The excitement of the 2011 NFL Kickoff is upon Green Bay and Lambeau Field, and a number of events and activities will give fans the opportunity to get ramped up for the season in a variety of ways.
On Monday, the Lambeau Field Atrium will be site to two television shows that fans may attend. Larry McCarren's Locker Room will take place live at 6:30 p.m., with seating beginning at 6 p.m. The recording of the Mike McCarthy Show will take place at 7:15 p.m. with seating beginning at 6:45 p.m. Both shows have limited seating for attendees.
On Tuesday, fans have the opportunity to take in the exclusive, free viewing of NFL Network's America's Game, 2010 Green Bay Packers, at 7 p.m. in the Legends Club of the Atrium. Seating will begin at 6:30.
On Wednesday, representatives from Jostens will be at the Atrium with displays of the Super Bowl jewelry collections for fans, shareholders and season-ticket holders. The display will continue through Friday. Curly's Pub will be closed to the public Wednesday for a private event, but Atrium eateries will be open to serve Atrium visitors.
On Thursday, the Packers Pro Shop will debut new collections from apparel makers Anastasio Moda, Cuce' Boots and Junk Food. The company designers and representatives will be on hand with their collections. The displays continue Friday and the first 200 purchasers will receive free gifts with purchase.
The normal gameday activities have a few additions given the NFL Kickoff. The NFL's Kickoff tailgate village, with food, beverages and other activities, is located along Armed Forces Drive and opens at 10 a.m. with access via Holmgren Way. Admission is free.
The NFL Kickoff 2011 presented by EA Sports concert features Lady Antebellum, Kid Rock and Maroon 5. The area, also accessed from Holmgren Way, opens with free admission at 3:15 p.m., with America's Game showing on the video screens. The concert begins at 4:30 and run until 6:40 p.m. The concert also will be broadcasted in the bowl for fans attending the game to watch.
Fans should be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. as the pregame festivities will get underway at that time. A huge banner will be displayed on the field celebrating the Super Bowl XLV championship as the team is introduced. Following the introduction of the Packers, the 2010 championship year will be unveiled on the interior stadium wall and celebrated with a brief fireworks display. During the national anthem a special card stunt presented by Penskewill be performed by fans in the stadium bowl which will turn the stadium into a ring of stars and stripes.
Other times to note for Thursday: Lambeau Field parking lots will open at 2:30 p.m. for Thursday's game with procedures the same. Season parking pass holders should park via their normal lot entrances. With a larger-than-normal crowds expected near the stadium, more time should be allowed to get into the lot.
Game attendees not going to the concert and walking from the east should avoid Armed Forces drive and approach the stadium via Lombardi Avenue and Potts Avenue to reach the parking lot. Once in the lot, use the Lambeau Field gate entrance indicated on the game ticket to enter the stadium.
The Lambeau Field Atrium and its businesses, as well as the Tundra Tailgate Zone and activities in the main fan walkway to the Oneida Nation gate, will open at noon for all ticketed guests and stadium gates to seating areas will open at 5:30 p.m.
