PACKERSTRAININGCAMP.COM IS ONLINE GUIDE TO ALL ACTIVITIES
The Green Bay Packers' new Ray Nitschke Field will greet players and fans alike for the opening of the 64th edition of training camp Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1. Twenty-five practices are scheduled through Sept. 1.
Training camp visitors are encouraged to use www.packerstrainingcamp.com for an all-encompassing guide to daily practice schedules, activities schedules and other important information.
According to the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, training camp, along with Packers Family Night, will attract an estimated 100,000 visitors from across the nation and as many as 20 foreign countries from Aug. 1 through the final open practice, Sept. 1. With an economic impact estimated at $25-30 million, training camp is a financial boost to many area businesses.
Nitschke Field promises to be a great addition to the training camp experience. The brand new facility offers the football team a state-of-the-art practice field and fans a safer, more enjoyable experience taking in practice. It will open 90 minutes prior to the scheduled practice time and will close 30 minutes after the completion of practice. Concessions will be available for purchase. Carry-ins are permitted, but should take up no more space than a person's feet. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited. More Nitschke Field policies are available online at www.packerstrainingcamp.com.
The Tundra Tailgate Zone, the free attraction in the parking lot on the stadium's east side, returns to offer fans climate-controlled tents that will house the Packers Experience presented by Kemps, and a food and beverage area. The Packers Experience presented by Kemps, a popular interactive games area that annually draws thousands, returns for a sixth summer. Free to the public, it begins Aug. 1 and runs through Aug. 26. Hours vary each day, based on the practice schedule. It will be closed Aug. 5, 9, 12, 14-16, 19, 21-23. All children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian to enter the area. A signed waiver of liability by the minor's parent or legal guardian is required upon entering and may be downloaded from www.packerstrainingcamp.com and signed in advance to present upon entering.
The Future Lambeau Leapers Autograph Building, sponsored by Cleary Building Corp., is designed specifically for fans ages 12 and younger and will take place in the Tundra Tailgate Zone. The area will give kids the chance to meet players, shake their hands, and potentially get autographs. Players will appear in the tent following the first practice of the day (either the 8:45 a.m. or 2 p.m. workout). The Arise Health Plan Wellness Headquarters returns this year as an interactive area to engage fans in healthy living. Other Packers partners will have a presence at camp, too, including, Packer Fan Tours, BayCom, DiGiorno, DIRECTV, Disney's G-FORCE movie, FABCO, Kemps, Kohls and McDonalds. A complimentary camp guide will be available daily at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel kiosk near the new practice field.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will be a popular attraction for training camp attendees. Its extended training camp hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday (920/569-7512 hotline). Lambeau Field Stadium Tours feature expanded hours during camp as well (schedules are available online and through the hotline: 920/569-7513). Ticket sales begin at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sundays. The Legendary Lambeau Experience, a two-hour walking tour, returns this summer. It features stops in the Lee Remmel Press Box, network TV broadcast booth and visiting team's locker room. Included in the tour is an admission pass to the Packers Hall of Fame, a snack on the tour, a Packers souvenir, and a $5 interactive game card for the Curly's Game Zone at Curly's Pub.
The Packers Pro Shop also features extended training camp hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (8 p.m. on days with night practices) Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (800/992-5750 hotline). Special hours will be in place for Family Night and preseason games. Additionally, the Lambeau Field Atrium will be open to visitors and contains several dining options, including Curly's Pub and Frozen in Time, plus two eateries. Curly's Pub this summer will offer fans the option to "Eat like the Packers," a meal featuring the same food items the players are eating that day. Check www.packerstrainingcamp.com for hours of operation.
In addition to www.packerstrainingcamp.com, a matrix message board at Nitschke Field will display practice times, Atrium information and scheduled activities. A Fan Assistance Kiosk also will be located at Nitschke Field.
