It sometimes takes a couple of days, but here’s our look at the Falcons-Packers game this past Sunday. The snow started on the way up to Green Bay, and all the pre-game activities were done in a light snowfall. Above, Lambeau looms behind the intersection of Lombardi and Ridge Road, where there is a large tailgating lot.
Bundled up against the cold, fans make their way to the stadium once the gates are open at 10:00 a.m.
The Lambeau concourse area was actually colder than inside the seating area, as the wind was whipping through fiercely and any exposed skin was affected quite painfully. We ate our pre-game bratwursts quickly and got out of there.
We usually grab a bite at the Gridiron Grill, which is just behind our seats in the north end zone’s Section 102.
A pre-game first look at Lambeau on this very cold Sunday morning.
This is what the unprotected rear ends had to face on this day, but we have our chair back seats which give us insulated comfort and a backrest. Sitting on the aluminum benches without something of this sort will chill you to the bone before the first quarter is over. If you look closely, the yellow things under the thin snow layer were for the “card stunt” that was planned for the Dave Robinson tribute at halftime. They pretty much gave up on this.
Setting things up on this day was challenging, as these workers were experiencing while installing television equipment.
LS Brett Goode (#61), P Tim Masthay (#8), and K Mason Crosby (#2) were out early as always, practicing field goals to determine what distances in each direction would be successful during the game in these conditions.
We stood down under the net while they were kicking, and almost caught one shorter kick. This gives a look at the field conditions down at that level.
This can’t be very comfortable to stand in one spot in the cold all day. Then again, it’s probably not much worse than sitting in the stands for four hours.
The Falcons’ special teamers were out doing the same thing as the Packers’ guys.
Looking up into the net behind the north end zone goal posts while the practice kicks were going on.
If you’ve seen the old movies, the playing surface had an “Ice Bowl” look to it.
Looking along the Packers’ sideline from the north.
Setting up in snowy conditions.
The heaters were hooked up an running early. These particular ones blow hot air underneath the sideline benches.
The booth for printing all the overhead photography of the opponent was all enclosed against the elements.
These are the other heaters which just blow hot air out for the players to stand in front of and thaw out their feet, etc.
Atlanta players out on the field “warming up.”
QB Scott Tolzien (#16), WR Jordy Nelson (#87), WR Jarrett Boykin (#11), and QB Matt Flynn (#10) come out to get loosened up.
Is Flynn really happy to be back in Green Bay in this weather?
Nelson chats with Tolzien while throwing the ball around.
The snow and cold affected everybody on Sunday.
More players coming out for pre-game warm-ups.
Injured QB Aaron Rodgers (left) visits pre-game with guest Brian Baumgartner, who played “Kevin Malone” on NBC’s hit series The Office.
Sure wish this guy was playing.
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan comes over meet Baumgartner.
Above and below, the defense warms-up in the cold weather.
A look at Lambeau from the northwest corner of the field.
As the game gets underway, Falcons’ RB Steven Jackson gets a carry. Jackson was pursued by the Packers in the previous offseason, until we drafted Eddie Lacy.
Matt Flynn under center as the Packers get their first offensive series.
Flynn gets a throw off.
The Packers down at the north end zone goal line.
Lacy is stopped after a short gain.
The Lambeau crowd on a cold December Sunday.
This is the play on which Lacy scored a touchdown.
The Packers coaches and bench area along the west sideline.
CB Micah Hyde gets an Atlanta kickoff.
Flynn and his teammates in the huddle deep in their own territory.
Ready to get another play underway.
Flynn is plowed from behind and loses the ball to Atlanta on a fumble.
QB Matt Ryan looks for an open Atlanta receiver.
The Packers have the ball again and one of our receivers is receiving attention from the Falcons’ linebackers before the play.
It’s halftime and the fans are half-heartedly ready for the “card stunt.”
Newly-elected Pro Football Hall of Famer Dave Robinson is honored and he receives his Hall of Fame ring.
Robinson’s name and career years are unveiled along the western inner facade of Lambeau Field.
Atlanta huddles up in the second half.
Flynn looking for someone to throw to.
RB James Starks is in to give some relief to Lacy, who sprained his ankle at the end of the first half. He did keep on playing through the game, though.
Our view on this winter day.
Lacy takes the hand off from Flynn and looks for an opening to the right. He didn’t find it and the Packers had to punt to Atlanta one last time.
Atlanta was moving the ball with no timeouts and the Packers were clinging to a one-point lead, but CB Jarrett Bush made a key INT to ice the game. Above and below, Bush and his teammates celebrate the first win since before Aaron Rodgers was injured on November 4th.
The game is over.
The final score at the top of the board.
Walking back to the car for the drive home. The snowstorm added an extra hour to the trip.
Lastly, this was the game program cover for Sunday’s Green Bay-Atlanta contest. A nice touch on having Dave Robinson on the cover.
