Even though it's the offseason, there's still plenty going on at Lambeau Field and its spectacular atrium over the next several months.
Here is a list of several key dates and events to keep in mind as the Packers prepare for the 2007 season. Organized team activities (OTA), training camp and other dates will be announced as they are finalized.
Feb. 1-28: Black History Month, Packers Hall of Fame
Tour the Hall of Fame with a special guide book highlighting the contributions of African-Americans throughout the franchise's history. The month also features a special panel discussion on Feb. 8 at the Hall of Fame with current African-American members of the organization.
Feb. 10: Project LEAP!, Lambeau Field Atrium
The fourth annual event, free to the public, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 'Project LEAP!' (Lambeau's Exercise and Activity Playground) will feature the popular inflatables, obstacle courses and climbing wall, as well as tumbling performances by The Chicago Boyz Acrobats.
Feb. 21-27: National Scouting Combine, Indianapolis
One of the key pieces in the evaluation process leading up to the Draft, the Combine will bring all of the Packers' coaches, scouts and personnel staff together to get a close look at the 2007 draft class.
March 9-10: Packers Fan Fest, Lambeau Field Atrium
Two days of autograph sessions, main-stage presentations, children's activities and more are packed into this annual event. Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman is among the players scheduled to appear, and the weekend includes a tour of the Packers' locker room.
March 19: Packers' offseason workout program begins; Quarterback School begins, Lambeau Field
The players get back to work in earnest with the offseason workout program, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy will conduct his QB school for the team's young signal callers, Aaron Rodgers and Ingle Martin.
April 14: NFL Europa season begins
The Packers likely will allocate a handful of players to hone their skills overseas.
April 28-29: NFL Draft
The Packers select 16th in the first round, 11 spots later than last season when they drafted Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk with the 5th overall pick. Last year the Packers turned seven picks into 12, the most in the league, with a series of trades over the non-stop two days.
May 4-6: First mini-camp (rookies and first-year players), Don Hutson Center
All the team's draft picks and post-draft free-agent signings get their first taste of NFL football and the Packers' coaching staff in a series of indoor workouts.
May 18-20: Second mini-camp (mandatory)
All the players will re-convene for their first official practices in preparation for the 2007 season. These three days will set the stage for the upcoming OTAs in June and training camp in July.
July 21: 37th annual Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
Two former Packers greats, wide receiver Robert Brooks and defensive back LeRoy Butler, will be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at the 37th Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, to be held the evening of July 21, 2007, in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
Brooks, who retired from the Packers following the 1998 season, ranks 11th on the club's all-time receptions list with 306 catches for 4,225 yards and 32 touchdowns, while Butler, who retired from the Packers in 2001 following a 12-year career, played more games, 181, than any other defensive back in team history.
