As dusk set in, the second-annual Packers Partners Club of Champions reception came to a close at Lambeau Field, ending a very special night for the more than 1,500 fans in attendance.
The highlights were many. At the top of the list was the simple opportunity to sit in the bleachers and enjoy the ambiance of a historic stadium that will enjoy its rededication in just over a month.
Packers vice president and chief operating officer John Jones welcomed the Packers Partners members and described to them the new amenities of a renovated Lambeau Field, before taking their questions and suggestions.
Several prizes were then handed out, including a football autographed by Bill Ferrario, Aaron Kampman and Marco Rivera, a jersey autographed by tight end Bubba Franks, multiple posters autographed by Brett Favre and a football signed by the 2002 Packers team.
A few fans also won the opportunity to be photographed with some of the Packers players, who arrived soon after and quickly became the main event.
First to arrive were wide receiver Donald Driver, quarterback Craig Nall and offensive linemen Rivera and Mark Tauscher.
Driver was hugely popular in the question and answer session, flashing his irresistible smile and putting improperly-timed autograph requests up to a fan vote.
Asked to describe what it was like to catch a pass from Favre, Driver replied simply, "Ouch," and then showed off the several fingers that have broken because of Favre's fastballs.
But if Driver was often the most flamboyant during the night, he wasn't the only comedian.
One fan, a police officer from Vermont, suggested to the players that they might spend their retirement by joining the police force, so long as they were under the age of 45.
Rivera, the elder of the group, took a couple jabs about his age from his teammates, but then turned it around by telling the fan, "I think I have the perfect guy for you. His name is Frank Winters."
Later on, defensive linemen Cletidus Hunt and Rod Walker arrived with rookie linebacker Nick Barnett.
Although Hunt has had to sit out training camp practices this week due to a case of gastritis, he had more than enough energy to pump up the crowd with a chant of, 'Go, Pack, Go!'
Walker described what it was like to get yelled at by GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman ("scary") and Barnett told Packers fans that he would give them 110 percent when he hits the football field on Sundays.
For any Packers fan, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. One that Packers Partners members have been fortunate enough to receive more than once.
Click here to learn about the Packers Partners Club of Champions.
