Lambeau Field is top of my sporting bucket list

By Sam Rigney / Expert

In 2016 I will celebrate my 30th birthday. Rather than approach the date with trepidation I’ve decided to embrace the occasion and give myself something to look forward to.

I’ve started planning a sporting tour of the US, the centrepiece being Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California.

It’s an event at the top of any US sporting fan’s bucket list.

But this installment of the NFL’s championship game, dubbed the Golden Super Bowl, promises to be a spectacle unlike any other.

Still there is another stadium, about 3600 kilometres to the north east of the San Francisco Bay, which I would like to visit just as much.

It’s the second largest NFL stadium in America, but it’s located in the smallest city to host any of the major sporting franchises.

And yet Lambeau Field – the home of the last vestige of small town teams in America – is unlikely to host a Super Bowl anytime soon.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell previously said it’s not the cold weather in early February that prohibits iconic Lambeau Field from hosting America’s biggest sporting event, it’s the lack of infrastructure in surrounding Green Bay.

Still the Green Bay Packers – the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sporting team in the US – provide their 100,000 plus fans/owners with at least eight enthralling games a season.

They may play in the smallest market, but the Packers have the most loyal fans.

Pre-game at Lambeau Field is said to be the closest thing to an SEC tailgate party that the NFL can offer.

Sunday’s mean the doors to Green Bay stores are shut, with everyone in town either at the game or watching it on television.

And regardless of the team’s place on the ladder, every Packers game at Lambeau Field has been sold out since 1960.

Each year they rank as one of the top teams in terms of popularity and the Packers have one of the longest waiting lists for season tickets in professional sports. Around 86,000 people are waiting for tickets, meaning there are now more names on the waiting list than there are seats at Lambeau Field.

The average waiting time for season tickets is said to be more than 30 years, and the team estimates only 90 tickets are turned over every year.

For this reason, it is not unusual for fans to designate a recipient of their season tickets in their wills or place newborn infants on the waiting list after receiving birth certificates.

A game at Lambeau Field is supposed to be one of the most incredible NFL experiences available, up there with visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The team boasts the league’s oldest and best rivalry, with the Chicago Bears since 1921, and the most iconic celebration – the Lambeau Leap.

They also have some of the best traditions, including the children’s bike ride on the first day of training camp.

And there is no better time to watch Green Bay play at home than in the Rodgers-McCarthy era.

Sure the team has won a swag of NFL Championships and two Super Bowl titles in the past, but the current crop of Packers, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are arguably the most exciting to watch.

The Packers front office is one of the best in football and focus on drafting and fostering talent, rather than working free agency.

And that strategy seems to be working again in 2014, with the Packers up there with the Patriots and Cardinals as the hottest teams in the league.

Rodgers has been unstoppable in the last two games, as he and the Packers offense have dismantled the Eagles and Bears. Rodgers has 656 yards and nine touchdowns in those games despite being taken out in the fourth quarter each time.

Rodgers has firmed as an MVP candidate this season. He is equal-second in touchdowns (28) and sixth overall in passing yards (2748), but it is his lack of turnovers that hold him in good stead.

Rodgers has just three interceptions, including two in a loss against the Saints in New Orleans, and a league best 120.1 passer rating. His touchdown to intercept ratio (25) is by far the best in the league and he is averaging the best yards per pass attempt.

And the scary thing is Rodgers appears to be just getting started.

The success of the Packers is intertwined with the ability of the offensive line to keep Rodgers upright and healthy. If they can, Rodgers has shown he can make all the throws. If it’s not open downfield then he can dump it down to Eddie Lacy or take off for a first down himself. A healthy Rodgers combined with a complimentary running game and a dominant defence could spell another deep run into the playoffs for the Packers.

What sporting event or stadium is on your US bucket list? Do you think the Packers are a Super Bowl dark horse?

The Crowd Says:

2014-11-26T21:24:23+00:00

mushi

Guest


And on the Packers - I think the 4 major leagues now expressly forbid that type of ownership.

2014-11-26T21:23:00+00:00

mushi

Guest


It's a bucket list. if you name 2 billion things on it then it kind of defeats the purpose. the whole idea is to put things on the exemplify that experience.

2014-11-26T20:30:35+00:00

Andrew Kitchener

Roar Guru


Alabama vs Auburn is even better! :)

2014-11-26T12:27:45+00:00

AussieBokkie

Guest


Two facts I didn't know: Green Bay Packers – the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sporting team in the US; and Every Packers game at Lambeau Field has been sold out since 1960. Really interesting to learn Sam. I personally would have loved to make a 49ers game while they were still at Candlestick. Santa Clara or Levi's Stadium won't be the same. Any southern college game would be awesome too - imagine being at an LSU v Alabama game. The atmosphere would be insane!

2014-11-25T20:15:49+00:00

Andrew Kitchener

Roar Guru


Been to USC vs Notre Dame at the Coliseum, USC vs UCLA at the Rose Bowl, the 2009 Rose Bowl Game, hockey at the Garden and United Centre (where I got to meet Bobby Hull & Stan Mikita). Some others, off the beaten path: Football at Boise State. Blue turf. Full stadium. Kellen Moore and a red-hot offense. College hockey at Mariucci Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The best fans in all of hockey, and a great place for history. Daytona 500. Awesome. High school football anywhere - just about as American as you can get. Heading to Bristol Motor Speedway next summer for a short-track NASCAR race. Lazy 160,000 in that joint.

