"Eye on the future:" Packers unveil plans for 34-acre Titletown District near Lambeau Field

GREEN BAY -- After seven years of planning, the Green Bay Packers formally announced plans on Thursday, August 20th for the Titletown District. It's a development project which will be built on a 34-acre parcel of land immediately west of Lambeau Field along Lombardi Ave. It'll include a hotel, brewery, restaurant, sports medicine facility and public plaza.

The Packers own more than 65 acres around Lambeau Field in the Village of Ashwaubenon. Team leaders said Thursday the first phase of development around the stadium includes 34 acres to the west.



Plumbing and hospitality company Kohler plans to build a high-end hotel in the Titletown District. Kohler last week hosted the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits golf course in Sheboygan. Hinterland brewery plans to move its operations to the district from downtown Green Bay.

And, Bellin Health, a major Packers sponsor, plans to open a sports medicine clinic in the district.

Team CEO Mark Murphy says the Packers envision future commercial, retail and residential development in the district.

The Packers considered developing the parking lot at Lambeau Field. But in the end, officials felt it was necessary to set the historic stadium apart from a development project. More importantly, they didn't want to take away tailgating -- which is so important to Packers fans.

The team has not ruled out expanding beyond the current boundary -- confirming they have spoken with property owners along Brookwood Dr.

"We've had some initial talks, but nothing's been finalized," said Mark Murphy, Packers President and CEO.

Ashwaubenon officials say they will neither endorse nor reject any additional land sales.

"If people sell their homes, that's their option. I will say after that, the people who want their homes protected behind those sale homes, we will work with the Green Bay Packers to make sure those homes are protected," said Michael Aubinger, Ashwaubenon Village President.

As it stands, the Titletown District itself will feature 30 to 50 new townhomes. It's part of the team's goal of keeping the district busy -- even in the off-season.

"As a community-owned team, one of our real focuses is making sure the community remains strong," said Murphy.

The Packers hope their Titletown District will be fully open in time for the start of the 2017 NFL season.