Packers.com

Packers Sign Draft Pick Sitton, Waive Three

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:25:59 CST

The Green Bay Packers have signed guard Josh Sitton and waived punter Ken DeBauche, linebacker Marcus Riley and cornerback Kyle Ward. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transactions Thursday.

Sitton, one of the club's fourth-round selections (No. 135 overall), earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in his final season at Central Florida. A 6-foot-3, 317-pound player, he helped the Knights' offense set single-season school records for rushing yards and points as a senior in 2007.

Sitton is the fourth Packers' draft pick to sign with the club.

DiGiorno Named Official Pizza Of Packers, Lambeau Field

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:23:33 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday named DiGiorno as the official pizza of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field.

The three-year agreement gives DiGiorno exclusive rights to concession pizza sales at Lambeau Field, as well as numerous accompanying consumer promotions.

"We're pleased to welcome DiGiorno as an official partner of the Packers and Lambeau Field," said Bill Hawker, Packers manager of corporate sales. "It's a great product manufactured in nearby Little Chute, Wisconsin. A lot of hometown pride and hard work goes on behind the scenes to create their product, much in the same manner the Packers go to work each day. We know Packers fans will enjoy the pizzas here at Lambeau Field, just as they do already around the state and beyond. We think this is a great partnership between two organizations that are both driven to win by the passion and action of their people."

Produced by Kraft Pizza Company, DiGiorno is made primarily..

Packers Sign Three Draft Picks

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:03:41 CST

The Green Bay Packers have signed tackle Breno Giacomini, quarterback Matt Flynn and wide receiver Brett Swain. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signings Wednesday.

Giacomini, a 6-foot-7, 311-pound player from Louisville, was a fifth-round selection (No. 150 overall). He started all 12 games at right tackle in 2007 for the nation's No. 6-ranked offense.

A 6-foot-2, 222-pound signal caller, Flynn was the Packers' first seventh-round pick (No. 209 overall). He capped his collegiate career by leading LSU to the 2007 BCS National Championship.

Swain, a 6-foot, 203-pound player from San Diego State, was Green Bay's second selection in the seventh round (No. 217 overall). He earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2007 after leading the team with 58 catches for 973 yards and five touchdowns.

Shareholders Meeting Set For Thursday

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:17:33 CST

Between 10,000 and 12,000 shareholders and guests are expected at the Green Bay Packers' Annual Meeting of shareholders Thursday, July 24, at Lambeau Field. Doors to the Lambeau Field Atrium open at 8 a.m., with the meeting to start at 10 a.m. in the stadium bowl.

For shareholders' comfort and convenience, the Lambeau Field Atrium will be open only to shareholders and their guests for a portion of the day of the meeting, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., the Atrium then will be open to the general public. The Packers Pro Shop will be open to the general public from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Packers Hall of Fame (complimentary visit for shareholders and their guest) will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parking will be free in the Lambeau Field lot, and due to the high number of shareholders attending, will be limited. The lot will open at 7 a.m. and people attending the meeting are asked to arrive early.

Reports to Shareholders: Packers President/CEO Mark ..

Packers' New Leadership Structure Announced

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:33:11 CST

Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy Wednesday announced two promotions and a new senior leadership structure for the organization.

Promoted in the organization were Betsy Mitchell, to vice president of organizational/staff development, and Jason Wied, to vice president of administration/general counsel.

The senior staff now consists of, in addition to Mitchell and Wied, Russ Ball, vice president of football operations/player finance, newly hired Laura Sankey, senior vice president of marketing and sales, and Vicki Vannieuwenhoven, vice president of finance.

"I'm excited about the new senior leadership staff," Murphy said in making the announcement. "The structure reflects the growth the organization has experienced in the past five years and gives us broader coverage across the organization. We'll have more people involved on a senior management level, which will allow their efforts to be focused more on their specific areas."

Mitchell is now in her ..

Packers Announce 'Packers Green Team' Program

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:31:45 CST

RENEWABLE ENERGY TO POWER LAMBEAU ON GAME DAYS, OTHER ELEMENTS HIGHLIGHTED

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday launched 'Packers Green Team,' a new program the organization will utilize to focus on using renewable resources and other sustainable practices on game day and every day at Lambeau Field.

The chief component of this year's effort is utilizing Wisconsin Public Service's NatureWise renewable energy program to power Lambeau Field on game days. Other efforts include increased opportunities for fans to recycle in the stadium and Lambeau Field Atrium, as well as the use of more environmentally friendly foodware, such as plates and napkins, in suites, club seats and at special events.

"The Green Bay Packers are excited to enhance our efforts in the sustainable resources area," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "By adopting NatureWise and increasing our recycling, we hope to ha..

Rivera Retires As A Packer

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:15:23 CST

Former guard Marco Rivera, who spent nine seasons (1996-2004) in Green Bay, has informed the club of his decision to retire with the Packers. Green Bay Packers Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson made the announcement.

"Marco was the consummate professional," Thompson said. "His toughness and approach to the game of football provided a great model for his teammates, as did his dedication to charitable work. We're happy to welcome Marco as a member of our alumni."

