The "new" Lambeau Field is ready for its first full test, as the Packers host the Carolina Panthers in the first home pre-season game of the 2003 season.
"Safety and security will remain a top priority," said Doug Collins, Security Supervisor - Facilities for the Green Bay Packers. "Fans won't have to deal with the Lambeau Field construction hurdles of the past couple of seasons, but there will be some important items for fans to remember as they plan their game day activities."
Traffic, parking, security and stadium entry and exit plans were the topic of a news conference today hosted by the Green Bay Packers. Representatives from the Brown County Sheriff's Department, Green Bay Police Department, Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department, PMI and the Packers discussed plans for getting fans to and from the stadium following the changes during the $295 million redevelopment project.
Interim Chief Al Timmerman of the Green Bay Police Department says some of the changes that were implemented during the construction project and following the September 11th terrorist attacks will remain in effect for the 2003 season. "Fans and vehicles will again have to go through security checkpoints as they enter the stadium, so we're continuing to ask fans to arrive early." The Lambeau Field parking lots will open four hours before game time, while the stadium gates will open 2-hours-15 minutes prior to kick-off.
Traffic Flow
Traffic flow on game days will be much the same as last season, although the Lombardi Avenue project is not yet completed. "While the construction of the stadium is complete, fans should still plan ahead to determine where they will park, so they can then decide which roads will get them there in the most efficient way," said Captain John Gossage of the Brown County Sheriff's Department. Commander Jim Skorczewski of the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department added, "Changes were implemented the last two seasons to accommodate the increased pedestrian traffic around Lambeau and, for security reasons, to make it as safe as possible for everyone going to or from the game."
The most important road information for fans to know includes:
* Lombardi Avenue will be one way westbound between Ashland and Oneida before the game, then one way eastbound between Oneida and Ashland following the game. The stretch
between Oneida Street and Ridge Road will be westbound before the game and close at game time.
* Oneida Street between Lombardi and Potts will only be open to those with reserved Lambeau Field parking passes before and after the game. (Oneida will be closed to all through traffic.) Motorists with parking passes will be required to enter the parking lot at the north or south Oneida Street entrances. They will be required to leave via the same gate. No traffic will be allowed on Oneida Street between the two entrances.
* Ridge Road will be closed to all through traffic following the game. Traffic leaving the stadium parking lot will be allowed to exit. Vehicles using the north driveway will be directed northbound on Ridge Road, while vehicles using the south exit will be directed southbound. Through traffic will resume when pedestrian traffic has cleared the area with that determination made by officers on site.
* Valley View Road from Lambeau Field to Ridge Road will be open to vehicular traffic, but the road will be divided to create a pedestrian walkway.
* Packer Drive at Oneida Street will close three hours before kick-off. The remainder of Packer Drive will be closed to vehicles one hour before game time due to the heavy volume of pedestrians. Packer Drive will remain closed until pedestrian traffic clears after the game.
* Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials announced Monday that work on Highway 41 was completed ahead of schedule, helping the flow of traffic to the stadium district.
Parking
With the completion of the Lambeau Field redevelopment, more parking spaces are available in the stadium parking lot. But all parking in the stadium lot is reserved for season ticket holders with parking passes. There is no general public parking available at Lambeau Field.
For general public parking, PMI, has again secured parking spaces at businesses within walking distance of Lambeau Field.
"These spaces can be reserved, in advance, for one game or for the entire season," explained John Diedrich of PMI. "All people have to do is contact Ticket Star to secure a parking spot." Parking fees are $25 or $30 for cars, $60 for bus or RV parking. Available parking lots include:
- Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena/Resch Center (3 lots)
- Stadium View Sports Bar & Grill
- Saranac Glove
- Williams Auto Body
- Valley Ridge
- WLUK-TV Fox-11
- Brett Favre's Steakhouse
Reserved parking spaces may be purchased at the Ticket Star box office in the Resch Center, by phone at (920) 494-3401 or 800-895-0071, or online at www.ticketsaronline.com.
There is also parking at many businesses and homes in the areas surrounding the stadium.
Handicapped parking is available in the stadium parking lots.
Entering Lambeau Field
With all gate entrances in full operation, entry into the stadium should be improved again for the 2003 season, but fans will again be subject to security checks before they enter Lambeau Field. "To help make entry to the stadium flow as smoothly as possible, we're asking fans to enter through the gate listed on their ticket," Collins said.
The Miller Gate is the main gate to the Titletown Atrium along Lombardi Avenue, the Oneida Nation Gate is the grand staircase facing Oneida Street, the Verizon Wireless gate is along Ridge Road near Lombardi Avenue and the Associated Bank gate serves box and club seat ticket holders on Ridge Road. The fifth gate is located on the southwest corner of the stadium near Valley View Road and Ridge Road.
The Packers and area law enforcement have been working closely with the NFL on security issues. "Fans will be subject to search prior to reaching the turnstiles," Collins said. "Once again this year, coolers, bags, backpacks, fanny packs and large purses will not be allowed into the stadium. Nothing larger than a small purse, which will be subject to inspection, will be allowed into the stadium."
With the tighter security measures that were implemented after September 11th, Collins says fans should understand the need to get to the stadium early.
