Lambeau Field ready for Packers-Dolphins Salute to Service game
GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Lambeau Field is ready to honor veterans and military members at Sunday afternoon’s Veterans Day game between the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins, in conjunction with the NFL-wide Salute to Service recognition of Veterans Day.
Many activities both on and off the field on Sunday will be dedicated to showing appreciation to the U.S. Military. On the field, each player will wear and use special equipment that features the NFL Salute to Service camo-ribbon decal. The stadium will also feature camouflage Salute to Service goal post wraps, banners and pylon decals. The game-used items will be auctioned off at NFLauction.nfl.com, with proceeds benefitting the league’s core military nonprofit partners.
During pregame, the Packers and WPS Health Solutions will be recognizing 10 Wisconsin veterans through Operation Fan Mail on the field.
Additionally, one member from each branch of the military, as well as one firefighter and one police officer, will be introduced on the field prior to the national anthem, which will be performed by a brass quintet made up of members from the 132nd Army Band of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
A flyover will be performed by four F-15E Strike Eagles from the 334th and 335th fighter squadrons, both based out of Seymour Johnson air force base in North Carolina.
During halftime, the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team (WWAFT) will take on a team of Packers alumni in a flag football game on Lambeau Field. The team is made up of service members who have served and are now using prosthetic devices to engage in everyday life activities. WWAFT’s mission is to raise awareness and support for wounded warriors and their families by showcasing the team on the field, inspiring fans and highlighting the perseverance of active and former service members.
The organization also is reminding game attendees that no bags or purses are allowed inside Lambeau Field unless they are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and are no larger than 12” by 6” by 12”. All fans entering Lambeau Field on gamedays will use walk-through metal detectors. For more information on gameday carry-in and safety policies, please visit packers.com/gameday.
Prior to the game, fans can visit the Mobile Vet Center near the Johnsonville Tailgate Village to learn about the MVC’s mission of helping veterans adjust back to civilian life after serving in a war zone. The MVC travels to pre- and post-deployment locations letting the Reserve, Guard and Active Duty members know they are available to help them and their families. The American Red Cross will also have several large holiday cards for fans to sign near the MVC for service members, veterans and their families
Two featured alumni are scheduled to make appearances Sunday; John Jurkovic and Ryan Grant will be taking part in fan activities at surprise locations around Lambeau Field and Legends Club, respectively, leading up to kickoff.
The pregame festivities will also honor Hana Baumler from Marinette, Wis., as the “Shopko Kick-Off Kid.” The 12-year-old makes and delivers treatment baskets for cancer patients to make their time in the hospital more comfortable and remind them they aren’t alone. Learn more about Shopko's Kids Making a Difference at shopko.com/kickoffkid.
Also during halftime, the High School Quarterback Challenge, presented by HPE and Camera Corner, will feature players from James Madison Memorial High School of Madison, Wis., and Verona High School of Verona, Wis., in an on-field competition.
Fans on Sunday can enjoy the Johnsonville TailgateVillage, the permanent tailgating and event space in Lambeau Field’s east side parking lot. The JTV, along with the parking lots, will open at 11:25 a.m. for ticketed and non-ticketed guests alike and will feature live music, food, beverages and a festive tailgating atmosphere.
As Sunday’s game was flexed to begin at 3:25 p.m., the Lambeau Field Atrium will be open to ticketed guests only beginning at 11:25 a.m., and stadium gates will open at 1:25 p.m. Visit packers.com/gameday for more information.