On the first Saturday of every month, Mark will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization, and then answer five fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Mark with their name and hometown at: MurphyTakes5@packers.com.
Tonight at 7 p.m., we will hold our 23rd Family Night. The doors for the event will open at 5:30 p.m., with warm-ups at 7 and practice beginning at 7:30. It is one of the most unique events in the entire NFL. In my mind, it highlights the special connection our fans have with the team. It is really just a practice, but it is no ordinary practice given that there will be nearly 80,000 fans attending (we sold out of both tickets and parking for the event) and that it takes place in Lambeau Field. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, with a much younger crowd than for our games. It is fun to see the surprise on the rookies' faces when they see the atmosphere in the stadium.
This year, we will again have Titletown Family Fest on Saturday from 1-7:30 p.m. Hy-Vee Plaza will feature a dance party, as well as giant games, a virtual reality experience and a game face station. Visitors can also participate in a Hail Mary pass challenge on the football field and enjoy a variety of food and beverage options. Fans can also take part in the Blitz Champz card game, a photo booth, chalk art, mural painting and STEM activities.
There will be something for every kid (no matter the age) today. It should be a fun day, and please make sure that you remain for the spectacular fireworks show following the practice.
Now, on to your questions.
Steve from New Franken, WI
Congratulations on the Jordan Love extension. I was a little surprised that he didn't practice. How much will not practicing set him back this year?
Thanks, Steve. I was very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Jordan Love regarding an extension. I'm really happy for him. He's done all the right things (including sitting as Aaron Rodgers' backup for three years) and is unquestionably the leader of our team. With regard to your question, it is always a concern when one of your players holds out (or holds in, in this case). However, I do not think Jordan will be set back much. He attended every practice and stayed involved mentally. Also, he only missed four practices. I would have been concerned if the hold-in had continued for several weeks. Thanks.
A question from Jon J.
Can we get Lambeau opened for the Eagles game, maybe show it on the Jumbotrons? If not that, could we open up tailgating in the parking lot?
Thanks for raising this issue, Jon. We are very excited and honored to be part of this historic game in Sao Paulo. The issue with opening the stadium up to show the game on the TundraVision (what we call our video boards) is that it could negatively impact the television ratings for the game. If you have 80,000 people watching the game at Lambeau Field, the ratings will be down. This is especially true given how important streaming (Peacock) is to the league going forward. With regard to tailgating, I don't think it would be too popular if there is no game being played in the stadium.
A question from River
As a 28-year old Packers fan (and shareholder), do you think there will ever be a time in the next 50-plus years that the Packers need to move from or replace Lambeau Field? I know at the moment this seems unlikely, but I legitimately want to know your thoughts if you think my grandchildren will someday be able to walk through the same gates my family and I have for generations. I appreciate all you do and it will be a bittersweet day when you take your deserved retirement. Thank you Mark!
Thanks, River, great question. We are doing everything we can now to ensure that Lambeau Field continues to serve us well. In many ways, Lambeau Field is our most important asset. Fifty years is a long time, and it is hard to predict how Lambeau Field might hold up over the next few decades. In recent years, roughly $60 million annually has been put toward stadium maintenance, capital improvements and operations. Also, we know structurally that Lambeau Field is in good shape and will last into the foreseeable future. It is hard to predict what the organization might do 20 to 30 years from now, but, given how important Lambeau Field is to the organization and the community, I hope that people will determine what is needed to maintain the stadium.
Jessi P. from Sterling, Kansas
Thank you for your years of serving the Green Bay Packers and for taking time to connect with us as fans. It means a lot to us, especially those out of state (or country) because we are part of the "family" from afar. After decades of longing/dreaming, and five years of saving my best friend and I will finally make it to Lambeau Field for a home game! Packers vs. Lions will be epic with home-field advantage. I've been to several Packer games as the visitor in various cities, and they hold some of my sweetest football memories, but I can barely contain myself to think of being with so much green and gold in one place! Are there any tricks, tips, or advice you would give a newbie for game day so we can "pack" as much in as possible for the best game-day experience at home?
Thank you, Jessi, and I'm so glad you will finally be able to make it to Lambeau Field for a game. The Lions game should be one of our best home games of the year. First, you should really think about the entire weekend, not just game day. For a Sunday game, I would plan to get to Green Bay on Friday night. You should definitely take a tour of Lambeau Field on Saturday afternoon, and you can upgrade to include a ticket for our Hall of Fame. You should also plan to spend some time in Titletown. On game weekends, there are all kinds of activities in Titletown, plus there are many good places to eat in Titletown and Lambeau Field. In early November, we might be making snow and ice for Ariens Hill and the skating rink. If you have some extra time, the National Railroad Museum is not far from Lambeau Field, and definitely worth a visit, as are many other spots in downtown Green Bay and surrounding communities.
Marteen B. from Reno, NV
First of all, congratulations on finding Mr. Policy to take over the reins. It must be somewhat of a relief that you can reflect and enjoy the last part of your journey with the Packers. Secondly, I wanted to reach out again as I sent you a handwritten note at the start of COVID and you so graciously responded back within a week with a personalized handwritten response. I will always cherish that note.
Now my question for you! I am seriously considering moving to Green Bay next year. You have been instrumental in developing Titletown. I will be touring TitletownFlats again in September when I come for the Vikings game. What future developments are in store for the area? What advice would you give someone moving to Green Bay? I am a huge GB fan and my end goal is to retire and work at the stadium in some capacity. Thank you all you have done for the Packers. Enjoy the next chapter!
Thanks, Marteen. I appreciate your comments about Ed Policy. He has done a great job for us during his 12 years here and is very deserving of this promotion. I thought the entire search process was very well run. I'm glad you're considering moving to Green Bay. The weather will certainly be very different than in Reno. The quality of life in Green Bay, and in Titletown in particular, is excellent. We will continue to look for new amenities in Titletown to make it a great place to live, eat, play and work. A new state-of-the-art athletic club is under construction and should be completed in time for the draft next April. Also, TitletownFlats has been so popular (99% occupancy) that we are exploring additional residential opportunities to develop. The advice I would give someone moving to Titletown is to take advantage of all the opportunities that are available there. Finally, there are many work opportunities for retirees in the area. As a huge Packers fan, I think you would love working as a tour guide at Lambeau Field.
