Pro Football Hall of Fame Game still on schedule, says president

Even though there is no clear end in sight to the NFL labor war, the Pro Football Hall of Fame still is planning to hold the annual Hall of Fame Game, which traditionally kicks off the NFL preseason.

"We're making all plans to have the game on time," Hall of Fame president Steve Perry told ESPN. "We've heard from both parties — the owners and the players — and they've expressed their desire to have the game. So, that's our plan."

This year's game, matching the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears, is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. In order to participate, the two teams have said they need to be in training camp by the third week of July, Perry said.

Negotiators on both sides have said a new collective bargaining agreement would have to be reached by July 15, at the latest, in order for the teams to get to camp on time. The NFL lockout began March 11. Talks between owners’ and players’ representatives were scheduled to resume Monday in New York.

Perry said tickets for about half of 22,000-seat Fawcett Stadium have been sold. The game usually is a sellout.

"Ticket sales are lagging behind where they were compared to this time last year," Perry said. "That's understandable. There is some uncertainty there. But we're planning to have the game. Nobody has told us otherwise."

The Hall of Fame game is the climax to the Hall of Fame induction weekend. Perry admitted that this year's game could be moved to a later date, but it would take some of the impact out of the weekend. "That's not our desire," Perry said.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place Aug. 6, whether the game is played or not.