GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Monday Night Football is coming, and not only is it the Packers home opener, but it’s the first official game with full capacity since early 2020.
From picking out Packers gear, “this is where we always stop first to see what the new merchandise is,” said Packers fan Beverley Gray from Kansas City.
To checking hotel reservations for the weekend, Green Bay is ready for the Packers home opener and fans packing the streets around Lambeau.
“I think it’s awesome. I watched the Badgers game a couple weeks ago. It’s good to see the crowd back into it. That’s a huge part of the atmosphere,” said Jeremy Kamphuis of Waupun.
For local hotels, prepping for the season is a total one-eighty from last year.
“It’s totally different, definably a lot more excitement in the air, this time last year there were no fans so it didn’t even feel like a Packers season,” said Stacie Christel with Aloft Hotel.
It’s no secret that the pandemic hurt the hospitality industry. Christel, a 25 year veteran in the hotel business, says it has never been hurt this bad.
“Having worked after 9/11 and then the recession in 2008, 2009, COVID was like nothing we’ve ever experienced before,” said Christel.
Christel is the director of sales of Aloft Hotel. She says the upcoming home opener has occupancy rates returning close to what they once were.
“We’re close to full on both nights. We’ve still got a few rooms, few stragglers still available,” said Christel.
Chrsitel says in terms of out of town guests coming to Titletown, it’s a promising outlook so far.
“Right now, beginning of the season always starts strong,” said Christel.
But of course, a few factors will play a role in the hotel’s occupancy for the remainder of the season.
“It always depends on how the Packers play, along with the weather,” said Christel. “A lot of different elements there.”
In the meantime, some Packer fans are hopeful for a postseason run.
“A run to the Super Bowl would be awesome,” said Kamphuis.
If you are heading to Monday night’s game, read here on what’s changed around Lambeau Field.
You can watch Monday night’s game between the Packers and Detroit Lions live on FOX 11. Coverage begins with FOX 11 Pregame Live at 6 p.m., followed by kickoff at 7 p.m.
“Wheel of Fortune” airs at 5 p.m., with “Jeopardy!” at 5:30 Monday night.
