Get to Lambeau early to get through security
GREEN BAY – Get into Lambeau Field early Sunday.
The Packers advise fans to start entering the stadium soon after the gates open at 1:40 p.m. and to enter through the gates printed on their tickets. Because people will be bundled up for 14-degree temperatures, security clearances will take longer, even with walk-through metal detectors.
Veteran fans know the drill, but there might be a lot of first-timers to Lambeau Field this weekend because 12,000 tickets were not claimed by season ticket holders and more were available on the secondary market. A larger than normal number of visiting fans also might be a factor.
"Security will be the biggest challenge on Sunday," said Kevin Rades, a Packers fan from Appleton. "So many layers of clothes may mean long lines to get through the metal detectors as people try and come up with keys and cellphones.
"Plus, with so many tickets available through Ticketmaster, there will be many people who are not used to what they can and cannot bring in. It really slows things down if you wait to get in at the last minute. We go through security early and usually grab some beers at 1919 restaurant and hang out until it is time to head to our seats."
Parking lots and the atrium open at 11:40 a.m. Carry-in policies and other security information is available at packers.com.
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Cold weather won't keep Packers fans away from Lambeau Field on Sunday, even those without tickets.
Andrew Chapman of Milwaukee will head north as soon as he gets off work at 3 a.m. He doesn't have tickets, but he's one of an increasing number of fans who like being around Lambeau and other Packers fans whenever the opportunity arises.
"I am going just to tailgate," Chapman said. "I just dress in layers and dress more for the cold than for fashion. Hand warmers also help and so does beer."
The forecast for Sunday is a high of 14 degrees with below-zero wind chills likely.
To withstand the cold, fans are advised to dress warmly and in layers. Veteran attendees recommend the bottom layer of clothing be something that will draw moisture away from the body, and to avoid cotton. Hand warmers and sole warmers will help keep fingers and toes from freezing, as will cardboard or thin plastic foam under feet. Blankets, portable seats and cardboard all make metal benches more comfortable as well.
Other things to look for Sunday:
» The game-day tailgate party at Tundra Tailgate Zone will include live music, alumni photographs and food and beverage. Former Packers running back Ahman Green will sign autographs from 2-3 p.m. in Tundra Tailgate Zone. Former player Dorsey Levens will sign autographs for club and suite ticket holders from 2-3 p.m. in the Legends Club in the atrium.
» Rally towels will be distributed to fans as they enter the stadium.
» The Packers and Delaware North will offer free hot chocolate, limited to two cups per customer, at about 40 concession stands inside the stadium.
» Four Packers snow sculptures by Team USA Snow Sculpture will be at Harlan Plaza and the American Family Insurance, Associated Bank and Bellin gates. In addition to the snow sculptures, fans can take pictures in front of large, lighted "Go Pack Go" signs near the fan walkway and the Tundra Tailgate Zone.
» Sargento doubled its donations for the Touchdowns for Charity program. The cheese manufacturer will contribute $3,000 per touchdown to the Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee and Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.
» John Vincent will sing the national anthem and F-18 pilots from Naval Air Station Lemoore, in California, will perform the flyover.
» Halftime entertainment will include the High School Quarterback Challenge with teams from Appleton North, Ashwaubenon, Cedar Grove-Belgium, Menasha, Green Bay Preble, Two Rivers, Wilmont Union and Xavier high schools.
Contact rryman@greenbaypressgazette.com and follow him on Twitter @RichRymanPG, onInstagram at rrymanpgor on Facebook at Richard Ryman-Press-Gazette. Or call him at (920) 431-8342.
