It has been said that football players often give their blood, sweat and tears on the field during games.
Packers fans had the opportunity to imitate their favorite players Monday in giving blood at Lambeau Field.
Well, it wasn't quite the same, but the fans could nonetheless say they gave blood at Lambeau Field during the American Red Cross' second annual Training Camp Blood Drive.
Set up in the Tundra Tailgate Zone, the American Red Cross' Lakeland Chapter hosted more than 250 donors, beginning prior to the Packers 10:45 a.m. practice until well into the afternoon.
The blood drive was very much a success, according to Dave Liethen, donor recruitment representative for the Red Cross, noting that 150-175 for such a drive is a successful day.
"The turnout has been awesome," Liethen said. "We appreciate all the people who came by today, especially in the heat. Saving lives is awesome, and that's what these people have done. Each person who donates is potentially saving three lives."
For Dave Stuart, a Packers fan from Sullivan, Wis., and a regular donor, the opportunity to take in practice and donate was a no-brainer.
"My four daughters start school Wednesday, so I thought we'd come to Lambeau Field for the day," he said.
The girls, Claire, 13, Laura, 11, Emily, 9, and Julia, 6, chose Lambeau Field over the Milwaukee Zoo.
"I was due for a donation, so I thought it would be a good opportunity," Stuart said, as his daughters played in the Packers Experience presented by Kemps next door in the TTZ. "It's different giving blood here. It's usually in a small fireman's hall or at work in the basement, so this is good."
Liethen said the environment, at Lambeau Field, does make it different than a typical blood drive and helped to boost the turnout.
"I saw a number of people with their jerseys on, and all their Packers apparel," he said.
Donors who gave at the event received a special Red Cross "I Bleed Green & Gold" t-shirt and could enter a raffle to win Packers items. Donors also were automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gas gift card.
And, they left excited for the upcoming season.
"I'm hoping the Packers win the Super Bowl this season," said Stuart, who donned his No. 92 Packers jersey.
