NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame weigh plans for holding Hall of Fame Game, induction ceremony

CANTON, Ohio — There are five different contingency plans for the Hall of Fame Game and Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony should the schedule change due to COVID-19, according to USA Today sports.

David Baker, executive director of the Hall of Fame, said the game sold out in 22 minutes and was scheduled for Aug. 6. It will feature the Steelers against the Cowboys in Canton, Ohio.

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Baker said one possibility is pushing the game and ceremony to a point later in August if the NFL shortens the preseason. The league is expected to release regular season schedules later this week.

If the Hall of Fame Game is canceled, the induction ceremony could happen in September and be combined with the Centennial Celebration. Baker said a virtual enshrinement is not on the table, however. Other options include staging the enshrinement during Easter Weekend in 2021 or inducting two classes next year.

USA Today reported 20,000 tickets were sold in mid-March for the football game. More than 14,000 tickets were sold for the enshrinement ceremony.

Among this year’s inductees are legendary Steelers coach Bill Cowher, former safety Troy Polamalu, former safety Donnie Shell and Beaver county native Jim Covert.

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