Destination Lambeau Field

Being in North Central Wisconsin, we're able to get to Green Bay via highway 29 East takes about an hour and 20 minutes. Spend a night on vacation in the city of Green Bay? Two words: Lambeau Field.

Lambeau Field is one of the most spectacular football stadiums in the NFL circuit and is open year round to the Packer faithful. The facility original was named City Stadium and opened on Sept. 29, 1957, with a 21-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. The stadium was later renamed to Lambeau Field in 1965 following the death of E.L. 'Curly' Lambeau.

As time passed with three Superbowl Championships out of four appearances, making up for a total of twelve NFL Championships the time arrived to transform Lambeau Field from a game day stadium to a year round facility.

With the help of the City of Green Bay, the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, and the local taxpayers via referendum, a $295 million dollar renovation took place. The completed stadium opened on time, within budget against the Minnesota Vikings on September 3^rd, 2003.

So what did this $295 million renovation add to make it worth an overnight or two day trip? Lots if you're a Green Bay Packer fan or even just a fan of NFL football. Here are my suggestions from my family's trip to the "Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field."

Arriving at Lambeau Field you're immediately taken in by the size of the stadium. The renovation placed a complete shell around the outside of the existing stadium. They also added a 5 story atrium area.

As you pull into the parking lot you're greeted by two of the most historical figures in Green Bay Packer history as well as NFL history. Vince Lombardi and E.L. 'Curly' Lambeau stand in all there glory overlooking the front entrance. These 14 foot tall bronze statues take your breath away with their accurate features. These are a huge fan attraction with lines waiting to get pictures in front of the two figures.

Once inside the stadium tour is a must. This one hour walking tour of Lambeau Field takes around the atrium, up to the Club Level and a look at the Legends Club, a view into the state of the art locker rooms area and down the same tunnel as the players to the field level. As you're exiting the tunnel, be sure to pay attention to the special section of concrete and the commemorative plaque on the wall. This concrete was moved from the old tunnel and is the same concrete walked across by Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, and Brett Favre. Being there were almost 35 people in our group I was surprised to find out that my family was the only one from Wisconsin. But remember, tours fill up fast so buy your tickets right away upon arriving.

The Green Bay Packer Hall of fame is located below the atrium. This 25,000 square foot facility covers the 80 year history in depth. The Hall of Fame has over 80 exhibits on site. The Green Bay Packers three Superbowl Trophies (The Lombardi Trophy,) a huge interactive area for kids and a replica of Vince Lombardi's office. Throw in the interactive exhibits and you'll get your fill of history.

Don't have enough Packer memorabilia? Need an A.J. Hawk authentic jersey? Need a Packer Bowling shirt? Need a Packer throw rug or even a whole rec-room full? Then the Green Bay Packer Pro Shop located in the Lambeau Field Atrium has it. This two story store has everything you could possibly ask for Packer. Whether you're outfitting your newborn or your golf bag, they have it. Bring your wallet though, there's a reason they Packer are near the top for merchandising in the NFL. However, plenty of bargains and sale items are available if you take the time to look.

By now you have no doubt worked up an appetite and thirst. Lambeau Field's atrium offers 4 unique dining areas: The Hall of Fame Grill, Frozen in Time, Seasonal Eateries, and my favorite, Curly's Pub.

Curly's Pub is named after the founding father and first coach of the Green Bay Packers, E.L. 'Curly' Lambeau. You might have noticed his name being quite prominent in this article. But considering he was responsible for getting the team into the newly formed NFL with his own money, he deserves it. Anyway Curly's Pub is located on the second floor of the Lambeau Field atrium and consists of three distinct areas. The formal dining area which features a very large Green Bay Packer symbol in the ceiling, the bar area featuring a rectangular bar and seating areas with 138 TV's, and the game room with over 50 games and an interactive football skills area.

The menu covers a wide variety of tastes from bratwurst to planked fish. Although prices are a little spendy, (Our bill was $70 with tip for a family of four) the portions are large and delicious. My personal favorite is the garlic parmesan fries. Add to that your choice of domestic and import beers, as well as the house favorite, Curly's Ale and your sure to walk away full and satisfied.

I personally always go for the Curly's Ale. If you have time and are staying with in walking distance of Lambeau I'd recommend the 1/2 yard of Curly's Ale or two.