GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Green Bay Packers home opener brought dozens of former players back to Lambeau Field. Their visit coinciding with the unveiling of an expanded alumni suite in the stadium.
Halftime of the Packers game brought about 50 former players back onto the field. The organization recognizing recent retirees and men from the Lombardi era.
The love from Packers Nation is something these men still cherish whether they played in the last decade or the previous century.
“Having the experience playing somewhere else and seeing kind of the differences, this is a special place. The fans are special, the organization is special,” said Scott Wells who played for the Packers from 2004-2011.
Tight end Paul Coffman added, “Nobody is going to remember how many passes I caught or how many touchdowns I score, but you remember the guys you played with and how the fans treated you and everything. It was dream come true to play for the Green Bay Packers.”
The Packers organization embracing their alumni by expanding the suite where they host former players on gameday.
“Fabulous, fabulous. I don’t think we need anything special, but now we’re grateful we can all be together, that’s what counts,” said Travis Jervey about the expanded suite.
NFL Hall of Fame inductee, Jerry Kramer, said, “It’s just wonderful to be back here. There’s no question about it. It’s just exciting, it’s fun, I’m laughing with the guys, hanging out. I’d love to do it every day.”
The expansion, that includes an outdoor area, doubled the suite size so more and more legends can be accommodated.
Packers board member and former player LeRoy Butler said, “This little area is platinum, because we want the fans to be able to see us and we can see the game and if it’s a little cold we can have our wives go inside. So, it’s the best of both worlds, so this is amazing.”
Before the expansion, the alumni and their guests were confined inside. The new outdoor space not only gives former players more of the bowl experience, but it’s a treat for fans sitting so close by.
“I saw Jerry Kramer over there and I watch him as a kid, on a black and white TV, so it’s pretty cool seeing all to these guys over here,” said fan Steve Murphy from Utah.
The newly expanded suite is a win win for the organization, former players, and fans.
