This is the first of two posts from last Sunday’s Packers vs. Buccaneers game at Lambeau Field. Our last such post with quality images was from the Bengals game in September. For various reasons (weather, night games, etc.), we hadn’t brought the good photo equipment to a game since then. So, sit back and enjoy some photos of what it is like to attend a Packers game.
About an hour and a half before kickoff, fans are milling about and still tailgating outside the stadium. We like to go in early, stake out our rear-end space on the aluminum bench with our padded seats, and watch some warm-ups. This view is looking back towards our end of the field. That’s the north end zone at left, and our seats are in Section 102, five rows off the field.
Here is a mid-field sideline view looking towards the west side of Lambeau Field’s interior. The opposing team’s bench is in the foreground. The Packers have always had the far sideline as their own.
The Packerville, U.S.A. gang in the Lambeau Field Atrium following a delicious bratwurst lunch.
Packers players have come out of the tunnel and are doing some stretching and collecting their thoughts and prayers before the national anthem. The defensive starters were introduced to the crowd, and the offense will be featured at the Vikings’ game. They alternate for every home game.
The Green Bay Packers players, coaches, and football personnel are lined up for the national anthem. During the hoopla earlier this season, our thought was, “This too shall pass.” And it has, for the most part.
During and after the national anthem, the Packers always set off fireworks from the top of the stadium, and the smoke invariably drifts down into the bowl. Today was one of the worst as far as lingering smoke afterwards. It looked like one of those “fog bowl” games. This is the scene during the coin toss.
K Mason Crosby (#2) performs the opening kickoff.
Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston (#3) scrambles through an opening in the line.
QB Jameis Winston (#3) drops back for a pass. The Buccaneers’ short passes were very effective in Sunday’s game.
Tampa Bay WR Adam Humphries (#10) is brought down by CB Davon House (#31).
Here’s something you don’t see every day (above and below) — NFL line judge Tom Stephan had to be helped onto a cart that took him off the field after he got hurt on a third-down play with 11:08 left in the first quarter.
The special teamers getting their instructions on the sideline.
On the field for the first time in the game, QB Brett Hundley (#7) is in the huddle with the rest of the offense.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) giving the signals at the line of scrimmage.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) hands off to RB Jamaal Williams (#30) for his first carry of the day.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) fakes the handoff to RB Jamaal Williams (#30)...
... then drops back to throw.
The offensive line goes one way, and RB Jamaal Williams (#30) goes the other.
In the same vein, RB Jamaal Williams’ (#30) body seems to be trying to go in two different directions at the same time.
K Mason Crosby (#2) kicks a field goal on the south end.
Here come the special teamers again.
The kickoff team huddles and awaits the signal from the referee that commercials are over and the game is ready to be resumed.
LB Nick Perry (#53) chases down QB Jameis Winston (#7), as LB Jake Ryan (#47) and S Josh Jones (#27) shadow a receiver.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) confers with Head Coach Mike McCarthy before coming in to start a series.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) looks up at the north end zone scoreboard as he approaches the huddle.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) scrambles to avoid LB Kwon Alexander (#58), while G Jahri Evans (#73) looks to impede him somehow.
QB Brett Hundley (#7) scoots around the right end, with a Buccaneer chasing him.
All ears are on QB Brett Hundley (#7) in the huddle near midfield.
Above and below, a couple more handoffs to RB Jamaal Williams (#30).
A familiar face back at Lambeau Field — former WR Greg Jennings (at left in the booth) is the color commentator on the FOX Sports broadcast team with Tim Brando.
The Tundra Line performs in the north end zone during a time out.
QB Jameis Winston (#7) hands off to RB Peyton Barber.
LB Clay Matthews (#52) sacks QB Jameis Winston, with an assist from DT Mike Daniels (#76).
DT Mike Daniels (#76) gets congratulations from QB Aaron Rodgers on the sideline.
The exciting world of NFL kickers — P Justin Vogel (#8) and K Mason Crosby (#2) staying warmed up on the sideline.
The offensive line takes a breather on the bench — strategically located near the heater.
The Buccaneers’ QB Jameis Winston (#3) hands off to RB Jacquizz Rodgers (#32), as LB Blake Martinez (#50) awaits an opportunity for another tackle.
Coming Sunday: Part II
