The Vikings-Packers weekend was unusual in that we were not in Green Bay from Thursday night through the game, as we normally do. First, we had a wedding in Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon, and then we drove from Indy to Green Bay on Saturday night, arriving in Titletown at 1:00 a.m.
Bleary-eyed, this was the scene awaiting us when we walked from our parking area to Lambeau Field on Sunday morning.
It was a HOT day in Green Bay, and our seats are in 100% sun for 100% of the game if it starts at Noon on a sunny day. This was the view shortly after 10:00 a.m., when the stadium gates opened.
Our usual mode is to go down behind the Packers’ bench area during warm-ups, as we did on Sunday.
A panoramic view of the bench area from along the yellow railing separating this from the seating area.
The Green Bay Packers warming up on the south end of the field.
The Minnesota Vikings warming up on the north end of the field.
Another panoramic view of the field from the entrance tunnels level of the stadium.
The crowded concourse area about a half-hour before kick-off.
Our usual choice for a bratwurst before the game, near our sections (100 & 102) for both Green and Gold Package games.
Packers players limbering up an hour or so before the game. TE Jimmy Graham is at left.
Former Packers’ WR James Jones on the sideline in his capacity as an analyst for the NFL Network.
Every year, there is an inordinate number of these people at games in Lambeau. Having Vikings’ fans sitting in your seats should be grounds for losing your season tickets.
The only better place to be on a Sunday morning is in a house of worship of your choice.
WR Davante Adams works against one of his teammates.
The special-teamers gather together, and are always the first out in their uniforms.
K Mason Crosby (#2) gets in some pre-game field goals.
GM Brian Gutekunst walking the sideline on game day morning.
P J.K. Scott (#6) booms a few to get a feel for the wind.
The enemy.
The team comes out en masse for pre-game warm-ups.
Team huddle.
It’s official!... QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) will play in today’s game!
QB Tim Boyle (#8), WR Randall Cobb (#18), and QB Aaron Rodgers (#12).
A close-up of QB Aaron Rodgers (#12).
Another close-up.
The team heads back to the locker room for their last-minute game prep.
Another photo of the enemy.
The stadium fills up.
The Packers come out and the starting defense is introduced.
The “100 Seasons” theme is everywhere this year.
The giant flag for the National Anthem.
The Green Bay Packers during the National Anthem.
Two F-18 fighter jets perform the post-anthem flyover.
Photo: Packers.com
The opening kick-off.
The game gets underway as QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) sets to throw.
Coming next: Part II
