As the annual NFL Draft nears on the horizon, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson and his personnel staff continue to shape their all-encompassing draft board at Lambeau Field.
Elsewhere, Packers fans are refining their own draft boards as they prepare to descend upon the Lambeau Field Atrium for the fifth annual Draft Party, April 26.
Behind the scenes, the Packers' staff is preparing for the gathering that will host approximately 2,000 fans.
"We're excited about the ongoing preparations for the event," said Kate Hogan, the Packers' director of retail operations and co-chair of the committee that puts on the Draft Party. "We work to improve the event each year, based on our review and feedback from the fans that attend. We have a few enhancements for this year, and are looking forward to our brighter video screens, an additional video board and added audio speakers in the Atrium."
The projection screen TVs, the staple of the party which display draft coverage from ESPN and NFL Network, this year will use units with a brighter capacity which will offer better viewing for the fans that watch from the Atrium floor. Also, an additional LED video board, 4 feet by 6 feet, will be employed above the stage.
Additionally, the food court of the Atrium will have added speakers for better audio coverage for fans that take some time to get a bite to eat.
While the upgraded video and audio capabilities will offer enhancements to the party, the main draw of the event continues to be the ability for fans to experience the excitement of the draft in the camaraderie of nearly 2,000 fellow Packers supporters.
"It is somewhat of a kickoff to the 2008 season, and to get together as a group and hear from Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy, Mark Murphy and several players is a charge for our fans," added Hogan. "The opportunity to get a player autograph is special for many of them, too."
The unique Packers merchandise and memorabilia available through door prizes, raffles, the draft history contest and first-round draft pick contest are appealing to Draft Party attendees as well. The winner of the first-round pick contest will receive an autographed football from the Packers' No. 1 pick in 2008.
The 2008 Packers Draft Party is Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase at Mills Fleet Farm stores across Wisconsin, through the Packers' ticket office (in person or over the phone at 920/569-7501) and at the Packers Pro Shop (in person or *online*).