2014-11-25T16:02:50+00:00

JJ

Guest


who says i'm a guy? Sam R wrote "What sporting event or stadium is on your US bucket list? " ... i've given mine based on attending every major stadium/sport in the States. the tailgating you mention is done at almost any college football game and interested to know what you've based your 'best sporting spectacle i have ever experience' on ... i.e. what else have you seen to compare? my suggestion ... don't put all your eggs in one basket and avoid such fixation when there is so much more out there.

2014-11-24T23:04:45+00:00

Andrew Kitchener

Roar Guru


Was at The Big House for Michigan vs. Ohio State last November. Been there for a Michigan game against Bowling Green a few years back (and a college hockey game, too) but NOTHING compares to the atmosphere inside that stadium for the Wolverines vs. Buckeyes clash. You have to feel it to believe it!

2014-11-24T16:40:02+00:00

RDG

Guest


First game I went to lambeau was in 2010, last game of the regular season Chicago @ packers. Green bay needed to win to keep their playoff dream alive. At the time i didn't realize how big of a deal this game was and how lucky I was to get tickets to a game with such importance. My then girlfriend's (current wife) family have season tickets, they were kind enough to take me to the game, I was able to get onto the field before kick off to watch the players warm up (which again I didn't realize how big that was). At the end of the day the packers won and it kick started there road to the Super Bowl which they ended up winning. Ever since that game we go every year and would go more if we lived closer. Will be at the Detroit game this year which will be a massive game too can't wait. I would love to get to a liverpool game at anfield, I think if i could get to that i would be a happy man.

2014-11-24T16:29:21+00:00

RDG

Guest


Don't listen to this guy, I'm lucky enough to be able to attend a packers game up in lambeau every year (if not more). I can tell you its the best sporting spectacle I have ever experienced. The packer fans are the nicest most humble people you will ever meet. The tailgate is insane and amazing, the stadium is built around the suburbs so you will see streets of peoples houses open for tailgates, some charge a small fee for the cost of food and drink. but usually its like 20 bucks all you can eat and drink and they don't do it for profit they do it to build the atmosphere. They have bands and tailgate games happening before kick off its a real carnival like atmosphere picture the SOO times 3 eight times a year. The people of green bay and wisconsin live for football season its just a great sporting town. Even when its freezing cold, the adrenalin is running so much that you can't feel it.

2014-11-24T10:14:00+00:00

Nordburg

Guest


Brookvale Oval must surely be on everyone's bucket list?Spacious seating where you get a free ass rub just by sitting down.Or a knock to the back of the head as someone is sidling to their seat.Or the lovely grassed section that only a mountain goat can stay upright on when there is the slightest of downpours.But the highlight of this visit is the sensual aroma emanating from the spacious restrooms -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.

AUTHOR

2014-11-24T10:07:35+00:00

Sam Rigney

Expert


I was being a bit loose when I said football, I meant NFL. I have amended it.

AUTHOR

2014-11-24T10:07:29+00:00

Sam Rigney

Expert


I was being a bit loose when I said football, I meant NFL. I have amended it.

AUTHOR

2014-11-24T09:36:49+00:00

Sam Rigney

Expert


I wholeheartedly disagree with you, sir. But you are entitled to your opinion.

AUTHOR

2014-11-24T09:35:57+00:00

Sam Rigney

Expert


"It has increased Lambeau Field’s capacity to 80,750 – the second largest in the National Football League." - http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/opinion/editorials/2014/07/26/packers-upgrade-fans-experience-lambeau/13208229/

AUTHOR

2014-11-24T09:35:34+00:00

Sam Rigney

Expert


"It has increased Lambeau Field’s capacity to 80,750 – the second largest in the National Football League." - http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/opinion/editorials/2014/07/26/packers-upgrade-fans-experience-lambeau/13208229/

2014-11-24T09:02:12+00:00

Mute winter

Guest


I hear Lambeau beer brats are THE ONLY beer brats...

2014-11-24T06:43:56+00:00

JJ

Guest


Sorry to burst your bubble but it aint the second largest football stadium in the States, probably doesn't even crack the top 10. Have you any idea how cold and uncomfortable games in Green Bay are ... If of course you go to a game of substance (a playoff game) in January. I spent around 7 years up there and the only place would recommend an nfl game is New Orleans, Seattle and Dallas - packers fans (in the ground) are largely stuck up and entitled. But, I'd choose a college football game over nfl every day of the week as all college tailgating smashes nfl including the packers. If you want a great experience hit a 'bama v auburn game, try the Oregon Ducks in Eugene and if you really want to brave the artic chill Michigan in the big house. Sadly, the USA is overhyped and has nothing on a SOO game ... And for the price you pay for a Packers ticket you could fly to a half way house in Mexico and have a sordid old time ;)

2014-11-24T06:43:35+00:00

Brendo

Guest


Think you might need to recheck the figures for Lambeau and the claim of second largest football stadium.

2014-11-24T06:06:41+00:00

SuperEel22

Roar Guru


Lambeau Field is also on my bucket list. I was able to tick Anfield off last season but I'll hopefully be back there next year. Experiencing the Kop in full voice was something I'll never forget.

AUTHOR

2014-11-24T05:36:57+00:00

Sam Rigney

Expert


I'm glad you mentioned baseball. There are so many iconic parks that have their only personality and history. I would love to see a baseball game in either of the two oldest ball parks - Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. Now that would be special.

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