At Shareholders' Meeting, Packers fans learn there will be metal detectors at Lambeau Field this season

GREEN BAY -- For some, Thursday, July 21st marked the beginning of football season as the Packers held their annual Shareholders' Meeting at Lambeau Field. For a couple of hours, Packers fans pressed "pause" on summer and fast-forwarded to fall.

"This is perfect football weather -- rainy, you know, get dirty, get muddy. That's what football's all about," Philip Pittman, Packers shareholder said.

"It's the start of the season. We as fans get pumped up. Once the stockholder meeting starts and it's done, you know, it's Packers football," Lester Bischoff, Packers shareholder said.

Bischoff, from Sheboygan, was one of about 8,000 at this year's Shareholders' Meeting.

"I look at it from a business aspect. I like to know where they stand," Bischoff said.

The disclosure of Packers' finances provides a rare glimpse into the NFL's pocketbook. The Packers took in more than $408 million in 2015 -- the ninth most in the NFL.

With more than $333 million in expenses, the Packers were 14th in terms of profit.

Looking ahead, Packers President Mark Murphy on Thursday announced the team has applied to host a future NFL Draft -- something he admitted could be a tough sell.

Mark Murphy

"Really depends on what the priorities are for the league. If it's just to generate revenue and room nights, then we might be at a disadvantage," Murphy said.

Regardless of whether the NFL Draft comes to Titletown, shareholders said they're lucky to have an opportunity no other fan base has.

"I talked to two gentlemen who flew in from Boston. Now they're Patriots fans and they flat-out said 'you are the best there is in any sport' and that's true. We are the Packers," Bischoff said.

Fans going to games at Lambeau already know you don't want get there too late because there can be long lines. That'll be especially true this fall because starting this season, there will be metal detectors at every gate.