Packers fans attending Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings are being reminded to allow extra time for travel and entry into the stadium. The Leo Frigo Bridge, part of Interstate Highway 43, is closed indefinitely. Fans that utilize the bridge for travel to and from Lambeau Field should plan an alternate route. A Wisconsin DOT advisory with a full description of Packers gameday travel recommendations can be found online at www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/news.htm.
Prior to kickoff, all fans attending the game are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for distribution to needy children in the area through the U.S. Marine Corps and the Toys for Tots program. Cash donations will be accepted as well. U.S. Marines will be stationed throughout the parking lots to collect donations prior to gate openings, and will position themselves at gates once entrance is permitted at 10 a.m. (two hours before kickoff).
Two alumni are scheduled to make appearances throughout the weekend at various locations. Najeh Davenport and Grady Jackson will be taking part in fan activities at the Packers Pro Shop, Tundra Tailgate Zone and Legends Club leading up to kickoff.
Representatives from the Packers Women's Association and UnitedHealthcare will present a $18,309 check to Paul's Pantry on the field prior to kickoff. $13,309 was raised during the group's annual food drive, sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, which took place during the Oct. 20 Packers-Browns game at Lambeau Field. UnitedHealthcare added an additional $5,000 to the amount that was raised at the game.
Tailgaters will have the convenience of using the new permanent tailgate restrooms located on the parking lot level of the expanded Oneida Nation Gate for the first time this Sunday, as construction of the restrooms has been completed.
Kesler DeRuyter will perform the national anthem. DeRuyter is a graduate of Bay Port High School and is pursuing a country music career in Nashville.
The Packers have also partnered with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) of Oshkosh, Wis., the world's largest organization for recreational aviation enthusiasts, to have a Boeing B-17 aircraft flyover following the anthem. Pilots from the EAA will fly over the stadium in the organization's fully-restored B-17 Flying Fortress Aluminum Overcast, one of fewer than 15 operational B-17 aircraft remaining in the world. The B-17 aircraft was one of the most noteworthy bombers used by the Allies during World War II, flying thousands of missions primarily over Europe and in other combat theaters. EAA currently flies this B-17 on national tours each year. For more information, visit www.b17.org.
In addition, the Packers and WPS Health Insurance will be recognizing Navy SEAL and NASA Astronaut Christopher Cassidy through Operation Fan Mail on-field prior to the national anthem. Cassidy has 10 years of experience as a member of the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, and was selected by NASA in May 2004. During his NASA career, Cassidy completed six spacewalks, totaling 31 hours and 14 minutes, and accumulated 182 days in space.
During halftime, Fox Valley High School marching bands, consisting of more than 600 students from five high schools in the Fox Valley, will entertain fans.
Also taking place at Sunday's matchup is the premier gameday tailgate party in the Tundra Tailgate Zone (TTZ) in the Lambeau Field parking lot. For a full list of gameday information, please visit packers.com/gameday/gameday-information.html.
Fans will receive can coolers provided by Coke Zero as they enter the game.
The Lambeau Field Atrium, guest relations desk, Tundra Tailgate Zone and parking lot will open at 8 a.m. for ticketed guests only. Gates will open at 10 a.m.
