ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – The red carpet was rolled out for fans of both the Wisconsin Badgers and LSU Tigers at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport on Thursday.
“We just really want to put the welcome mat out for them,” says Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, armed with purple and gold beads for those arriving. “They’re kind of known for southern hospitality. We want to show them up here that we can welcome them, give them more information about the community.”
Officials should call it “northern hospitality”.
“At the end of the day, it’s a great opportunity for Brown County to showcase what we really represent in this community,” Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach says. “The fan experience is going to be amazing.”
The Pulaski High School Band performed as fans, along with just people coming off of an airplane, were greeted by cheers, pom poms and cameras.
Angela Foret and her husband came from Houston, Texas. Foret says she married a “Cajun” and they share a love for LSU Tiger football.
“That was so cool!” Foret exclaimed about the greeting they received. “That was the coolest experience ever.”
Foret says they were given tickets to Saturday’s game at Lambeau Field as a gift. It’ll be at least the second visit to pro football’s hallowed ground since Foret says that’s the one place she’s looking forward to visiting most.
Members of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau also greeted fans entering baggage claim to help with other attractions they can catch.
“We want to make sure that they get those opportunities because they’re going to be here for a couple of days,” says Brenda Krainik, Director of Marketing with the CVB. “That way we can move them around the community and they’ll be able to see a little bit more of Green Bay.”
In all, 7 charter flights flew from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Green Bay Austin Straubel Airport on Thursday with about 800 LSU fans.
