The Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance on Thursday celebrated the official opening of the American Family Insurance DreamDrive and DreamZone training camp activities for the fourth year.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Thursday morning to recognize the DreamDrive, the specially designed bike experience for Packers fans and families at training camp, centered on the storied training camp tradition where Packers players ride children's bikes to and from practice.
Five all-new Dream Fleet bikes, which each celebrate a different piece ofWisconsin's rich heritage, were unveiled at the ribbon-cutting, all provided by the Packers and American Family Insurance. The new Dream Fleet bikes this year include the Cow Cruiser, the Cheddar Chariot, the Packers Tailgate Trailblazer, the Dream Driver and the Farm and Ranch Rider. Last year's Dream Fleet bikes are all retired, and will be on display in the DreamZone for photo opportunities with fans.
For a third year, kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Green Bay have the opportunity to ride the special bikes to practice with the players. Other children are welcome to participate in DreamDrive and are encouraged to bring their own bikes in keeping with the longstanding tradition.
Thursday's ribbon cutting also featured a player riding a Packers-themed adaptive bike, with a specially designed wheel that uses the rider's hands and arms to pedal. The player was joined by Ava Gehrung, a 12-year-old from Hartford, Wis., who was adopted from China in 2011. Her physical mobility is complicated due to a stroke she suffered when she was born, and she joined the player in riding her own special adaptive bike.
The American Family Insurance DreamZone, an interactive area located in the Johnsonville Tailgate Village, also opened Thursday, and features activities during the first week of training camp (July 27 to Aug. 5). Activities include a skills challenge, toddler station, tailgate challenge and a photo booth and a Lambeau Leap area. DreamZone also features engaging activities centered on the pursuit of dreams, including interactive Packers trivia pylons and community walls prompting fans to answer dream-related questions throughout the area.
The DreamZone will host a daily "Chalk Talk" presentation in the JTV, featuring a different Packers player, coach or alumnus speaking about pursuing their dreams. Speakers include Mark Tauscher, Bill Schroeder, Frank Winters and Antonio Freeman. For a full schedule of speakers please visit http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/training-camp/things-to-do.html.
"We're about inspiring and protecting dreams, and being associated with a team and a stadium where so many dreams have been imagined and fulfilled is especially rewarding," said Dan Kelly, American Family Insurance CFO/treasurer. "We're excited to celebrate the opening of the DreamDrive and the DreamZone, and we're hoping to inspire Packers fans to dream fearlessly."
Both training camp activities are included in the partnership between the Packers and the Madison-based insurance company, which has been a partner of the team since 2005. The partnership also includes the American Family Insurance Gate on the stadium's east side, allowing fans easy access to the Atrium, 1919 Kitchen & Tap, the Packers Pro Shop and the Packers Hall of Fame.
About American Family Insurance:
Madison, Wis.-based American Family Insurance is the nation's 13th-largest mutual property/casualty insurance group and ranks 332nd on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web www.amfam.com; Facebook www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter www.twitter.com/amfam; Google plus.google.com/ amfam/.
