Ready for some football? For real this time? Packers face Browns Friday at Lambeau
GREEN BAY -- We all thought we'd be watching the Green Bay Packers take on the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, August 7th -- in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, but unfortunately, that game was cancelled due to turf issues just prior to kickoff. Now, Packers fans are gearing up for the preseason home opener at Lambeau Field -- set for Friday, August 12th vs. the Cleveland Browns.
Kickoff for the Midwest Shrine Game -- one of the NFL's longest team traditions is set for 7:00 p.m.
Friday will mark the 67th installment of the Midwest Shrine Game. It will be the sixth time the Packers and Browns have faced off in the game.
A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Shriners' Hospitals for Children -- facilities which provide medical services, helping children with birth defects and other injuries at no cost. According to the Packers, to date, the series has raised more than $3.5 million for the Midwest Shrine's burn centers and hospitals.
The Packers and Browns have met 18 times in the regular season, with Green Bay holding an 11-7 advantage according to Packers.com.
Friday's game will mark the 25th time the teams have met in the pre-season.
The teams met last during the pre-season in 2012, and the Browns won 35-10 in Green Bay.
The teams met last in the regular season in 2013. The Packers won 31-13 at Lambeau.
In that game, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers completed 25 of 36 passes for 260 yards and three TDs, according to Packers.com.
The Cleveland Browns have a new head coach this season -- Hue Jackson. According to Packers.com, as an offensive coordinator, Jackson coached Bengals QB Andy Dalton to a passer rating of 106.3 in 2015 -- tops in the AFC and No. 2 in the NFL.
CLICK HERE for much more on Friday's pre-season matchup via Packers.com.
The Packers will next face the Oakland Raiders in the Bishop's Charities game Thursday, August 18th at Lambeau.
With this being the first game of the season at Lambeau, Packers officials are reminding fans of gameday safety procedures.
All fans entering Lambeau Field on gamedays will use walk-through metal detectors. A league-wide mandate for use at all stadium gates by 2016, the units began to be phased in at Lambeau Field last season at the Shopko Gate, and will now be in use at each gate.
According to Packers officials, unlike the screening machines at airports, guests are asked to not remove any jackets, belts, coins, keys, wallets, watches, or other objects of similar size. Guests will instead be asked only to remove cell phones, cameras, tablets and other large metal objects and place these items in an extended tray alongside each machine in close proximity and in clear sight.
Packers officials advise that the most efficient way through the detectors will be via express lanes, which can be found at each gate and used by fans entering the stadium without any bags or stadium seats.
As in previous years, no bags or purses will be allowed inside Lambeau Field unless they are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and are no larger than 12” by 6” by 12”. Small clutches that do not exceed 4.5” by 6.5” are permitted. Stadium cushions are also not allowed, however, stadium seats and stadium pads that contain no pockets or zippers and are 18” wide or smaller are allowed.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region is reminding motorists heading to Lambeau Field on Friday that I-41 and adjacent roadways from Oneida Street north to Lineville Road in Brown County are under construction.
According to the DOT, Friday evening games during the preseason generally have a significant impact on traffic operations due to the combination of gameday traffic, commuter traffic, and recreational traffic. WisDOT encourages those traveling to the game to pre-plan their trip. Other tips include using alternate routes, adjusting your leave to ensure you reach the destination on time, and following the traveler information on the message boards.
A statement from the DOT indicates that I-41, WIS 172 and I-43 could experience significant backups near the stadium, as could the I-41 interchanges at Oneida Street, WIS 172 and I-43. Barrier walls, orange barrels, and narrow lanes will affect travel. Due to the I-41 Project construction, Ashland Avenue through De Pere and Ashwaubenon will also experience increased traffic congestion as additional motorists use this as an alternate route. The heaviest congestion is expected three hours before and after the game.
Here is a list of the major highways in northeast Wisconsin most Packer fans will be traveling as they head for Lambeau Field, and the road conditions they should anticipate:
I-43/I-41 interchange
I-41/Velp Avenue interchange
WIS 172 and I-41/WIS 172 Interchange
Motorists should expect heavy congestion and potential long delays at the I-41/WIS 172 interchange and on WIS 172 in Brown County from I-43 to the WIS 172/I-41 interchange before and after the game. Motorists should consider alternate routes if possible.
I-41 mainline
Barrier wall, narrow lanes, short merge distances and orange barrels will be present at various locations.
WIS 441, US 10 and Roland Kampo Bridge
I-43, Manitowoc County
US 141, Marinette County
Freeway Service Team
The I-41 Project Freeway Service Teams will be working in Brown County on Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to midnight. The Freeway Service Team will assist motorists - free of charge - who are involved in minor crashes or are experiencing a breakdown. If necessary, the Freeway Service Team quickly relocates disabled vehicles from the highway’s travel lanes and/or shoulders to safe, pre-designated locations away from traffic.
Services the team provides include:
Please note if you are involved in a crash:
The WisDOT’s Division of State Patrol advises you to immediately call 911 if you are involved in a crash. If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be moved, report the other vehicle’s license plate numbers as you may then be advised to move off the main portion of the roadway to a crash investigation site or to a ramp out of traffic. This will assist first responders in reaching you while helping to clear traffic delays during the critical travel times before and following the game.
Additionally, if your vehicle becomes disabled in the I-41 work zone between De Pere and Suamico, notify authorities immediately, and WisDOT will send the Freeway Service Team vehicle to your location. Motorists can then contact their motor club or towing preference after WisDOT has relocated your vehicle to a more accessible and safe location.
Travelers should allow extra time and can check online for real-time traffic information, including travel times, lane closures and incidents, at 511 Wisconsin online at www.511wi.gov or by calling 511.