Thursday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs will continue the Packers' recognition of USA Football Month as the Packers have invited youth football teams from St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains, Wis. and Poynette Panthers Youth Football in Poynette, Wis. to play each other on the field during halftime. The teams will also be on the field during the National Anthem. In addition, the Packers have donated 1,500 tickets, split between the Browns game on Aug. 16 and the Chiefs game this Thursday, to youth football leagues throughout Wisconsin.
'USA Football Month,' a national campaign that takes place throughout the NFL preseason, incorporates youth football scrimmages at NFL stadiums and shares USA Football messages during network preseason telecasts.
USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Green Bay Packers, the NFL, the NFL Players Association and the league's other 31 teams. It is the only organization in the NFL's 92-year history to be recognized as the league's official youth football development partner. Additional details can be found online at http://usafootball.com.
As fans are preparing for Thursday night's preseason opener, the Packers are reminding game attendees that enhanced security screenings, implemented last season, will continue this season. It is recommended that fans allow extra time for entry into Lambeau Field. Gates open two hours prior to kickoff.
Fans are also reminded of construction projects that are ongoing in the Green Bay area. Several parts of U.S. Highway 41 and Interstate Highway 43 will be affected by construction. A full description of construction projects in Wisconsin can be found on the Department of Transportation's website here: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news0995.html786229440.html.
The Green Bay Metro gameday bus service is available again this year, with extended service to new areas of Green Bay. Further details and gameday route information is available at www.greenbaymetro.org/en-us/packers/default.aspx.
Thursday's game is the annual Bishop's Charities Game.During pregame activities, Bishop Ricken will present a trophy to Vic So'oto, the MVP from last year's Bishop's Charities Game. This is the 52nd year that the Packers have designated the preseason finale as the Bishop's Charities game. Throughout the years, the game has raised more than $3.5 millionfor the organization.* *
The Xavier High School Bandwill be performing the national anthem. A flyover of Navy jetswill follow the national anthem, weather permitting.
Also taking place at Thursday night's preseason opener is the premier gameday tailgate party in the Tundra Tailgate Zone (TTZ) in the Lambeau Field parking lot. Activities include green and gold hair painting, interactive games and food and beverage sampling. More information on the Tundra Tailgate Zone can be found online at www.packers.com/gameday/gameday-information.html#s3.
Thursday's game will feature magnetic game schedules giveaways compliments of Miller Lite.
The Lambeau Field Atrium and guest relations desk will open at 12 p.m. for ticketed guests only. The Lambeau Field parking lot will open at 2 p.m. along with the Tundra Tailgate Zone. Gates will open at 4 p.m.
Thursday's matchup marks the third consecutive year that the teams have met in the preseason finale, a first in the history of the preseason series between the clubs. The teams have met 13 times before in the preseason, with the series deadlocked at 6-6-1.
For more gameday information, visit http://www.packers.com/gameday/gameday-information.html.
