Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium may not be the site of a Super Bowl or Pro Bowl, but its significance in the NFL is undeniable. Every year, this stadium in Canton, Ohio, serves as the stage for the NFL’s preseason opener, marking the official start of the football season.
Located at the birthplace of professional football, the Hall of Fame Game is a key event at Tom Benson Stadium. It’s here, in the shadow of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that teams take to the field for the first action of the season, setting the tone for what’s to come.
The Age and Origins of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
Before it became known as Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the venue was originally called Fawcett Stadium. Construction of the stadium began in 1924, in a period straddling between the aftermath of World War I and the onset of the Great Depression. However, it wasn’t until 1938 that the stadium officially opened to the public.
It wasn’t until 1962 that Fawcett Stadium was selected to host the inaugural Hall of Fame Game, forever linking the venue to the NFL’s storied history. The first game pitted the St. Louis Cardinals against the New York Giants, with the teams battling to a 21-21 tie.
The Legacy of Tom Benson
The stadium’s current name honors Tom Benson, the former owner of the New Orleans Saints, who played a pivotal role in its recent history. In 2014, Benson made a significant contribution to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, donating $11 million, with $10 million dedicated to renovating the stadium.
Two years later, in recognition of his generosity and impact on the sport, the venue was renamed Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
How Big Is Tom Benson Stadium?
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is one of the smaller venues associated with the NFL, with a seating capacity of just 23,000. This makes it the smallest stadium tied to the league, as all other NFL stadiums have a minimum capacity of 60,000 seats. Despite its smaller size, the stadium is a bustling hub of activity throughout the year.
When it’s not hosting the Hall of Fame Game, the stadium is often the site of high school football games. Local teams, including Canton McKinley and other schools, regularly play under the Friday night lights at Tom Benson Stadium.
The venue also hosts college football events, such as the Black College Hall of Fame Classic and various Division III bowl games. Beyond football, the stadium serves as a venue for concerts, comedy shows, and other community events.
How Many HOF Games Have Been Played at Tom Benson Stadium?
The Hall of Fame Game has become a revered tradition in the NFL, and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is its longstanding home. When the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans take the field, it will be the 58th time this iconic game has been played at the stadium.
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Throughout its history, the game has been canceled only four times: in 1966 due to the AFL-NFL merger, in 2011 because of the NFL lockout, in 2016 due to inclement weather, and in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the Bears, this year’s game marks their seventh appearance in the Hall of Fame Game, while the Texans will make their second. This matchup continues the tradition of starting the NFL season in Canton, Ohio, where the league’s rich history is celebrated.
Why Is It Called the Hall of Fame Game?
The Hall of Fame Game is named for its unique connection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is also located in Canton, Ohio. The game is a celebration of football’s greatest legends, held in conjunction with the annual Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
This event honors the newest members inducted into the Hall of Fame, making the game not just a kickoff to the NFL season but also a tribute to the sport’s history and its most iconic players. The game’s setting in Canton, where the NFL was founded in 1920, further solidifies its symbolic significance.
