Known as the most historical and compelling rivalry in the NFL, matchups between the Bears and the Packers guarantee physical play. It is the league’s longest continual rivalry, and the victories are split almost evenly between each team, so you can expect players to duke it out in zealous fashion. Fans might egg each other on, but at the end of the day one team advances further, and the other team gets a better draft pick when all is said and done. Chicagoans will try and drink all the beer, so make sure you tailgate early.
The Minnesota Vikings play the Packers sometimes three games a year. The games have added weight because not only are the two teams in the same division, but the proximity of the teams means you’ll find plenty of fans of both teams in northwestern Wisconsin and the Twin Cities.
When the Lions come to town play can often become physical and cheap. The refs don’t mandate that the player's shower, so expect dirty, rough and tumble play. In an already competitive division, the Packers bring their entire muster when playing the Lions. It’s not uncommon to see every player on the 53-man roster take part on the field due to injuries or trick plays.
The Cowboys consider themselves “America’s Team,” much to the dismay of the Packers who come from a blue-collar city. Although the Dallas Cowboys did not come on the scene until 1960, a bitter conflict quickly emerged between the two teams with the Ice Bowl being one of the most famous games in NFL history.
Packers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, has achieved legendary status. It’s in the smallest city in all of the professional sports, yet every game has been sold out since 1960. Expect large crowds to show up and take over the city on game day. The Packers are always poised to win the North division, take the conference, and end it all after the super bowl, resulting in countless Hall of Fame players, retired jersey numbers, and one of the most diehard fan bases in the country. Crowds amass in support of their team and for tailgating, no matter how cold the weather gets. Brats and cheese curds in gazebos, or served on a truck bed, have become a regular staple outside the stadium. Many dedicated fans will bring their grill and keg. There is never a shortage of parking, it just depends on how far you want to walk. Not to worry suds drinkers, there are several stadium restrooms available from the parking lot.
Packer fans come out bright and early to tailgate with Winnebago villages forming as early as two days before the game. In Green Bay, the Packers are the center of daily life meaning you can’t start early enough to tailgate for a Packers game, as everywhere you go you’ll find people looking to down a few beers and talk Packers football.
The fans here are very friendly and welcoming in addition to being passionate about their team. While rival fans of the Bears and Vikings may experience some good-natured heckling, everything is done in good fun with their being very little malice from Packers fans for the most part. Don’t be afraid to join in on tailgates here as it’ll enable you to experience some of the finest local craft beers Green Bay has to offer as well as favorite local cuisine. Just make sure to bring something to share, and everyone will be very welcoming to you.
Tailgating before a Packers game is half the experience of making the pilgrimage to Lambeau Field, so come and set up show early to get the most out of your trip to Green Bay and don’t forget to bring plenty of beer and brats.
The best part about Lambeau Field is that you don’t have to leave the parking lot to start tailgating. The Tundra Tailgate Zone includes live music, Packers alumni signing autographs, game day giveaways, and prizes, and a heated tent to help warm your bones in the latter half of the season. There is BBQ, drinks, and you can even watch the game from the tent if you lack a ticket. Fans will start packing in five hours before the game to get to the Tundra Tailgate Zone.
Located near the stadium, this steakhouse serves up all you can eat premium cuts of steak, with fantastic deals for children in your company. It begins three hours before kickoff and ends a half-hour before kickoff. This leaves plenty of time to feed your belly and down some refreshments before a Packers’ victory. It’s all a part of Packers’ Fan Tours, including bus transportation for easy access to the game.
The Vince Lombardi Statue, located outside of the main entrance to Lambeau Field, is a must see for all football fans. It commemorates arguably the greatest coach of all-time, so make sure to pay respect to one of all time greats during your pilgrimage to Lambeau Field.
In addition to having a statue commemorating the greatest coach in franchise history the Packers also have one commemorating franchise founder Curly Lambeau. Stop by and snag a picture with this statue of the man who started it all in Green Bay.
This popular Packers celebration was commemorated with a statue in 2014 giving fans the chance to experience the celebration for themselves. Stop by the statue so you can get a picture of yourself doing the famous touchdown celebration.
Where to tailgate
Tundra Tailgate ZoneThe best part about Lambeau Field is that you don’t have to leave the parking lot to start tailgating. The Tundra Tailgate Zone includes live music, Packers alumni signing autographs, game day giveaways, and prizes, and a heated tent to help warm your bones in the latter half of the season. There is BBQ, drinks, and you can even watch the game from the tent if you lack a ticket. Fans will start packing in five hours before the game to get to the Tundra Tailgate Zone.
