Beginning Monday, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will offer a special admission rate of $8 for all active members of the military as well as veterans. A military I.D. or other appropriate form of identification is required to receive the discounted rate.
It's our way of saying thanks to members of the military," said Steve Klegon, the Packers' director of Atrium business development. "The sacrifices they make and the job they do are tremendous. We're honored to have them visit us at the Hall of Fame."
Well over 100 Packers players have served in the military before, during or after their days in Green Bay. One such former player is Howard "Smiley" Johnson, the only former member of the Green and Gold to die while serving his country. He gave up his football career after two seasons as a guard/linebacker with the Packers in 1940-41 and joined the armed forces while his country was at war.
Johnson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought in World War II, losing his life on Iwo Jima in 1944. He was awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry" during the Saipan operation and was posthumously awarded a Gold Star for actions during the Iwo Jima campaign. His legacy is recognized in a display case in the Hall of Fame's lobby.
Admission rates to the Hall of Fame are as follows: Adults, $10; seniors 62 and older, $8; military (with valid Military ID), $8; children 6-11, $5; children 5 and under, free. Call 920/569-7512 for special pricing for groups of 20 or more people.
*The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Inc. is a non-profit corporation independent of the Green Bay Packers that guides the Hall as a historic national sports venue and educational resource to the Green Bay community and the state of Wisconsin. The Hall raises funds through its annual induction banquet, golf outing and other events to develop new exhibits and expand its archives. Historic memorabilia donated by individuals to the Hall may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.
Originally established in 1967 as a temporary display in the concourse of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Hall moved into its own facility in 1976 near Lambeau Field. In 2003, it was relocated to a spectacular new, 25,000-square foot facility in the Lambeau Field Atrium. The Hall of Fame is open on non-game days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary on game days and holidays. For more information, contact the Hall of Fame at (920) 569-7512.*
