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Lambeau Field Information
The crown jewel of the National Football League, Lambeau Field is a year-round destination venue -- to be enjoyed by Packers fans in a variety of ways, on an everyday basis -- after undergoing a dramatic facelift that added a host of new amenities and attractions. The conclusion of the redevelopment project was marked by a rededication game, Sept. 7, 2003, against long-time divisional rival Minnesota.
Featuring the only true retro-look in the entire league, the glorious tradition and history of the Packers is carried forward in the "like-new" Lambeau Field with its heart -- the original seating bowl -- saved. The same hallowed ground where many of the NFL's greatest moments have transpired continues to exist, a canvas where current players can paint their own memories in future years.
At the same time, the structure has been transformed from a football stadium that fans could use only 10 days a year to a Packers cultural center that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Within the five-story Lambeau Field Atrium, located on the stadium's east side, is the 25,000-square-foot Packers Hall of Fame, corporate meeting or event facilities for 25 to 1,200 people, seven different eating options highlighted by a one-of-a-kind brew pub (Curly's Pub) with interactive areas, and a larger Packers Pro Shop (see page 594-596, 598 for a full listing of the Atrium dining, entertainment and retail options).
Dedicated: Sept. 29, 1957, Green Bay 21, Chicago Bears 17.
Capacity: 72,928 present; 65,290 to 66,110 in 2002; 60,890 in 2001; 32,500 in 1957 (original seating)
Original name: "City Stadium" (new City Stadium)
Original Cost: $960,000 (paid off in 1978)
Renamed: Rededicated as Lambeau Field Sept. 11, 1965, following death of Curly Lambeau the previous June.
Owner: City of Green Bay and Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District (operated/maintained by the team).
Field: A 2-inch thick Kentucky bluegrass surface in a sand-based sod, on top of a 3-5 inch soil foundation (Level 2), interspersed with 8-inch holes filled with sand, promoting drainage during heavy rain. Level 3 has 10 inches of sand; on top of a heating pipe network. Level 4 is a 4-inch base of pea gravel.
Soil warming system: Installed in 1997 to replace original system, put in by Vince Lombardi for 1967 season (failed during the Ice Bowl); current system contains more than 30 miles of radiant heating pipe, which maintains a root-zone temperature of 70-plus degrees during winter months.
Location: 1265 Lombardi Ave., southwest Green Bay.
NFL Championship Games: Three (1961, 1965 and 1967).
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