The Green Bay Packers and Johnsonville Sausage on Wednesday announced plans for the Johnsonville Tailgate Village, the permanent tailgating and event structure set to be constructed in Lambeau Field's east side parking lot in time for the 2017 football season.

Aimed at giving Packers fans a centrally located spot to gather and share in Packers gameday traditions, the Johnsonville Tailgate Village will be free and open to all fans on gameday. The space will build on the success of the Tundra Tailgate Zone, the current seasonal structure open to fans on gamedays, which has been in use during football season for nearly a decade.

The new, permanent Johnsonville Tailgate Village will be an extension of Lambeau Field, reflecting the stadium's unique look and feel. On gamedays, more than 2,000 fans will be able to experience a high-energy atmosphere, featuring music and entertainment, large screen televisions, food and beverages and other activities for tailgaters.

On non-gamedays, the structure will be a flexible space available for groups to rent and use for private events.

"We're excited for this new building to enhance our tailgate environment at Lambeau Field by offering a place for all fans to be a part of the gameday atmosphere," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We're also looking forward to the Johnsonville Tailgate Village creating a fun, unique event space so our fans and guests can have another way to enjoy Lambeau Field year-round."

The versatile, 13,242 square-foot event area will offer guests a variety of amenities including a full kitchen for event catering, indoor restrooms, and heating, radiant floors and air conditioning to create a comfortable temperature in any season. For events, the dining and event space will comfortably seat more than 500 guests for a variety of functions.

In the warmer months, the flexible, festive space will open up to a 4,300 square-foot party deck, as well as the outdoor fan walkway and Lambeau Field parking lot, with large overhead doors, allowing fans to gather and enjoy activities in both areas seamlessly. With floor to ceiling glass walls facing Lambeau Field, fans inside and out will feel like part of the action.

Ralph and Shelly Stayer, owners of Johnsonville Sausage, were present at Wednesday's press conference and shared their excitement for the new building to become a part of the tailgating tradition at Lambeau Field.

"Our brand is synonymous with tailgating, so partnering with Lambeau Field to create the Tailgate Village was a perfect fit for us to support a place that will bring families and friends together," said Shelly Stayer, Johnsonville Foods president. "We want to create an inviting indoor tailgate space that's the place to be – before, during and after the games. Johnsonville has had a longstanding partnership with Lambeau Field for several years and we're thrilled to extend that support."

The Tundra Tailgate Zone has been located in Lambeau Field's east side parking lot for nearly a decade, as it was opened prior to training camp in 2008. The Johnsonville Tailgate Village will enhance the amenities offered in the space over the years and continue to include gameday music, autograph signings, food and beverages, training camp activities and other fan opportunities.

About Johnsonville:

Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national sausage brand, featuring: brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links, breakfast sausage, Grillers and meatballs. Johnsonville products are served in 125 professional, college and semi-pro sports stadiums throughout the U.S. Johnsonville has been the official sausage of Lambeau Field for more than a decade. 

Johnsonville employs approximately 1,600 members. Founded in 1945 by the late Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the privately held company remains family owned today, providing various sausage products in 40 countries. For additional information, visit www.johnsonville.com.