Brett Favre’s SteakhouseLocated near the stadium, this steakhouse serves up all you can eat premium cuts of steak, with fantastic deals for children in your company. It begins three hours before kickoff and ends a half-hour before kickoff. This leaves plenty of time to feed your belly and down some refreshments before a Packers’ victory. It’s all a part of Packers’ Fan Tours, including bus transportation for easy access to the game.
Stadium View Sports Bar and Grill and Banquet HallIf you can fit the title of this restaurant into your mouth, you can also put some good food in there, too. This happening place offers room reservations for private parties and get-togethers. They open two hours before kickoff on the legendary Holmgren Way.
Housing Surrounding Lambeau FieldThis secret is one that most fans haven’t heard of. You can rent out houses in Green Bay to tailgate, providing all the amenities of home just minutes away from the stadium.
Packers Stadium Guide
In Game
The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in all of the sports and on the bucket list of all football fans. On game days you’ll find a sea of Packers green and gold outside the stadium, but what’s inside is even more impressive. From the atrium when you first walk in, there are bars, restaurants, and shops. Taking a tour of the stadium is highly recommended. You may have a chance to visit the football facilities where the players themselves workout.
From summer events in the offseason to the stadium club on game day, Lambeau Field is a spectacle in itself. The hallowed ground where so many incredible moments have taken place remains to this day a sight to behold. The renovations have begotten a “like-new” Lambeau Field, with plenty of amenities for anyone and everyone. It’s a refurbished historic site, providing an experience that’s the best of both worlds.
The fans are also a big part of game day at Lambeau Field and any fan looking to get into the Packers game day spirit really will don a foam hat shaped like—you guessed it, cheese. Once you’ve witnessed a game first hand, you may come away with an unmatched fervor. The support of the dedicated Green Bay faithful is hands down the best in the NFL and is a large part of why the team has brought home the Lombardi Trophy four times.
The Packers are the only community-owned franchise in the NFL, which only adds to the passion the people of Green Bay have for their team. The fans have sold out every game since 1960 with the entire town shutting down when the Packers are playing. Over the years the Packers have managed to build one of the nation’s largest fan bases with people coming from all over the world to see the Packers play at Lambeau Field. There is nothing better to do on a fall Sunday than attend a Packers game at Lambeau Field where you’ll experience nothing but sheer excitement.
Located in the atrium, a state-of-the-art brewery awaits you. If you want to treat yourself right, this is the place to do it, cause this is probably the warmest place in the stadium, and not just because of the craft beers. Feel free to down some food with your beer, as you’ll be served up local ingredients along with local ale. It’s brand new as of 2015, yet contains that same nostalgic feel Lambeau Field is known for.
Need a bobblehead of your favorite player, look no further than the Pro Shop. Authentic NFL gear, plaques, trading cards, cheeseheads, and all Packers related merchandise can be found here.
Constantly being updated, the Packers Hall of Fame is mesmerizing. It is a non-profit organization that raises its money through various banquets and golf classics. Learn about some Lambeau lore while taking in a bit of Packers’ pride. Good for the old and the young, a truly educational experience. It has resources informing you on the venue, the community, and the state of Wisconsin.
The Lambeau Leap is a unique tradition that others try to emulate, but doesn’t hold a candle to the original. First started in 1993 by LeRoy Butler as just a simple celebration, the Lambeau Leap has turned into a long standing tradition all young football players hope to do for themselves one day. If you’re sitting in the end zone, come prepared to catch the players as they leap into your arms in celebration.
If you want to get into the Packers spirit then you need to pick up a cheesehead when attending a game at Lambeau Field. This customary Packers fan headwear made out of foam lets everyone who you’re cheering for and shows that you’re a real Packers fan.
Kroll’s is a fine establishment that serves time-honored traditional favorites across from Lambeau Field. The menu includes Packer fans’ longtime favorites, like cheese curds, butter burgers, and Wisconsin chili.
While many celebrities have made Lambeau Field famous with their hit songs and performances on game day, the lyric the fans chant are, “Go Pack Go!” This is done to the beat of the drum core during opponent’s offensive plays to drown out their play calling ability and any audible. You don’t have to be on the field to be a playmaker and change the course of the game, as you can make a difference from the stands by taking part in the “Go Pack Go!” chant.
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