My Happy Place
Lambeau Field
1265 Lombardi Ave
Green Bay, WI 54304
44.501308, -88.062317
My first time to Lambeau was pretty unofficial. I was seeing Avenged Sevefold at the Resch Center - right next to Lambeau. We’d driven the 3 hours to Green Bay and after a meal, we hopped over to what was about to become my happy place.
We did the Hall of Fame and the Pro Shop. It was…STUNNING. Lambeau is a beaut inside and out. From its gorgeous outer brick with green trim, the gigantic G you can see from the highway, to the various statues of Packers heroes, including Vince Lombardi. You can also snap a pic of yourself doing the Lambeau Leap!
The Pro Shop is MASSIVE. And they have EVERYTHING Packers you could possibly want. They’ve got normal fanfare merch like jerseys, hoodies, and hats; but they also have kitchen tongs, baby onesies, dog collars, wine stoppers, playing cards, beer openers (and about half a million other items). I’m always entranced when I swing by the store.
The Hall of Fame was an EXPERIENCE. I got to compare my hand size to players past and present. (Those dudes are HUGE!) I got to see the awards; the trophies my favorite team has collected over the years, including the Lombardi (yes the Super Bowl trophy that is named after our nearest and dearest,) MVPs and all the hall of famers.
As you may or may not know, the Packers have a tradition of riding kids’ bikes to practice. It’s ages old and something both the players and fans look forward to each season. In the HOF if you look up, there are kids’ bikes creating a mosaic of metal parts on the ceiling. Truly symbolic and beautiful. One of my favorite displays was the evolution of uniforms for the Acme Packers to the team they are today. The history is so cool.
My second time at Lambeau, I took my mom to see Paul McCartney. **coughs** sorry. SIR Paul McCartney. She’d been in love with the man since she was 5 years old and I absolutely adore the Beatles; his solo work is solid as well. I remember he opened with Hard Day’s Night, to my particular delight. What I don’t remember is paying much attention to Lambeau on the inside.
Beyond the HOF and the Pro Shop, there are what feels like miles of walkway with concessions, TVs so you don’t miss the game, and the cleanest of public restrooms. Food and drinks were juuust above what I find appropriate which was cool.
Other than these observations, I was truly most concerned about not getting separated from my oblivious mother, and finding our seats. Bleacher seats, by the way. Bring something to sit on 😉.
Several years later I finally made it to a game. It was a pre-season game but a game, nonetheless. The whole 3 hour drive up I was buzzing with excitement. Once parked, I could only think two things:
1. This is it.
2. GO PACK GO!
It’s been a few summers so I honestly can’t remember if we won or not. But that truly didn’t matter to me. I was watching my boys in the flesh for the first time ever. And yes, it was early enough in his starting career with Jordan Love that I did, in fact, get to see him play for a bit. It was surreal.
~68,000 fans filled the bleachers even though it was a preseason game. At one point, the entire stadium did the wave in circular succession 3 or 4 times! It’s was hilarious and exhilarating all at once. I was happy. Genuinely happy.
I implore you to find that special spot. A place that just brings out the best emotions in you: excitement, anticipation, thrill, and a sense of belonging. Walking in a sea of fans in green and yellow, all there to cheer for the same team. It’s a union of all types of humans, all shapes and sizes and colors, all with the same appreciation for what we’re witnessing.
I could not be happier when I’m at Lambeau. There’s just something so special about the historic stadium. Would def recommend a trip to visit, even if you just check out the HOF. Totally worth it.
H
