Reporting by Kathryn Byrnes, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
For the third straight year, Marcus Allen drove 3½ hours from Chicago with his son and daughter for Packers Family Night to watch a practice inside Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Allen said Family Night gives fans a chance to be a part of the Packers environment and spend more of their money on gear rather than seats. Tickets including fees and tax cost $12.42 each.
“You can take something with you every year when you go home,” Allen said.
Family Night returned to Lambeau Field for its 25th year on Aug. 7, giving fans a family friendly event and a budget-friendly way of seeing the Packers inside the stadium.
Prior to the 7:30 p.m. practice, Family Fest was held across the street from Lambeau in the Titletown district, which was a sea of Packers jerseys.
The fest had yard games, face painting, food trucks and drink tents. Some families tailgated, grilling up dinner before the practice.
Julie Butschli came with her son, Tom White, for the second consecutive year.
“We just carry on the Packer tradition,” Butschli said, about honoring her father and brother, who have died.
Butschli was raised a Packers fan in Illinois and now her son lives in Green Bay carrying on the team spirit.
White described Family Night as the “first kickoff” to Packers season that brings people together to experience Lambeau Field.
“Just seeing the stadium, the inside of the stadium, the field, the players, and the tradition that goes along that,” White said.
Kathryn Byrnes is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at kbyrnes@gannett.com or 920-431-8526.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Packers season is in the air as Family Night brings fans together
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