Packers Family Night returned to Lambeau Field for its 25th year on Friday, Aug. 7, giving fans an opportunity to spend the evening watching the team practice inside the stadium.
Prior to the 7:30 p.m. practice, Family Fest was held across the Titletown District from 3-6:30 p.m. A place for fans and families to hang out and spend their afternoon before entering the stadium.
The fest had yard games, face painting, food trucks and drink tents. Some families tailgated, grilling up dinner before the practice. Titletown was a sea of green and Packers jerseys as families made their way around the grounds.
Julie Butschli came with her son, Tom White, for the second consecutive year.
“We just carry on the Packer tradition,” Butschli said, about honoring her father and brother, who have died.
Butschli was raised a Packers fan in Illinois and now her son lives in Green Bay carrying on the team spirit.
White described Family Night as the “first kickoff” to Packers season that brings people together to experience Lambeau Field.
“Just seeing the stadium, the inside of the stadium, the field, the players, and the tradition that goes along that,” White said.
Packers Family Night attracts fans from all over.
Marcus Allen drove three and a half hours from Chicago for Family Night. It is the third consecutive year he has come with his son and daughter.
Allen said Family Night gives fans a chance to be a part of the Packer environment and spend more of their money on gear rather than seats. Tickets including fees and tax cost $12.42 each.
“You can take something with you every year when you go home,” Allen said.
People began funneling into the stadium for Family Night around 5:30 p.m. to get situated before the practice.
Kathryn Byrnes is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at kbyrnes@gannett.com or 920-431-8526.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Packers season is in the air as Family Night brings fans together
Reporting by Kathryn Byrnes, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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By Kathryn Byrnes, Green Bay Press-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
