The Green Bay Packers announced at a news conference in Green Bay Thursday that the organization has entered into a long term, exclusive partnership agreement with the Oneida Nation. The agreement will play an integral role in developing the five-story, Titletown Atrium at Lambeau Field as a regional destination.

Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan said, "We're pleased that a very prominent and respected local group like the Oneida Nation, with a great tradition and strong community presence, will be our partner in this venture."

He continued, "Lambeau Field and Titletown will be premier destination for Packers fans from around the world. It will feature restaurants, numerous interactive displays in a Packers "Fan Zone," the Hall of Fame, the Pro Shop and exciting events and activities that will draw numerous fans throughout the year."

The Titletown Atrium is part of the $295 million Lambeau Field renovation project and is located on the east side of the stadium-seating bowl.

Features of the 10-year partnership deal with Oneida Nation include:

• Oneida Nation's sponsorship of the grand stairway entrance gate on the east side of Titletown.

• Sponsorship of the Lambeau Field "Legacy Zone" fan interactive area

• Extensive signage throughout Lambeau, including major scoreboard signage

• Community activities and events

• Oneida Nation will hold rights to utilize the Packers team marks.

The dollar amount of the agreement was not disclosed for proprietary reasons.

Newly elected Oneida Nation Chairwoman Tina Danforth said, "The Green Bay Packers are a tradition in Wisconsin which the entire nation has watched for many years. To join them and to be able to bring our appreciation for a rich culture and honorable traditions melds with our Tribal philosophies in a manner which will enhance both the Oneida Nation and the Green Bay Packers for many years to come. We are certainly proud to be partners with the Packers."

Packers' Executive Vice President John Jones added, "Having partners with such rich histories and mutual commitment to our community join forces will have a big impact on the local community from an economic and tourism standpoint. The Oneida Nation are already involved in an impressive list of cultural activities, that through this partnership will only be enhanced with opportunities that will present themselves with the completion of Titletown in September, 2003."

The first public area to open in the Titletown Atrium will be the new Packers Pro Shop. The 8,000 sq. foot Pro Shop, which includes a 6,500 sq. foot retail store, will hold a grand opening on August 8, 2002. Other public elements, including the Hall of Fame and restaurants, will open in late summer 2003, coinciding with the completion of the Lambeau Field renovation project.

Additional information about Titletown Atrium:

• The Titletown Atrium is 366,000 square feet, 5 stories high and features an 84-foot tall, 196-foot wide wall of glass at its main entrance.

• The Atrium will feature restaurants ranging from full service to game day only food stands. The exact mix of the restaurants has not yet been determined, but it is anticipated it will include several local favorites.

• Meeting and banquet rooms will be available for events and activities.

• The Atrium will be home to the new, 25,000 square feet Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, which will feature 19,000 square feet of displays and interactive opportunities.

• The Packers Pro Shop will total approximately 8,000 sq. feet, with more than 6,500 sq. feet of retail shopping space. The outlet will feature hundreds of new items and a fully restored, vintage 1957 Ultimate "Packers" Pickup truck donated by Bergstrom Auto.