Family Night a treat for fans
BY GREG SEUBERT
SPECIAL TO PACKERLAND PRIDE
GREEN BAY – It wasn’t a game or even a scrimmage, but the Green Bay Packers’ annual Family Night practice Aug. 8 at Lambeau Field still offered something for everybody.
For the players, it was a chance to take the field in front of 67,191 fans.
For the coaches, it was another opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season.
For the fans, it was time to let loose, have some fun and show their support for the green and gold.
This year’s event benefitted the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption program.
I had a chance to attend this year’s Family Night for the first time with my sons, 12-year-old Dylan and Kyle; my brother-in-law, Gregg Schumacher; and his sons, Jon and Justin.
We arrived at Lambeau a few hours before the practice started and it didn’t take long before the parking lot was packed with people. Several fans showed up with grills, lawn chairs, portable tents and plenty of food. Some families sat together, while others headed to the now-famous statues of Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau for a photo opportunity.
There were probably hundreds of fans wearing Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews jerseys, but others went old-school, as in Bart Starr or Ray Nitschke.
There were a handful of Brett Favre jerseys in the crowd as well. I even saw someone wearing an Aaron Kampman jersey.
Four Special Olympics Wisconsin football teams from Wausau, Sheboygan and Manitowoc showed off their skills before the practice started and the scoreboard video showed former general manager Ron Wolf’s induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which took place the same day.
Then it was time for some football.
Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and cornerback Tay Glover-Wright came up with interceptions, while Rodgers hooked up with tight end Richard Rodgers for a touchdown pass. Receiver Davante Adams also made a one-handed grab that got the crowd’s attention.
Kicker Mason Crosby wrapped up the practice by hitting eight of eight field goal attempts from 33 to 51 yards.
The night ended with a 20-minute fireworks and laser light show.
- Greg Seubert is the sports editor of The Waupaca County Post in Waupaca, Wis.