A native of Elmont, NY, and a graduate of Penn State, Rivera played 11 seasons in the National Football League, including two years in Dallas (2005-06). He started at guard for seven consecutive seasons for Green Bay (1998-2004); just one other Packers guard has started more consecutive years (Jerry Kramer, nine from 1958-1966) since 1958. Rivera also was selected to three Pro Bowls (2002-04).

During his tenure with the Packers, Rivera playe..

Packers Hall Of Fame, Inc., Announces Donation Of Autographed Balls From '70s And '80s

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:44:03 CST

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Inc., Friday announced the donation of 13 autographed team footballs from longtime fan John Spalding. The balls are from various teams from the 1972 through 1985 seasons.

Included in the donation are autographed balls from the 1972 Central Division championship team and the 1982 playoff team. Some of the players and coaches with signatures on the balls include Bart Starr, James Lofton, Lynn Dickey, Paul Coffman and John Brockington.

"It's a wonderful addition to our archives," said Hall of Fame Director and Archivist Tom Murphy. "We really didn't have much in our collection from those teams. Some of the teams from that era weren't necessarily great teams, but certainly there were some outstanding players. It's great to have some autographed memorabilia to represent the exciting moments from those times.

"The balls are all in great condition and we're very appreciative of John's donation to the Hall."

Spalding was..

Packers Unveil Tundra Tailgate Zone, New Feature Of Training Camp

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:27:40 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday unveiled the newest addition to Packers training camp at Lambeau Field: the Tundra Tailgate Zone.

A free attraction at camp, the 46,000-square foot area in the parking lot on the stadium's east side, which includes three climate-controlled tents, will house an entertainment area with a main stage, the Kemps Packers Experience, and a food and beverage area.

"We're excited to enhance our training camp experience with the Tundra Tailgate Zone," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Attending training camp is among the most enjoyable experiences for a Packers fan, and we're committed to improving it. The Tundra Tailgate Zone and its features will add to the festive environment that exists between Clarke Hinkle Field and Lambeau Field."

The new area will make its debut at the July 24 Green Bay Packers Annual Meeting of Shareholders, hosting an exclusive tailgate party for Shareholders attending the meeting. It then will be open..

Packers, Mike McCarthy Make Donation To Pittsburgh's Greenfield Neighborhood

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:08:48 CST

The Green Bay Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to the Greenfield Neighborhood, it was announced today.

McCarthy, entering his third season as the Packers' head coach, grew up in the Pittsburgh neighborhood. Three neighborhood organizations will receive the benefit of the donation: St. Rosalia Academy, the Greenfield Baseball Association and the Greenfield Organization.

"I'm very excited to make this donation to this area that was very influential in my upbringing," said McCarthy. "The great people at each of these organizations, along with my family, played a crucial role and made such a positive impact in my life that has continued to influence me and my career. It is an honor to be able to give back in such a meaningful way."

St. Rosalia Academy is a preschool-through-8th grade school from which McCarthy graduated as a youth. In addition, his four siblings all graduated from the sc..

Packers Name Laura Sankey Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:25:44 CST

The Green Bay Packers have named Laura Sankey senior vice president of marketing and sales, Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy announced today. She brings an extensive background in marketing, sales and communications to the new position in the organization.

Sankey will lead the organization's overall marketing efforts and provide strategic direction to all the Packers' revenue generating operations, including marketing, retail operations, and premium sales and guest services.

"We're very pleased to add a person of Laura's caliber to our staff," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy in announcing Sankey's hiring. "She has an excellent background in marketing, including a detailed knowledge of the sports marketing landscape, and also has a deep interest in sports. She understands the unique Packers brand, and is well prepared to lead our coordinated efforts to augment our revenue generation, a key goal in the increasingly competitive NFL, as well as enhance our fan e..

Lambeau Concessions Seek Volunteer Groups For '08 Season

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:24:42 CST

Levy Restaurants, the company that oversees all food and beverage operations at Lambeau Field, is looking for non-profit organizations who can provide 20 or more volunteers to work concession stands or run vending operations for the 2008 season.

Earning potential is $10,000-$20,000 per season. The groups must be able to provide volunteers who are at least 18 years old and requires a commitment to each game of the season, including preseason, regular season and any playoff games. Training is provided.

In 2007, more than 60 groups worked at Lambeau Field and collectively raised more than $850,000 for their causes.

Organizations interested in staffing one of Lambeau Field's concession stands are encouraged to contact Chris Siewert, NFP Group Coordinator, for more information. He can be reached by telephone at 920/965-3755 or by e-mail at csiewert@levyrestaurants.com.

More information about Levy Restaurants can be found online at

Packers, Mike McCarthy Make Donation To Boys & Girls Club Of Green Bay

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:21:09 CST

The Green Bay Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay, it was announced today.

"I'm very excited to be able to make this donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay," said McCarthy. "I believe the organization makes a very positive impact on the lives of many of our youth. I feel honored to be able to support the Boys & Girls Club in this way, and appreciate the partnership of the Packers in joining me in this effort."

The Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay, through its east- and west-side units, helps school-age youth make better choices and reach their full potential. Experts in youth development, the professionally-trained staff offers nationally-proven programs in a safe and accepting environment. The organization believes that all young people, regardless of background or circumstances, should be equipped to respect others and make our community a better place to live.

The don..