A sign detailing rules of entry at Lambeau Field, including specific warnings surrounding COVID-19. (WTAQ/Casey Nelson)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Packers would like to keep inviting frontline workers to Lambeau Field for playoff games, according to President and CEO Mark Murphy.
In his monthly ‘Murphy Takes Five’ article on the Packers’ website, Murphy was asked about extending the ticket invites to retail workers, food workers, and those who’ve lost businesses during the pandemic.
“We’ve really been pleased to be able to honor our front-line workers (healthcare, police and fire department employees) by inviting them to attend our last two home games,” Murphy wrote in the Q & A column. “We would like to continue to have invited guests for home playoff games (and the groups that you both mention are providing important services), but I worry about where we would draw the line if we go beyond front-line workers. As a result, we would like to continue to invite front-line workers, and possibly include front-line workers from beyond the Green Bay area.”
The team has not officially announced any plans for allowing fans to attend playoff games at Lambeau.
Murphy was also asked whether the team would consider inviting essential workers who have proof they’ve received a COVID-19 vaccination.
“This is actually something that we are considering and hopefully will be able to do for home playoff games,” said Murphy. “The league is also looking to invite vaccinated health care workers from the NFL cities to the Super Bowl. I think it will send a strong message and hopefully encourage people across the country to get vaccinated.”
The Packers did not have any fans at its first four games this season and team officials have said they’re making decisions based on guidance from area health officials.
The Packers first allowed some of its employees and their families to attend the games against the Chicago Bears on November 29th and Philadelphia Eagles on December 6th. It then added healthcare workers for the Carolina Panthers game on December 19th. For the Tennessee Titans game on December 27th, select Packers employees, healthcare workers, and police and fire employees were offered tickets, bringing the largest crowd for a game this season with about 1,000 people in attendance.
FOX 11 has reached out to the Packers to find out when an official announcement for the playoffs will be made.
FOX 11 also asked whether season ticket holders will be extended an offer to purchase any tickets. The team had ticket holders opt in or out for the opportunity at the beginning of the season, but has yet to offer any tickets for purchase.
The Packers are guaranteed at least one home playoff game as champions of the NFC North division.
With a win against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the team will clinch a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. That would mean the team’s first playoff game would be the weekend of January 16th-17th.
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