GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Besides the actual game, a lot of conversation from fans at Sunday’s Packers home opener centered around concessions.
In-stadium vendors returned for the first time in five years, and some fans had difficulty finding water.
Vendors were seen going up and down the Lambeau Field stairs for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. They went away when the stadium went cashless. Now that technology has improved, the Packers say they are evaluating whether to have the vendors back for good.
“I personally would like to see them back, just because I think it’s good for the people that are doing that, because I’m sure they’re part of the community and it’s their way to interact with fans who are at a Packers game,” said Sheree Schneider of the town of Rome.
Just like the players, the vendors were able to knock off the rust in the preseason. About 15 worked the exhibition game, while even more were working for the home opener.
“Usually if there’s a break between quarters, I prefer getting up and going to the concession stand would be my preference,” said David Anderson of Houghton, Michigan.
“Usually when you get up to go, leave and get something, is when they score,” said Schneider. “I’d prefer that I could just stay there and have them wait on me.”
One concession item people claimed to have difficulty getting Sunday was water. Some even said it was a struggle before the game reached halftime.
“We went to about three places that didn’t have water, until like the fourth one had water,” said David Gelb of Green Bay. “It was a really hot day and we all drank like two waters. It was crazy.”
The Packers sent FOX 11 the following statement about the water issue:
“Due to the heat at yesterday’s game, there was very high demand for bottled water throughout the stadium.
Our concessions team prepared for the forecasted heat by stocking more water at the stands in line with what fans purchased at recent Lambeau Field events with similar high temperatures. But yesterday’s demand outpaced those estimates. Our teams worked to restock water at stands as soon as they ran low. Staff provided water in cups and also refilled empty water bottles upon request.
We appreciated fans’ patience as our teams worked to accommodate the heavy demand. Our teams will review the information from Sunday’s game and apply that to our planning for future games.”
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