Over 30,000 fans filtered into Lambeau Field as the Green Bay Packers invited its Brown County neighbors to check out the newly renovated stadium and atrium addition, Sunday.
"The reason we're here today is to say Thank You," Packers president and CEO Bob Harlan said during the Brown County Appreciation Day ceremony. "Thank You to those who helped pass the referendum, those who helped build this beautiful new facility, and a special Thank You to you, the people of Brown County, who made all this possible."
The free event was open to the public and included free carnival rides for children, free live music and a special thank you program held inside the atrium.
In addition, fans were encouraged to take a self-guided tour throughout Lambeau Field to take in all the improvements made during the $295 million redevelopment project funded by the residents of Brown County.
"It was absolutely worth the money," said Dan Rogers, a Green Bay resident. "The concourses are really impressive and the atrium has a real feeling of spaciousness. It's truly a first class stadium."
The most notable addition to Lambeau Field is the five-story atrium, featuring a front glass wall measuring 85' x 208'. The Atrium is home to the Packers Hall of Fame, Packers Pro Shop and Extra Points store, Curly's Pub, Paparazzi Pizzeria, Frozen In Time Ice Cream Shop and the atrium eateries (Brett Favre's Two Minute Grill, Chili John's Café, Fratello's Presto and the Meat Packing Company).
Also included in the redevelopment project were improvements to the lower concourse, now better equipped to handle fan traffic on game days, an Associated Bank Club Level, which offers 6,000 additional seats, Private Boxes, a new upper concourse, new scoreboards complete with full-color LED video displays of 27' x 48', 95 additional concession stands and a significantly increased number of restrooms.
Brown County Appreciation Day is the first of a weeklong list of fan activities leading up to the official re-dedication of Lambeau Field, Sunday, Sept. 7.
"We believe this grand opening week will provide the local community and all of our fans, wherever they reside, an opportunity to be a part of the great history and tradition of the Packers and Lambeau Field," Harlan said.
Click here for more information on the Lambeau Field Grand Opening Celebration Week.