So, I'm breaking down the thoughts, comments, and memories into two more manageable pieces to share today and Saturday.
- Already hHome to 13 NFL Titles, including 4 gleaming Super Bowl trophies named for the iconic Packer Coach, Vince Lombardi. This last week, they unveiled a 50' trophy in the Atrium. As the players like to say, "They can't take this away from us!" The trophy can be seen through a five story window to the east parking lot, but this shot is much better. It would look so cool on a mantle.
I love the small town feel as you walk to the stadium. There isn't
enough surface parking, so fans find places on the street and
enterprising folks who live near the stadium turn their grass into
another kind of green by selling spaces of their lawn for Packer
parking. It's a great reason not to worry too much about fertilizer.- Motor driven vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and design descend on Lambeau hours before the game to set up their space to dine and party in style. It's quite elaborate for many who make the trip to each game. Frankly, it looks like more work than I would put into a pre-game party, but it would be fun to attend. There were a number of Green and Gold Packer trucks and vans decked out in logos and player pictures and autographs. After the game, the parties continue with celebratory music and more food.... and drink.
- Jaunts around the parking lot can mean some strange sightings. Like the "Packer Minnions" who captured a lot of attention from young and old alike Sunday afternoon. It felt a little like a walking photo opportunity. Green and Gold on display in the conventional sweatshirts and team t-shirts, and also in inventive costumes and "Packer Owner" fashion statements.
- It's interesting to watch the development around Lambeau that's made
it a year-round destination. The Super Bowl over-sized trophy is the
latest addition and they've added a statue dedicated to the "Lambeau
Leap," where fans can be the player leaping on to the wall after scoring
a touchdown. The leap was created when the "Minister of Defense" Hall
of Famer Reggie White intercepted a pass and then lateraled the ball to
defensive back Leroy Butler. Butler pointed to the stands on his way to
the end zone and leaped into the waiting arms of the fans.
- Lombardi is a constant presence. I loved seeing him (in statue form) with a dusting of snow on his shoulder like a soldier's epulet. I wonder what he would think, all these years later at what the Packers have become. Nearly 50 years after he stopped coaching the Pack, you can still feel him everywhere.
- You
get to the north end of the stadium and this football field is
obviously an entertainment complex. Restaurants, meeting halls,
concession stands, and a Pro Shop devoted to the familiar G on
anything
and everything you can imagine. The buzz of energy as fans get close to
the entry to the stadium builds and sounds like worker bees entering their hive. - Something new to me is the Tundra Drumline... which we first encountered revving up the crowd in the parking lot. Later they performed on the field between quarters and in different parts of the stadium during stops in play. Fun and energizing, it's a nice touch.
- Before
the game, it's possible to watch the Packer Radio Network pre-game show to hear the analysis and forecast for the contest to come. Mark Tauscher is a former Badger and retired Packer player. A 7th round draft choice (there are only 7 rounds now in the NFL draft) from a small town near Marshfield, Wisconsin (not far from where we lived for more than 10 years) is one of the hosts. I met him at Osseo Ford right after his rookie season. On a Saturday morning I went in for an oil change, and while walking through the dealership came up on this large young man sitting at a card table by himself. I realized it was Mark
waiting for the promotional appearance to begin. We talked a few minutes and I shook his hand - he had a very solid Packer career.
- It's great to see the games in person, and with the advent of high definition television there are ways the TV broadcast is actually better than being there. But, for me there is still something special about listening on the radio. The play by play man painting pictures of the action with descriptive words and colorful nicknames. Packer fans know that Wayne Larrivee pronounces "There is your dagger," that the game, for all intents and purposes is over and you can count another Packer win.
- A few minutes before the game it was time for the National Anthem. A country duo "American Young" did a great job of singing; I especially liked it because it was in a key that allowed me to sing along as the large US flag was displayed at mid-field. A stirring experience to honor our country as one voice.
- I don't think anyone could hear the last line, though. As we finished the phrase, "...land of the free." Two Air Force F-22 jets streaked over the stadium from north to south thundering over our heads and over Oshkosh a minute later. The visceral sound added its own energy to the crowd as the roar of the engines died with the final notes of the song. It's time to play!
- The energy and excitement - that "we're ready to go" spirit seemed to pour out of the players - channeled into running, catching, tackling, and kicking their way to a win. It's like the fans and players fed off each other throughout the game, acting as one (almost) to beat the Eagles. It sounds corny, but it felt like it.
- At every change of possession came the heavy bass line on the speakers... "Duh. Duh, Duh-duh-duh-duh" prompted the crowd response: "Go Pack Go!"
- The contest seemingly decided in the first half, the Packers cruised to an exciting victory with some daggers to seal the deal in the second stanza. As the game ended, players crossed what was their playground to shake hands and renew acquaintances with the opposing team. As they did, we picked up our blankets which protected us from the cold aluminum bench seats and shuffled up a few steps, onto concourse, and into the night.
- Another thing that struck me was how quickly (for the most part) the game seemed to fly. Without 2 minute and 30 second commercial breaks playing out on the TV for a quick trip to the kitchen or bathroom; that time was used to look around at the tens of thousands compatriots who share my passion for the Packers.
- The walk back to the car seemed to take longer than the same distance walking to the car...but that was OK. By the time we returned to the car, I actually had some feeling back in my toes.
I apologize for the kind of 'goofy' experience in today's blog. For some reason, when I try to use more photos, it doesn't let me adjust or move them without major consequences. I spent more time playing with the photos today than writing the blog - and hope you understand. Thanks for reading!
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