Monday, December 31, 2018

The Ice Bowl — 51 Years Ago Today


Yesterday’s cold day at Lambeau Field was not even close to the frigid conditions during the 1967 NFL Championship game on New Year’s Eve — 51 years ago today. This is of course the famed “Ice Bowl” game that many consider to be one of the two best games in NFL history (the other being the 1958 NFL Championship). Today we present the coverage of that game from the January 8, 1968 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. For much more coverage of the “Ice Bowl,” please check out our extended coverage on last year’s 50th anniversary here). 

















Friday, December 28, 2018

The Lambeau Neighborhood


Lambeau Field is unique compared to its fellow NFL stadiums in that its the only one to sit with homes so close that a decent water balloon shooter would reach it. Some others, like FedEx Field and Gillette Stadium, have condo developments nearby. Most stadiums are in downtown areas, or are out in more remote areas, surrounded by interstate highways for easy access. Here are some photos showing how close some lucky folks are to have the Packers’ home field as a backdrop.


The north end of the stadium faces Lombardi Avenue, but on the other side of that is a cozy built-in-the-1960’s neighborhood.


The south end of the stadium also backs up to a normal neighborhood.






The east side of the stadium is more commercial, facing busy Oneida Street.


This view of the southwesterly end of the stadium makes Lambeau look like its out in the boondocks, but the clear field seen here was until just a few years ago filled with neighborhood homes. The Packers purchased and razed these dwellings to make for additional parking, much of which is used for game day stadium employees and media.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Falcons at Packers — Part II


The Packers on offense in the second half.


The Packers offense at midfield.


QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) gets out of the pocket to search for a receiver.


FOX cameraman bundled up against the cold at Lambeau Field.


QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) about to go down in a sack.


CB Jaire Alexander (#23) after returning an Atlanta punt.


Time out time with the Packers’ offense.


A cold day at Lambeau Field and the windows are open up in the expensive seats.


QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) hands off to RB Aaron Jones (#33).


vertical view of the Packers’ offense going south on the field.


The Atlanta Falcons’ sideline.


Atlanta LB Deion Jones (#45) looks over the Packers’ formation.


QB Matt Ryan (#2) looking to get into the north end zone.


A defensive time out.


WR J’Mon Moore (#82) waiting to catch a high Atlanta punt.


Fourth-quarter action as RB Aaron Jones (#33) comes our way.


The Packers’ defense tries to get pressure on QB Matt Ryan (#2).


I never can figure out why fans make noise when the Packers have the ball. My guess is that it’s mostly people who have never been to Lambeau before.


DL Kenny Clark (#97) about to get into QB Matt Ryan’s face.


The final score on this Sunday.


A good feeling after this game.


Your Packerville, U.S.A. founder and editor (left) and his oldest friend at the game today.


Lambeau Field on Sunday evening, several hours after the game.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

2018 Week 17 NFL TV Maps


The Week 17 NFL TV Maps are out for this weekend’s football broadcasts. The Green Bay Packers will finish the 2018 regular season at Lambeau Field, hosting the Detroit Lions at Noon (CT) on Sunday. As with last week, the Packers’ losing season reduces their exposure, and the game will be broadcast only in most of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, as seen in the map above. The maps below show which other games you’ll be able to watch in your area this weekend — along with the only primetime national game.








Maps courtesy of 506 Sports

Falcons at Packers — Part I


It’s been over two weeks since we were at the Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers game on December 9th. So, we’re long overdue for posting images from the game here on Packerville, U.S.A. Above, our standard shot for each game weekend, behind the information desk in the Lambeau Field Atrium.


A panoramic view of the Lambeau Field Atrium.


Pre-game sideline views (above and below).




Atlanta QB Matt Ryan (#2) warming up on a crisp day in Green Bay.


P JK Scott (#6) holds for K Mason Crosby (#2).


Heaters heatin’ up the Packers sideline.


Interim Head Coach Joe Philbin walks the field.


Packers players coming out for their main warm-ups.


GM Brian Gutekunst (in dark jacket) visits with other personnel.


Sweet retro jacket.


Players in the north end zone in the minutes prior to the national anthem.


Interesting sunlight before the opening kickoff.


QB Matt Ryan (#2) looks over the Packers’ defense.


Coach Philbin immediately challenged two calls, one of which is being reviewed here by the referee.


The defense stops an Atlanta ball carrier.


RB Jamaal Williams (#30) awaits the kickoff.


QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) scrambles to the right.


The players’ breaths are visible on this cold day, as QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) passes to the right.


A Packers’ run up the middle doesn’t get too far.


The Packers’ defensive huddle.


It was fairly warm if you were in the sun, but got pretty cold once the shade covered the stands.


RB Tevin Coleman (#26) busts through the Packers’ blockade.


The defense stops the Atlanta ballcarrier on this play.


The Green Bay defensive alignment awaits the snap of the ball. We were trying to catch as many players frosty breaths as possible.


QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) looking for an open receiver.


Above and below, DE Dean Lowry (#94) working against the Atlanta front line.




QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) safely slides after a run for positive yardage.


A close-up view of QB Aaron Rodgers (#12), C Corey Linsley (#63), G Lucas Patrick (#62), and RB Aaron Jones (#33).


QB Matt Ryan (#2) hands off to RB Tevin Coleman (#26).


The Atlanta offensive huddle.


P Matt Bosher (#5) gets one off safely deep in his own territory.


Above, and the following three photos: the scrum that developed after a late hit on QB Aaron Rodgers (#12).








U.S. Army skydivers perform above and into Lambeau Field.


Santa Claus comes down with the Army.

NEXT: PART II