NATIONALLY RENOWNED SOUTHERN MISS MARCHING BAND TO ENTERTAIN BEFORE, AT HALFTIME AND AFTER RAMS CONTEST
The rich, tradition-filled game-day experience at Lambeau Field, well known for great football and fun entertainment, will gain more acclaim this Sunday as the renowned Pride of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi's marching band, will dazzle the Packers' faithful.
The 245-member marching band, including the Dixie Darlings dance team, will begin the day at Brett Favre's Steakhouse for a 10 a.m. tailgate party. At 10:15, the band will make its way toward Lambeau Field via a march down Armed Forces Drive. Upon reaching the Lambeau Field parking lot, the band will march around the stadium, beginning at the north end, and entertain tailgating fans all the way.
Fans are encouraged to get in their seats early as The Pride will perform its rousing rendition of the national anthem before kickoff. The band will return to the field to headline halftime festivities and perform again at the conclusion of the game.
In addition to the Packers, Packer Fan Tours and www.OfficialBrettFavre.com are sponsoring the band's appearance.
"We're excited to have the Pride of Mississippi entertain our fans at Sunday's game," said Packers Chairman/CEO Bob Harlan. "Lambeau Field has hosted some of the finest marching bands in the region and to add a band of national caliber to our game-day atmosphere is a thrill. For many years our fans have appreciated excellent performances from marching bands and I know they'll enjoy the Pride of Mississippi as well."
One Packers player in particular is looking forward to the Southern Miss band's appearance.
"It's exciting to know the Pride of Mississippi will be at Lambeau Field this Sunday," said Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who played collegiately at Southern Miss. "I have great memories of the band from my days at Southern Miss and I know the fans here will love them."
"The Green Bay Packers organization, a long-standing tradition in itself, is bringing us up to Lambeau Field for their fans' enjoyment," said Dr. Reginald Houze, director of The Pride of Mississippi. "Marching bands receive invitations all the time, but few are brought across country by a premiere NFL club for a full day of performance opportunities. Our students will always carry this experience with them - what a great feeling, what a great experience."
Regarded throughout the nation as one of the finest university marching bands, The Pride has received invitations to perform in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi for competitive band contests, festivals and professional football games, two international performances in Ireland for the Saint Patrick's Day celebration, in 1995 and 1997, and most recently for the Easter Parade in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Since its founding in 1920 as a 20-piece brass ensemble, The Pride of Mississippi has evolved into an impressive and highly respected marching band. Having marched for such events as the FDR Inaugural Parade, the Chicago World's Fair, the Senior Bowl Classic football games, the Blue and Gray Game and professional football games, The Pride of Mississippi was one of the most televised marching bands in the South during the 1970s and '80s.
