By: Preston Young
As a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, people often give me puzzled looks when I tell them about my deep-rooted love for the team. After all, I’m from Connecticut, a place with no real connection to Wisconsin or the Packers. Most of my friend’s root for local teams, but I’ve always been a proud Cheesehead. What’s even more surprising to many is that, despite my lifelong loyalty to the Packers, I had never been to a game at Lambeau Field—until this year. The stars finally aligned, and I found myself booking a trip for the Packers’ first home game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts.
The trip itself wasn’t the most straightforward, with the easy routes being the most expensive. We flew out of JFK and into Chicago and then rented a car for the three-hour drive north to Green Bay. Being close to New York and Boston and going to stadiums around here, I am used to stadiums in big metropolitan areas. But as we approached Green Bay, I was surprised as to how different the area was.
Lambeau Field is not in a sprawling urban landscape like most modern NFL stadiums. Instead, it’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood. As we drove through the streets, it was surreal to think that an iconic football stadium, home to some of the greatest moments in NFL history, was just around the corner from ordinary houses with kids playing in the yard. It’s part of what makes Lambeau so special; it’s a stadium for the people, quite literally, because unlike any other professional sports franchise, the Packers are owned by the fans themselves, not a single owner. I’m proud to say that I’m one of those fans who bought a share in 2021. It’s one of the many reasons the Packers are a unique team, they’re truly a community-owned organization.
Lambeau Field is the second-oldest stadium in the NFL, but you’d never guess that based on how well it’s been maintained. Walking through its gates, you can tell how fresh and well-kept everything looked. The mix of modern amenities and classic charm makes it feel like you’re stepping into a piece of history, without any of the wear and tear you might expect from a stadium that’s been around for decades.
One thing that stood out to me right away was the atmosphere. Green Bay may be the smallest market in all of sports, but that doesn’t diminish the passion of its fans. Everywhere I turned, there were seas of green and gold, people chanting “Go Pack Go,” and a sense of camaraderie among fans. It felt more like a family reunion than a game day—fans all around our seats knew each other and were happy to finally reconnect since it had been about a year. With a 30+ year waitlist for season tickets, these seats are passed down through generations.
If you’re thinking of Wisconsin, you probably imagine cool, crisp weather—even in the fall. But this game threw a curveball. It was the second-hottest game ever played at Lambeau Field, with temperatures soaring into the low 90’s. I wasn’t expecting to be drenched in sweat at a Packers game, but there I was, roasting under the September sun with thousands of other fans.
Despite the heat, the energy in the stadium was electric. The Packers were starting the game with a second-string quarterback, which made me a bit anxious, especially being at the game with a Colts fan (Rachels sisters boyfriend).
The final score was 16-10 in favor of the Packers. Seeing my team win live, in person, for the first time at Lambeau was everything I had hoped for. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t Bart Starr, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers or even Jordan Love leading the team that day. The Packers’ spirit was alive and well, and I was proud to witness it.
Of course, no trip to Lambeau would be complete without indulging in the local food. Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and the cheese curds at the stadium did not disappoint. Crispy on the outside, perfectly melty on the inside.
In some ways, it felt like we were all part of a small-town event, even though over 80,000 people were there. There’s a reason they call Green Bay “Titletown,” and it’s not just because of the championships. The spirit of the team and its fans is something you don’t find anywhere else.
Being a Packer fan from Connecticut, I’ve always felt a bit like an outsider. But being at Lambeau, surrounded by thousands of other fans who share the same love for the team, made me feel like I was exactly where I belonged. It didn’t matter that I was from the other side of the country—what mattered was the shared love for the Packers.
I’m already looking forward to the next time I can make the trek to Green Bay. Maybe next time, I’ll see Wisconsin in its true form, cold and snowy.
Lambeau Field lived up to all my expectations and then some. If you’re a Packers fan, or even just a football fan in general, it’s a must-visit. The history, the fans, the food—it all comes together to create an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
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