Green Bay Packers fans turned out by the hundreds, on a daily basis, for the Grand Opening Celebration of the new Packers Pro Shop. As a result, local charities were the big winners.
"We knew we would have a lot of people coming into the Pro Shop for the festivities, especially with training camp going on," said Kate Hogan, Senior Manager of Retail for the Green Bay Packers. "But even we were surprised by the fact that literally, every day, people were lined up outside the doors before we even opened." The Opening Celebration was held from Thursday, August 8 through Sunday, August 11, 2002.
As part of the festivities, fans received a 10% off coupon with each can of food they donated to Paul's Pantry or 20% off with each new or gently used coat they donated to the Salvation Army's Coats for Kids program. In addition, a raffle was held benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs, Cerebral Palsy and Special Olympics.
"The response was wonderful," said Hogan. "We collected nearly 12-hundred cans of food for Paul's Pantry and more than 3-hundred coats were donated for Coats for Kids. In addition, we raised a little more than of 2,800 dollars through the raffle. Our thanks go out to all of our fans for helping this effort."
The Packers Pro Shop is the first public area to open in the new Titletown Atrium, located on the east side of Lambeau Field, at 1265 Lombardi Ave. The Atrium is part of the $295-million renovation of Lambeau Field.
The new Pro Shop has nearly four times more retail space than its previous location. (The Pro Shop moved from 1,750 sq. feet to 6,500 sq. feet of retail space). "Our fans were impressed by the size of the new store, the wide selection of items, and by the décor," said Hogan. The two-level facility is a total Packers experience. There's a fully restored, Packers-themed, 1958 Chevy pick-up truck donated by Bergstrom Automotive. A football chandelier graces the main checkout area, there's "G" carpeting, logo detailing on railings and hangers, and even astro turf in one area, setting the ambiance for fans to shop, Packers style.
