2. Sports

Game Day @ Green Bay, WI 11.04.2012

On Sunday, November 4th 2012, Mike Sweitzer-Beckman (my son-in-law) and I (not only a Dad-in-law but now a Granddad as well) attend a Green Bay Packers game at the famed Lambeau Field. It was on our short term "bucket list" and part of my immersion into a new culture with unique traditions and customs. Here's a photojournalist essay of the day captured by a photographer wearing Green Bay apparel and chanting GO PACK GO- all for the first time. Welcome to Wisconsin.
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  • On Sunday, November 4th 2012, Mike Sweitzer-Beckman and Kent Sweitzer opted for some extending family "male-bonding"and traveled up north to Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin to watch and enjoy the Green Bay Packers vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

    On Sunday, November 4th 2012, Mike Sweitzer-Beckman and Kent Sweitzer opted for some extending family "male-bonding"and traveled up north to Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin to watch and enjoy the Green Bay Packers vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

  • As we headed north and got closer to Green Bay the traffic become more dense - even among the dairy silos and barns of Wisconsin's Dairyland.

    As we headed north and got closer to Green Bay the traffic become more dense - even among the dairy silos and barns of Wisconsin's Dairyland.

  • There's the sign we've been looking for - Stadium-Arena, Packer Hall of Fame, Exit 167.

    There's the sign we've been looking for - Stadium-Arena, Packer Hall of Fame, Exit 167.

  • We looked for the first "tail gate party" parking we could find - $ 10. Each successive block toward the stadium increased by $ 5 - $ 15, $20, and then $25. Here are die hard Packer fans on game day enjoying everything about the "pre-game".

    We looked for the first "tail gate party" parking we could find - $ 10. Each successive block toward the stadium increased by $ 5 - $ 15, $20, and then $25. Here are die hard Packer fans on game day enjoying everything about the "pre-game".

  • Paul Ryan, Congressman from Wisconsin, also running as Vice President on the Romney Ryan ticket, made an appearance too - could not hear anything, hardly see him,. but the bus was a billboard. The real action that day would take place inside Lambeau Field. And one local fan believe that Quarterback Rodgers should get our vote - another indication that most Americans prefer sports over politics.

    Paul Ryan, Congressman from Wisconsin, also running as Vice President on the Romney Ryan ticket, made an appearance too - could not hear anything, hardly see him,. but the bus was a billboard. The real action that day would take place inside Lambeau Field. And one local fan believe that Quarterback Rodgers should get our vote - another indication that most Americans prefer sports over politics.

  • The Miller Brewing Company has game day sales locked up - this is a beer producing state with a multitude of micro-brewers and a long beer brewing tradition. But today, at Lambeau, "It's Miller Time."

    The Miller Brewing Company has game day sales locked up - this is a beer producing state with a multitude of micro-brewers and a long beer brewing tradition. But today, at Lambeau, "It's Miller Time."

  • Here we are - outside the famed Lambeau Field.

    Here we are - outside the famed Lambeau Field.

  • Tradition runs deep in Green Bay - meet Vincent Lombardi and Earl (Curly) Lambeau both of whom stand tall and proud outside the stadium - the line for picture taking here is long.

    Tradition runs deep in Green Bay - meet Vincent Lombardi and Earl (Curly) Lambeau both of whom stand tall and proud outside the stadium - the line for picture taking here is long.

  • And here's one of the Packers biggest fans - Mike - holding today's tickets to the game.

    And here's one of the Packers biggest fans - Mike - holding today's tickets to the game.

  • The proud tradition continues inside the main entrance which also serves as the Packer Hall of Fame.

    The proud tradition continues inside the main entrance which also serves as the Packer Hall of Fame.

  • The line is "packed" at the Meat Packing Company.

    The line is "packed" at the Meat Packing Company.

  • And here we are heading into the stadium at Lambeau Field - it's show time.

    And here we are heading into the stadium at Lambeau Field - it's show time.

  • Wow...look at that sea of Yellow and Green.

    Wow...look at that sea of Yellow and Green.

  • And there's food everywhere.

    And there's food everywhere.

  • Mike's ready for the action.

    Mike's ready for the action.

  • A beautiful fall football day in Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

    A beautiful fall football day in Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

  • Today is Military Appreciation Day so every fan gets to play a role in building a huge wrap around the stadium flag. Under each seat is a "Card Stunt" poster which upon instruction - hold up and look through the open window.

    Today is Military Appreciation Day so every fan gets to play a role in building a huge wrap around the stadium flag. Under each seat is a "Card Stunt" poster which upon instruction - hold up and look through the open window.

  • It is impressive how the stadium is quickly transformed.

    It is impressive how the stadium is quickly transformed.

  • Giant flag waving on the field.

    Giant flag waving on the field.

