GREEN BAY – The Packers, and Lambeau Field itself, will have a new look in 2023.
The 7,825 in attendance at the team's annual Shareholders Meeting on Monday were treated to their first look at the plethora of offseason upgrades to the NFL's most iconic stadium, including new end-zone videoboards and the development of a new football space on the east side of the stadium.
The new LED boards, which feature the NFL's first six-millimeter pixel spacing, provide a clearer and more concise gameday experience. Additionally, 60 new LED displays were added to the stadium concourse, allowing fans to enjoy in-game action while away from their seats.
On those same videoboards, President/CEO Mark Murphy gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the team's new state-of-the-art football facility. The two-year project, which cost nearly $90 million, resulted in the construction of new coaching offices, football meeting rooms, draft room, and underground parking. It also doubled the size of the CRIC (conditioning, rehabilitation, and instructional center).
"Obviously, it was a long time in the planning and I'm anxious to see some of veterans because they're seeing it for the first time," said Murphy in his post-meeting news conference. "The game's evolving. Practices are different. Having basically two CRICs, or a larger CRIC, really helps us. I really like the concept of players and coaches having more communication. I think that can only be very positive."
One byproduct of the videoboard construction was that the franchise's 13 NFL championships are no longer displayed on the south end zone. Murphy said the organization has plans to acknowledge its championship seasons elsewhere inside the stadium bowl, but those details are still being finalized.
From a football standpoint, Murphy voiced his appreciation for fans' positive reaction to the franchise's offseason of change, beginning with the transition to Jordan Love at quarterback after future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets in April.
Murphy praised Rodgers for his contributions during his 15 years as the Packers' starting quarterback, an historic run that included four NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl XLV title.
Take a look at photos from the Green Bay Packers' 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at Lambeau Field on Monday, July 24.
Murphy stated the team will retire Rodgers' No. 12 number whenever his first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame playing career draws to a close.
"I thought it was a positive meeting," Murphy said. "Obviously, the crowd responded positivity to Jordan Love and mentions of him. I was also pleased how positive and the cheering we got when I talked about Aaron Rodgers. Speaks highly of our fans."
Excitement is building for the 24-year-old Love, whose developmental process mirrors Rodgers' three-year own rite of passage behind Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. Murphy preached patience but also commended Love for his professionalism since coming to Green Bay.
Likewise, General Manager Brian Gutekunst touted the team's youth and potential during his address of shareholders. Now in his sixth year as GM, Gutekunst made the move to trade up to draft Love in the first round (26th overall).
Having seen enough promise in Love, Gutekunst ultimately made the move this offseason to begin the transition under center. In that regard, Murphy expressed his confidence in Love, Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur in leading the team into a new and exciting era of Packers football.
"We're a much different team than we were last year. We'll be younger, but I'm optimistic," Murphy said. "There will probably be some ups and downs with Jordan, and we've got young receivers, but we've got a lot of talent there and I think our thought is – or our hope is – that they'll all get better and grow together."
During Monday's Shareholders Meeting, the Packers welcomed four new members of the team's board of directors: Laurie Radke, Sachin Shivaram, Christopher Stiles, and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler, who joins former teammates George Koonce and Dexter McNabb on the board.
In retirement, Butler has become one of the Packers' top ambassadors.
"I can't say enough about how much he means to the organization," Murphy said. "He's a prominent figure. Not only a Hall of Fame player, but he's gone on to do great things with his life. Hopefully, people like Dexter McNabb and LeRoy are role models for our current players. Football doesn't last forever. To maybe one day strive to also be on the board."
