Packer's Fan Fest

March 12, 2010 was a day never to be forgotten. I am involved with one of the biggest Packer fans I believe there is out there. So ideally, for his birthday I thought this would be the best gift in the world! Tickets to Green Bay Packer's Fan Fest. General admission was $85.00. Our 6 year old son was free. After arriving at Green Bay we headed straight to Lambeau Field. The two-day event started on Friday at 3:30 pm. We arrived to find that the lines were already pretty long. But we waited. When we got in we received a gift bag with lots of goodies in it including a booklet with coaches, staff, players, and alumni that were going to actually be at this event. Flipping through we also found that at the back of each book there were 4 tickets per person that had a player's name and a time on it. These were the autographs you were guaranteed. Each player that was there signing had a 2 hour time frame where they would sit and sign autograph after autograph. If you had their ticket you were guaranteed the autograph. If you didn't have it they supplied an overflow line that you could stand in. You took the chance of either getting the autograph or missing out. The player's independently chose if they wanted to go over their 2 hours or not. There was also a spot on the third floor called the "Trading Zone". This is where you take your player's tickets that you received that you might not necessarily want. Here you could grab a piece of paper, write who you had that you were willing to give up, and who you were willing to except in return.

The first evening was filled with so much excitement and overwhelming fun! There was interviews with coaches, introductions of players, coaches, and alumni, and a kid's zone. There was also a Packer's garage sale where you could by actual flags, pom poms, etc. that were used in games. Friday was more of a "get to know the stadium" night to kick off this amazing event. We decided to go up to the fourth floor where the private dining room was. While standing up there my 6 year old son was able to receive more than 10 autographs from previous and current players and staff. It was amazing. They got on his level and took pictures with him and took time to talk to him. Standing outside the private dining we were able to catch anyone who came in and out of the dinner. We met the CEO of the Packers, offensive and defensive coaches, and several players.

Saturday was a whole different day! On Saturday there was a question and answer session with James Lofton, a Defense 101 course with Dom Capers, Offense 101 with Joe Philbin, Scouting 101, Special Teams 101, Strength and Conditioning 101, Athletic Training, Locker Room Tours, and free admission into the Hall of Fame museum. During this day there was also many autograph sessions. The Kids Zone had a blow up helmet that the kids could jump on, face painting, cookie decorating, movies, autographs and coloring pages. It was the time of my son's life. During the Locker Room Tours we were able to view all of the special rooms from the weight room to the pool rooms. In the locker room we were able to see one of the players looking through his locker for a belonging. Then we got to walk down the tunnel that the players walk through and onto the sidelines of Lambeau Field. It was amazing.

A good time was had by all, even me, a woman who knows nothing about football or the Packers. There was something for everyone. An experience of a lifetime and something I would do again!