Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
The year 1937 marked the start of a massive construction project in Canton, Ohio. Federal workers poured concrete and raised steel beams under the direction of the Works Progress Administration. The government covered $400,000 of the total cost through manpower contributions. Local school boards paid for materials using bond issues to reach a final price near $500,000. This structure replaced League Field as the city's primary football venue. Officials dedicated the new facility as Fawcett Stadium in 1938. John A. Fawcett was a former board member who had passed away years before completion. The original design seated 15,000 spectators inside the stands. It stood as the largest high school stadium in the entire country at that time.
the 24th of November 2014 brought an announcement regarding a major financial gift from Tom Benson. The owner of the New Orleans Saints pledged funds to renovate the aging facility. The Pro Football Hall of Fame accepted this donation with plans to recoup costs by renting out the stadium. They renamed the venue Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium shortly after receiving the money. the 3rd of August 2017 served as the official dedication date for the new name. Benson died less than one year later on the 15th of March 2018. Phase I of the Hall of Fame Village expansion project included approximately $200 million in construction work. The renovation process transformed the old field into a modern entertainment complex adjacent to the museum grounds.
Five local high schools have played their football seasons on this specific field over the decades. McKinley Bulldogs and Lincoln Lions compete here alongside Lehman Polar Bears and GlenOak Golden Eagles. Canton Timken Trojans also call this turf home for their annual games. Marion Motley scored the first touchdown inside the stadium during a 1938 match. He went on to break the color barrier in professional football with the Cleveland Browns in 1946. Bill Willis stood beside him as another future Hall of Famer who helped change the league. Malone University used the stadium until their program ended after the 2018 season. Walsh University utilized the space from 1998 through 2022 before moving elsewhere. State championship games split between this venue and Paul Brown Tiger Stadium from 1991 to 2014.
The United States Football League held its inaugural 2022 postseason at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Scheduling conflicts with other events forced them to play semifinals on June 25 and the championship on July 3. Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals began playing home games there starting the 25th of January 2023. The Women's Football Alliance announced a multi-year deal to host championship weekends beginning the 24th of February 2021. International tournaments found a home here too when sixteen national teams gathered for the IFAF Junior World Championship in 2009. The 2015 IFAF World Championship followed later that same year. The Victory Bowl served as the NCCAA championship game from 1997 to 2000. The Sporting News rated the facility number one among high school venues in America during 2002.
Demolition work began immediately after the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame game concluded. Construction crews limited fan seating options throughout the fall football season. An hour before kickoff time arrived, officials cancelled the scheduled match due to poor field conditions. Improper paints applied to create the Hall of Fame logo caused the surface to fail. Other graphics painted onto the turf also contributed to the dangerous state of the ground. The final phase of construction was supposed to start after the 2016 Hall of Fame Game. This cancellation highlighted significant issues with the materials used during the renovation process. Officials had to address these problems before allowing any further games to proceed on the damaged surface.
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Common questions
When was Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium originally built and dedicated?
Construction began in 1937 under the Works Progress Administration, and officials dedicated the facility as Fawcett Stadium in 1938. The original design seated 15,000 spectators inside the stands.
Who donated money to rename Fawcett Stadium to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium?
Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, pledged funds for renovation on the 24th of November 2014. The Pro Football Hall of Fame accepted this donation and renamed the venue shortly after receiving the money.
Which high schools play football games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium?
Five local high schools including McKinley Bulldogs, Lincoln Lions, Lehman Polar Bears, GlenOak Golden Eagles, and Canton Timken Trojans have played seasons on this field. Malone University used the stadium until their program ended after the 2018 season while Walsh University utilized the space from 1998 through 2022.
What major professional sports events occurred at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in recent years?
The United States Football League held its inaugural 2022 postseason there with semifinals on June 25 and the championship on July 3. Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals began playing home games starting the 25th of January 2023.
Why did officials cancel a scheduled match at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium before kickoff time?
Officials cancelled the scheduled match due to poor field conditions caused by improper paints applied to create the Hall of Fame logo. Other graphics painted onto the turf also contributed to the dangerous state of the ground requiring demolition work.