DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Packers are getting ready to go back to school.
The unique tradition started 62 years ago under the leadership of Vince Lombardi.
Every July, Green Bay players pack the dorms of St. Norbert College, where they’ll be staying for three weeks during training camp in slightly less than luxurious conditions.
“They basically have a window air conditioning unit and that’s it,” explains Kelly Nass, Director of Packers Camp. “They just want them here all in one place.”
Approximately 220 dorm mattresses were replaced on Monday with around 100 custom-sized mattresses for players.
“They are a twin size mattress,” says Nass. “But, they are going to be longer and a little bit wider than your average twin size mattress.”
The special mattresses include cooling technology, maybe a good thing considering the time of the year.
And especially since there is no central air.
“It’s a window a.c., but the rooms are small enough that those rooms get pretty cold at night,” she explains.
Roots run deep in this tradition and in fact, it’s the longest such relationship between a pro football team and a college in the NFL.
Rookies will report on July 21, while everyone else comes on July 23.
Much like college, you’re responsible for bringing your own entertainment.
“They do need to bring in their own TVs, computers,” says Nass.
Packers Training Camp starts Thursday, July 25, with four practices during opening week.
Three more practices will be held the following week, prior to Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field on August 2.
The team then hosts the Houston Texans for two joint practices on August 5 and August 6, before the preseason opener at home on August 8.
