects two teams annually, often with historical significance or strong fan bases to boost viewership and attendance.
Stadium logistics:Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is a 23,000-seat venue located adjacent to the Hall of Fame museum, designed for football and special events.
Field maintenance: The same field hosted a high school all-star game on July 31 and a monster truck rally on August 3, contributing to its deterioration.
Cancellation protocol: The NFL has no formal backup plan, but player safety is paramount; officials inspected the field multiple times before calling it off.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Hall of Fame Game with previous years, highlighting how this event diverged from tradition:

Year	Date	Teams	Result	Notes
2019	August 5	Bears vs. Steelers	Canceled	First cancellation due to field conditions
2018	August 2	Bears vs. Ravens	17–3 Bears	Preseason debut for rookie QBs
2017	August 3	Buccaneers vs. Cardinals	18–13 Cardinals	Played in rainy conditions, but field intact
2016	August 7	Colts vs. Packers	27–17 Packers	Celebrated Jerry Kramer’s induction
2015	August 9	Titans vs. Colts	20–18 Titans	Close finish, last-second field goal

The 2019 game stands out not for the action on the field, but for its absence. Unlike previous years, where weather or injuries affected play, this cancellation was due to preventable field mismanagement, sparking criticism of stadium operations and event scheduling.

Why It Matters

The cancellation of the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game had wide-ranging implications for the NFL, its teams, and fans. While the Hall of Fame ceremonies proceeded as planned on August 3, the absence of a game diminished the weekend’s celebratory atmosphere and raised questions about logistics and accountability.

Player safety precedent: The NFL reinforced its commitment to athlete well-being by prioritizing health over tradition or broadcasting commitments.
Financial impact: The cancellation disrupted local tourism revenue in Canton, where thousands of fans had traveled for the game and festivities.
Television fallout: NBC, which aired the game, lost a key preseason broadcast slot, affecting advertising revenue and programming plans.
Stadium oversight: The incident prompted the NFL to review event scheduling at Tom Benson Stadium to prevent future field damage.
Historical anomaly: As the first cancellation in 50 years, the 2019 game became a cautionary tale in sports event management.
Fan experience: Ticket holders received refunds, but many expressed disappointment over the lack of communication and last-minute cancellation.

Ultimately, the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is remembered not for football, but for its unprecedented cancellation. It underscored the importance of proper field maintenance and event coordination, serving as a pivotal moment in how the NFL manages its preseason and honors its legacy.