Lambeau Field is ready to honor veterans and military members at Sunday afternoon's game between the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, in conjunction with the NFL-wide Salute to Service recognition of Veterans Day. The contest, which was originally scheduled for noon, will now kick off at 3:25 p.m.
Sunday's Salute to Service game is presented by Johnsonville and Michels Corporation, and will feature several activities on and off the field to show appreciation to members of the military and veterans. On the field, each player will wear and use special equipment that features the NFL Salute to Service camo-ribbon decal. The stadium will also feature camouflage Salute to Service goal post wraps, banners and pylon decals.
Prior to the game, fans can visit the Mobile Vet Center near the Johnsonville Tailgate Village to learn about the MVC's mission of helping veterans adjust back to civilian life after serving in a war zone. The MVC travels to pre- and post-deployment locations letting the Reserve, Guard and Active Duty members know they are available to help them and their families. The American Red Cross will also have several large holiday cards for fans to sign near the MVC for service members, veterans and their families.
During pregame, the Packers and WPS Health Solutions will honor veterans Timothy Flaherty and Dennis Moe as part of Operation Fan Mail on the field.
Prior to kickoff, the national anthem will be performed by Navy Counselor First Class Vincent Wiersma of the U.S. Navy, and a flyover will be performed by four F-15E Strike Eagles, out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. The pilots are from the 334th Fighter Squadron, The Eagles, and the 336th Fighter Squadron, The Rocketeers. In the lead aircraft will be pilot Dylan "Willy" Muench, who grew up as a Packers fan in Nashotah, Wis., as well as Weapons System Officer Eric "Torch" Hammerbeck, who grew up as a Packers fan in Hudson, Wis.
To continue honoring the military at halftime, seven members of the United States Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team will perform a jump and descend into the stadium with their parachutes. Additionally, USS Green Bay Captain Mike Harris and seven members of his crew will also be in attendance and will lead the crowd in singing Roll Out The Barrel during the fourth quarter.
On gameday, the Lambeau Field parking lots will open at 11:25 a.m., with stadium gates opening at 1:25 p.m. The Lambeau Field Atrium, including 1919 Kitchen & Tap, the Packers Hall of Fame and Packers Pro Shop will be open at 11:25 a.m. to ticketed guests only. Stadium exit and re-entry will not be available at any point prior to the game. The team is also reminding fans to allow plenty of time to enter the stadium, and enter through the specific gates indicated on their tickets.
Fans on Sunday can enjoy live music, food, beverages and a festive tailgating atmosphere at the JTV, which opens at 11:25 a.m. for ticketed and non-ticketed guests alike.
Featured alumni are scheduled to make appearances Sunday; Cullen Jenkins and Colin Cole will be taking part in fan activities at surprise locations around Lambeau Field and the Legends Club, respectively, leading up to kickoff. Rob Davis also will be appearing in the U.S. Cellular Loft to greet fans prior to the game.
Also at halftime, the High School Quarterback Challenge, presented by HPE and Camera Corner will take place on the field. The competition will feature players from Oconto Falls High School in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, and Horicon/Hustisford High Schools in Horicon and Hustisford, Wisconsin.
The Packers are reminding fans of the NFL's stadium safety policy. No bags or purses will be allowed inside Lambeau Field unless they are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and are no larger than 12" by 6" by 12". Stadium cushions are not allowed as a part of the policy, however, stadium seats and stadium pads that contain no pockets or zippers and are 18" wide or smaller are allowed. All fans entering Lambeau Field on gamedays will use walk-through metal detectors. For more information about gameday, visit packers.com/lambeau-field/gameday.
