The first time I went to Lambeau Field was January 12th, 2008 as the Packers were playing the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. It was a snowy playoff game, perfect for a first time experience and it was the last time Brett Favre won a game as the quarterback for Green Bay. The game started disastrously as Ryan Grant fumbled twice in the first 70 seconds of the game and Seattle took an early 14-0 lead. Favre then followed with a touchdown drive to Greg Jennings and Grant picked up the slack scoring a touchdown tying the game 14-14. At the time, this was a record for the most points scored in the first quarter of a playoff game.
The snow globe home field advantage mystique of Lambeau still remained intact. The most memorable play was an 11-yard miraculous “how did he stay balanced?” scoop pass from Favre to Donald Lee on third-and-8 setting up the go-ahead touchdown and the Packers never looked back. It was a winter wonderland by the time the 4th quarter started as snow was piling up on the endzone pylon and shovels were brought out to scrape the snow for line visibility.
The final score in front of the electrifying sold out crowd was 42-20. Favre finished 18-23 throwing for 173 yards and 3 TDs. Grant, who had his most impressive game as a Packer regardless of the two fumbles, finished with a Packers' postseason single game record with 201 yards on 27 carries and 3 TDs. Celebration snowballs were being thrown everywhere as the vibes were immaculate.
I had only been to 3 other football stadiums before walking through the glorious halls of Titletown: Candlestick Park where the 49ers used to play, the Oakland Coliseum where the Raiders used to play, and Sun Devil Stadium where the Cardinals used to play. The fact that all three of these stadiums either do not house an NFL team or no longer exist speaks volumes to the longevity of Lambeau Field and how it continues to thrive and grow while withstanding the tests of time.
Lambeau's legacy remains a top bucket list trip for any sports fan. The aurora of the arena is hard to explain or understand unless you have actually experienced a game there. This game specifically holds significant meaning beyond just a playoff win and a true frozen tundra experience, but witnessing this with my parents and my dad accomplishing his dream to take his son to Lambeau Field was special beyond comprehension. A real dream come true.
I have been to three other games at Lambeau Field since 2008 all of them being regular season games:
In 2010 against the 49ers in a perfect autumn-like weather game on December 5th. The Packers won 34-16 and wore their brown helmet, brown pants and blue throwback jerseys. This was the game that had the incredible Donald Driver 61-yard touchdown catch as he went total beast mode breaking multiple tackles before reaching the endzone.
In 2015 against the Bears on Thanksgiving Day witnessing Brett Favre’s Packer Hall of Fame enshrinement. It was a miserable game as the Packers lost 17-13 in icy cold windy conditions. Da Bears went a decade before beating the Packers again after this, making up for the loss.
In 2021 against the Vikings on January 2nd week 17. It was the last regular season home game and ultimately the last victory for the duo of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Green Bay dominated, winning 37-10 in 7 degree weather. The beer was helpful in keeping me warm but I could not feel my feet by the end of the game. So worth it!
As a West Coast Green Bay Packers owner, my goal is to attend a summer shareholder meeting and Family Night in the near future. If you are considering going to Lambeau Field, I highly recommend you commit and make a memorable trip happen. Whether it is with family, friends, or even a solo trip each experience you will find yourself experiencing something that is incomparable to any other sports team. I am grateful to have been there already four times and look forward to whenever my next trip to Lambeau Field occurs. Thank you for your support cheesehead nation and Go Pack Go!