CANTON, Ohio — An emotional and invigorating Hall of Fame weekend came to a grinding halt Sunday night when the Packers-Colts game was canceled because of poor field conditions.

One day after Brett Favre led the eight-member class of 2016 into the hall, its president, David Baker announced the cancellation after discussing problems with the turf with both teams. He said it was a safety issue and that all fans would be fully refunded for ticket purchases, which will cost the hall several million dollars.

“This is a hard decision, but we know it is the right decision,” Baker said. “In some respects a hard decision because of the impact it has. This is an important game to the people in Canton.”

The NFL and NFL Players Association said in a statement: “We are very disappointed for our fans, but player safety is our primary concern, and as a result, we could not play an NFL game on this field tonight.”

Baker noted that the field was new and had been approved when inspected after its first installation. But paint congealed at midfield and in the end zone, hardening those areas. Workers used a variety of equipment to smooth the artificial surface. Rubber pellets used in the turf came loose and were scattered in several spots and needed to be removed, as well.

BILLS: Linebacker Brandon Spikes is getting an opportunity to resume his NFL career after signing with injury-depleted Buffalo.

The Bills also signed veteran linebacker David Hawthorne and tight end Jimmay Mundine in a series of moves made during their day off following the first week of training camp.

Buffalo freed up space on the roster by releasing cornerback Javier Arenas and receiver Gary Chambers, and placing linebacker Kevin Reddick on waived/injured.

Spikes gets a second chance in Buffalo after playing for the Bills in 2014. And it’s a second chance at a playing career for Spikes, who missed all of last season because of a legal issue.

PANTHERS: Backup defensive end Chas Alecxih was carted off the practice field because of a left knee injury. Although the extent of the injury will not be known until Monday, Coach Ron Rivera admitted it did not look good.

Art Demmas, a longtime NFL official who worked four Super Bowls, has died. He was 82.

Jim Myers, Demmas’ son-in-law, confirmed that Demmas died Saturday at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Demmas was a pro football official from 1967-96.

Demmas played tackle at Vanderbilt from 1952-56.