  • And upon cue - two jet fighters race by overhead and are also captured on the jumbo wide screen synced to the words of the Star Spangled Banner. This also means it's about time for kick off.

    And upon cue - two jet fighters race by overhead and are also captured on the jumbo wide screen synced to the words of the Star Spangled Banner. This also means it's about time for kick off.

  • We're all in this together as the Green and Yellow turns to Red-White-Blue for a few minutes.

    We're all in this together as the Green and Yellow turns to Red-White-Blue for a few minutes.

  • And here's two of today's fans looking right at you - self portraits at games are a fun thing to do - just look for your reflection in the lens and press the release.

    And here's two of today's fans looking right at you - self portraits at games are a fun thing to do - just look for your reflection in the lens and press the release.

  • It's game time...and here we go.

    It's game time...and here we go.

  • Every seat is a good seat at Lambeau - and new additional seats have been added over the years.

    Every seat is a good seat at Lambeau - and new additional seats have been added over the years.

  • This is Wisconsin - Dairyland and home of the Cheeseheads and Packers.

    This is Wisconsin - Dairyland and home of the Cheeseheads and Packers.

  • And yes, we're all packed in here together, staying warm, bumping into your cheesehead neighbor and frequent cheering.

    And yes, we're all packed in here together, staying warm, bumping into your cheesehead neighbor and frequent cheering.

  • Sometimes the fans are supposed to be QUIET. And other times....

    Sometimes the fans are supposed to be QUIET. And other times....

  • not so quiet.

    not so quiet.

  • And at times like this....Not Quiet at All.

    And at times like this....Not Quiet at All.

  • A sea of Green and Yellow with a few red Cardinals tucked in.

    A sea of Green and Yellow with a few red Cardinals tucked in.

  • Now when the Cardinals have the ball it's time to GET LOUD.....that doesn't seem so kind but is typically called the "home field advantage."

    Now when the Cardinals have the ball it's time to GET LOUD.....that doesn't seem so kind but is typically called the "home field advantage."

  • GO PACK GO.

    GO PACK GO.

  • Play action - one advantage of being in the end zone for some plays is the Wide Screen view of the game.

    Play action - one advantage of being in the end zone for some plays is the Wide Screen view of the game.

  • Packers huddle.

    Packers huddle.

  • Stunning catch captured in motion on the Wide Screen as Randall Cobb (18) pulls in the ball.

    Stunning catch captured in motion on the Wide Screen as Randall Cobb (18) pulls in the ball.

  • Mike at Lambeau Field on November 4th, 2012. The touch of red peeking through his green hoodie is probably for the Saint Louis Cardinals baseball team...not the Arizona Cardinal football team.

    Mike at Lambeau Field on November 4th, 2012. The touch of red peeking through his green hoodie is probably for the Saint Louis Cardinals baseball team...not the Arizona Cardinal football team.

  • And here's your photographer, Kent, wearing a Green Bay Packers hoodie for the first time in history. Still have Colts blue pumping through my heart and veins, but up here in Wisconsin I feel comfortable cheering for the Pack.

    And here's your photographer, Kent, wearing a Green Bay Packers hoodie for the first time in history. Still have Colts blue pumping through my heart and veins, but up here in Wisconsin I feel comfortable cheering for the Pack.

  • The Packer fans have repeatedly "voted" for "non-professional" cheerleaders - they prefer that college and even high school cheerleaders do the cheering along with the fans.

    The Packer fans have repeatedly "voted" for "non-professional" cheerleaders - they prefer that college and even high school cheerleaders do the cheering along with the fans.

  • And here's a reminder to MAKE NOISE...

    And here's a reminder to MAKE NOISE...

  • Play Action - I didn't have the option of putting my Telephoto Lens on remote controlled cables that follow the action (see video camera to the left).

    Play Action - I didn't have the option of putting my Telephoto Lens on remote controlled cables that follow the action (see video camera to the left).

  • When you look at 70,000 plus fans closer....that's a lot of people in one setting. Fans drove from all over Wisconsin for the game.

    When you look at 70,000 plus fans closer....that's a lot of people in one setting. Fans drove from all over Wisconsin for the game.

  • And now...for those that might not know all the words to "Roll Out the Barrel"...here they are line by line....and don't forget "Zing, boom tararrel - ring out a song of good cheer." This is a beer drinking culture so any songs that support that tradition are likely to be sung loudly.

    And now...for those that might not know all the words to "Roll Out the Barrel"...here they are line by line....and don't forget "Zing, boom tararrel - ring out a song of good cheer." This is a beer drinking culture so any songs that support that tradition are likely to be sung loudly.

  • Deep punt return underway.

    Deep punt return underway.

  • Untitled photo
  • Everyone is up on their feet.....again.

    Everyone is up on their feet.....again.

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