"A lot of people in town!" Packers fans, business owners ready for Sunday's big game vs. the Giants



GREEN BAY -- People were fired up in Green Bay on Thursday, January 5th ahead of the Green Bay Packers big Wild Card playoff game vs. the New York Giants set for Sunday, January 8th. It's a game you'll be able to watch ONLY ON FOX6!

Fans are excited -- and so are business owners! Staff at bars and restaurants in the Green Bay area were preparing for some busy nights ahead.

FOX6 News saw some fans checking out Lambeau Field for the first time -- taking tours and immersing themselves in the playoff fever.

Pat and Tom Quilty



"I have never been to Lambeau Field and I`m almost 69 years old and I thought it was time. I think they're going to win!" Pat Quilty said.

For her husband, Tom, the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Green Bay was a treat.

"I wanted to show her Lambeau Field before, but it`s kind of extra special since they won the conference championship," Tom Quilty said.

Pat and Tom Quilty



In downtown Green Bay, the excitement continued.

Packers fans prepare for playoff game



There will be a pep rally Friday afternoon, January 6th to kick off the fun.

"We close the street. We pull up a pickup truck. It serves as the stage. People are jumping up and down and having a great time," Jeff Mirkes with Downtown Green Bay Incorporated said.

At Hagemeister Park in downtown Green Bay, staff at the bar and restaurant were gearing up for a busy weekend. They said business booms when the Packers do well.



"It definitely helps. A lot of people in town, a lot of visitors. Starts on Friday. Most people arrive on Saturday and it gives us a couple of good nights," Curt Cornell, general manager at Hagemeister Park said.

Packers fans prepare for playoff game



A Packers playoff game brings an estimated $14 million to the area.

"It`s just a huge bonus for the community, having the Packers be in the playoffs this year. It just came as a delightful surprise to many. There`s a lot of excitement in the community and a ton of excitement in the business community," Mirkes said.

Packers fans prepare for playoff game



The downtown pep rally starts at 3:30 p.m. Friday. There's also an official pep rally outside Lambeau Field on Saturday, January 7th at 6:00 p.m.