GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay Packers fans could be one step closer to taking a seat in the stands.
On Monday, the Packers announced they will allow a “limited group” to watch the game at Lambeau.
The Packers will be welcoming about 500 team employees and their families into Lambeau on Sunday.
“They really felt that this was an opportunity to model good behavior and that you can have events, especially outdoor events like this, in a safe way,” Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said.
The Packers hope to test their COVID-19 protocols, so they’re ready to host ticketed fans when the time comes.
In a normal year, a single Packers game has an economic impact of $15 million.
“To have that big of an impact for one particular thing that happens in your area really isn’t seen in other NFL cities,” Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing manager Brenda Krainik said.
Krainik tells FOX 11 The Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau looks forward to seeing fans in the stands again.
“Tourism has been devastated this year and if there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it comes in the way of having football in Green Bay, even if it’s for a few fans, we’re very excited for that opportunity.”
For some nearby businesses, it’s too late to make up for lost profits from a normal Packer season.
The Jersey Store in Green Bay relies heavily on Packer training camps and fans on game days.
After 24 years in business, the store is closing its doors.
Managere Mike Walton tells FOX 11….
“We made the decision to shut down in May. We had a two month lockdown leading into that, statewide lockdown and everything and then looking at the forecast of the season and the immediate future was no fans at games, probably no training camp.”
The Jersey Store is liquidating its inventory, but Walters is hopeful for his neighbors that fans will return once again.
“At least they can maybe make up a little bit of what’s been lost over the last few months.”
The Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau say people can still help local businesses, whether there are fans in the stands or not.
Brenda Krainik recommends online ordering, curbside pickup, and shopping local for the holidays.
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