PARKING LOT BARRIER TO ENHANCE GAME-DAY SECURITY
Fans attending games at Lambeau Field this season will notice an addition to the parking lot landscape, a 30-inch high barrier encircling the stadium from the Miller Brewing Company Gate around the west side of the stadium ending past the Mills Fleet Farm Gate on the south end.
The barrier, approximately 100 feet from the exterior wall of the stadium, is being installed at the request of the National Football League to provide another measure of security on game days. The NFL has required all teams to have this additional system in place at each stadium for the 2007 season. The barrier at Lambeau Field is scheduled for installation in July.
The organization is working with Wausau Tile, a Wisconsin company that is an industry leader in barrier systems, to design and install the new element to the Lambeau Field campus. The barrier will incorporate the unique look and feel of Lambeau Field, recognized nationally for its classic and retro appearance.
"We're pleased with how the project has developed," said Jason Wied, the Packers' vice president of administration/corporate counsel. "The NFL required all teams to install this security feature, so we set out to create a piece that would meet the physical needs of a security barrier, but also complement the great architecture and image that Lambeau Field projects. The barrier also presents a great opportunity to install additional landscaping to the area which will add to the beauty of the grounds.
"Additionally, a positive result of having the barrier is that it will create an excellent pedestrian area on game days where families can safely walk around the stadium without worrying about cars or hot grills."
The main physical component of the barrier will be 33 planters, each one a five-piece configuration that will be 28 feet long, six feet wide and 30 inches tall. On each planter, the classic Packers 'G' will appear three times, spread across the face. Some planters will contain landscaping and some will be capped. A selection of planters will have power and data outlets as well, a practical application for future event-based needs.
Interspersed along the perimeter planters will be 12 monuments, each 12 feet tall and four feet square at the base. The monuments will feature classic images from the team's rich history. Two 7-foot concrete, park-type benches will be placed adjacent to each monument.
At the north end of the stadium, near the Miller Gate, 29 portable planters will be utilized on game days only. This arrangement will allow for full parking lot access in that area during non-game days. The planters, six feet square and 43 inches tall, will feature the Lambeau Field logo and the Packers 'G' on opposite sides. Other sections of the barrier, such as at gate entrances, will feature the portable security planters, as well as 30-inch high security bollards.
The project will remove a few hundred parking spots from use. ADA parking will not be affected and the team will be working with its affected parking clients to make appropriate arrangements for relocating them to other areas of the stadium lot, as well as exploring other overall parking options.
The cost of the project, approximately $1 million, is being funded through the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District's capital improvement fund.
"Funding the security perimeter from the Capital Improvements Fund is consistent with provisions of the Lambeau Field Lease," said Pat Webb, director of the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District. "A bonus of the project is that our commemorative brick walkway becomes a more desirable location for the installation of items purchased by fans. The inclusion of Packers-themed design elements and separation of the walkway from the parking lot will create the look and feel of a 'Walk of Fame.'
"The project also will advance our cooperative efforts with the team to provide additional opportunities for targeted business participation."
